Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel: 4 Budget-Friendly Hidden Gem Cities for Reverse Tourism in December

Daocheng Yading •Attractions: Centered around the three sacred mountains—Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoj—along with surrounding rivers, lakes, and alpine meadows. Take a sightseeing bus to Zhaguanbeng, then hike to Chonggu Temple. From there, opt for an electric cart to Luorong Pasture. The trek or horseback ride from Luorong Pasture to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake is breathtaking. 🏔️ •Ticket Info: Peak season (Apr 1–Nov 30) ¥146/person, off-season (Dec 1–Mar 31) ¥120/person (valid for 3 days). Sightseeing bus ¥120/person; round-trip electric cart ¥80/person. 💰 •Stay: Luxury options include Songtsam Yading Lodge and Yading Risong Gongbu Crowne Plaza. For mid-range, Daocheng Times Yading Hotel offers scenic views and hearty breakfasts. 🏨 •Eat: Baijiale Restaurant serves Sichuan and local dishes. Yak hotpot at Zangku Hotpot (Daocheng Branch) is tender, while Bawa Tibetan Restaurant is a local favorite. 🍲 Jiuzhaigou •Attractions: Must-sees include Long Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Shuzheng Lakes, Five-Color Pond, Reed Lake, Mirror Lake, Primeval Forest, and Panda Lake. Hop on the park shuttle to explore, and don’t miss the iconic Pearl Shoal Waterfall from the 1986 *Journey to the West* adaptation. 🌊 •Ticket Info: Peak season ¥190/person + ¥90 shuttle; off-season ¥80/person + ¥80 shuttle. Check official updates. 🎟️ •Stay: Splurge at Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Conrad Jiuzhaigou and Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort offer mountain views with Tibetan flair. 🏡 •Eat: Kawanjin Tibetan Restaurant’s earthy hotpot is rich, while Xiangtu Sichuan Cuisine’s fish hotpot and yak-meat soup are classics. Tibetan Family Bistro’s cured pork with walnut flowers is a must-try. 🍜 Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village •Attractions: Explore Miao culture at the Miao Museum, stroll ancient streets admiring traditional architecture, and witness dazzling night views from the observation deck. Join folk performances for immersive fun. 🎭 •Ticket Info: ~¥90/person + ¥20 shuttle (verify officially). 💳 •Stay: Book a B&B near the observation deck (e.g., Xijiang Yunting Panorama Hotel) for night vistas, or stay close to the old street (e.g., No.1 Wind-Rain Bridge Inn) for convenience. 🌙 •Eat: Savor sour fish soup, Miao cured pork, or blood tofu at hotspots like Anong Miao Family or Brother Fat’s Sour Fish Soup. 🥢 Huangguoshu Waterfall •Attractions: The park features three zones: the thunderous main waterfall (get up close!), Tianxing Bridge’s karst landscapes/stone forests, and Doupotang Waterfall (filmed in *Journey to the West*). 🌈 •Ticket Info: Peak season ¥160/person, off-season ¥150/person + ¥50 shuttle (confirm officially). 📌 •Stay: Indulge at Anshun Bailing Hilton or opt for boutique stays like Longgong Qiman Homestay near the park, with wild-chic gardens. 🛏️ •Eat: Yinxiang Miaoling’s sour fish soup embodies Guizhou flavors, while Liu Laoshi Hotpot’s fish broth is legendary. 🍴