May Day Getaway with Besties｜3 Niche Cities to Escape the Crowds and Have a Blast!

Hey girlies! Don't want to be squeezed in crowded tourist spots this May Day? As your "anti-involution travel expert," I've compiled 3 niche and photogenic cities perfect for a girls' trip. Copy and paste this guide, complete with exclusive tips to avoid pitfalls. Save this post; it's all you need!💥 🚩【First Stop: Shaoxing, Zhejiang｜Slow Life in a Water Town Scented with Yellow Wine】 🌟Why choose Shaoxing? Without the crowds of Wuzhen, Shaoxing hides the most authentic Jiangnan water town charm. Stone roads, wupeng boats, old-style houses... every snap is a movie scene. Immerse yourselves in the yellow wine culture, and your bestie photos will get 99+ likes in seconds! 🚄Transportation: Easy and convenient 20-minute high-speed train from Hangzhou (CNY 21), 1.5 hours from Shanghai. Taxis within the city center are affordable, but renting a scooter (CNY 30/hour) is highly recommended. Feel the wind in your hair; pure bliss!🛵 🏨Accommodation: Double the experience with the right stay Choose a homestay near Cangqiao Straight Street! Open the window to a view of small bridges and flowing water. Opt for a room with a terrace for morning tea and gossip, and evening strolls in Hanfu along the bluestone paths. The atmosphere is incredible! 💰Average price CNY 300-400/night. Students can go for chain hotels (from CNY 150). 👭Things to do: Cultural visits + tipsy time 1. Cangqiao Straight Street: Grab a creamy Xiaopan (local dessert) and stroll while snapping photos. Explore the handicraft shops in the alleys and make yellow wine scented candles with your bestie for a memorable souvenir.🕯️ 2. Shen Garden Night Show: Watch the evening garden show; the lights on the ancient walls are dreamy. Wear a cheongsam for photos with a built-in soft light filter!📸 3. Yellow Wine Museum: Free yellow wine milk tea and popsicles (super low alcohol content). Take "wine-loving besties" photos with the caption "Today's happiness is brought to you by yellow wine!"🍶 🍜Food: Carb heaven alert! • Kong Yiji Restaurant: Must-try aniseed beans (perfect drama snack), drunken crabs (rich wine aroma), and yellow croaker rice cakes (delicious to the last bite). • Street food: Mianbobo (crispy outside, soft inside), Mulian Ice (summer cooler). CNY 50 per person for a feast. 🚩【Second Stop: Chaozhou, Guangdong｜Foodie Bestie Paradise!】 🌟Why choose Chaozhou? Quieter than Guangzhou and Shenzhen, more fun than Shantou! The arcades of Paifang Street, the bustling Xima Road, and countless time-honored brands. From morning tea to late-night snacks, become "culinary travelers" with your bestie. 🚗Transportation: Self-driving/high-speed rail both work 1.5-hour high-speed train from Guangzhou (CNY 109), 2 hours from Shenzhen. Walking is recommended within the city; taxis are generally under CNY 20. Note for drivers: Chaozhou has many one-way streets, so check the navigation in advance. 🏨Accommodation: Stay in the heart of Paifang Street Choose a hotel near Paifang Street, and you'll be steps away from the food street! We recommend Paifang Street Inn, with its antique decor and views of the arcade streets from the window. It's a 3-minute walk to Guangji Bridge. 💰CNY 200-300/night, excellent value. 👭Things to do: Eat and explore all day long! 1. Xima Road Market: Get there by 8 am! Queue with locals for Maiguo (sweet and savory), Caoguo (Chaoshan herbal jelly), and a bowl of pig intestine stuffed glutinous rice. Carb heaven!🥢 2. Guangji Bridge: Witness the "bridge-breaking" spectacle in the evening (ancient bridge technology!). Take night photos with your bestie at the bridgehead after the lights come on. Use portrait mode for glowing skin.🌉 3. Paifang Street exploration: Visit Xie Huailiang for fermented bean curd biscuits (crispy and not greasy), and Li Gong Keng for Phoenix Dancong tea. Relax with cats under the arcade and soak up the sun. Pure bliss.🐱 🍤Food: Must-try recommendations! • Guantang Brothers Beef Hot Pot: Freshly cut beef that doesn't drip, paired with delicious satay sauce. Order the beef tendon and chuck tender.🍲 • Abin Oyster Omelette: Crispy outside, tender inside, with fish sauce. Incredibly fresh. CNY 80 per person for a satisfying meal. 🚩【Third Stop: Zhangzhou, Fujian｜A Hidden Gem for Effortless Fun】 🌟Why choose Zhangzhou? Fewer people than Xiamen, more local vibes than Quanzhou! The old streets hide many traditional treats, and you can watch the sunset while strolling along the river. Embrace the "slow life" with your bestie. 🚄Transportation: Hassle-free high-speed rail 25-minute high-speed train from Xiamen (CNY 24), 1 hour from Fuzhou. Shared e-bikes are the most convenient way to get around. Attractions are mainly in the old town, a 20-minute ride from east to west.🛵 🏨Accommodation: Stay in the heart of the ancient city Choose a homestay in Zhangzhou Ancient City! We recommend the "Cuonei Xiaojuancun" style, with bougainvillea filling the courtyard. Take photos with your bestie in matching floral dresses at the entrance, and get ready for link requests!💰From CNY 200, perfect for students. 👭Things to do: City walk + photo ops 1. Ancient city stroll: Start from Zhongshan Park, explore the retro shops on Fanghua Heng Road, and capture the red brick walls and old shop signs on Hong Kong Road. Grab a Siguotang (overflowing with toppings) when you're tired.🍧 2. Riverside sunset: Head to Xixi Waterfront Park at 5 pm, sit on the embankment, and watch the sun dip below the horizon. Take backlit silhouette photos with your bestie for "atmospheric masterpieces."🌅 3. Volcano Island Day Trip (optional): CNY 150/car round trip to Zhenhaijiao. See the lighthouse and volcanic rocks. Take cool photos in your trendy outfits and become a like magnet on social media!📸 🍜Food: Must-try old brands! • Jianguo Oyster Omelette: Large, plump oysters, sweet and sour sauce, paired with a five-spice roll. Perfection. • Songshu Dried Noodles: Alkaline noodles with braised toppings in a rich broth. Add a braised egg. CNY 30 per person for a filling meal. 💡【Bestie Trip Tips: Strengthen Your Bond】 1. Clear division of labor: One handles money, one navigates, one takes photos. Avoid arguments. 2. Matching outfits: Plan a color scheme in advance (e.g., Morandi/Macaron) for better photos. 3. Allow for downtime: Don't overschedule. Spend half a day relaxing and chatting at the hotel. That's how bonds are formed. 🌈Don't want to deal with crowds this May Day? Choose any of these 3 cities! Explore ancient alleys, indulge in delicious food, and embrace the sunset with your bestie. That's what a happy trip is all about!