TWO more weeks of working and then we will be embracing the longest holiday in the first half of the year, the May Day holiday. May is an ideal time for traveling with the weather not too cold nor too hot with nature in its prettiest moments. Besides, due to the pandemic, most people have stayed put for a long time and can’t wait anymore to get out of their “birdcage” and hit the road. But where to head for? Here, we have a list of destinations worth visiting and at the same time free from crowds. Ili, Xinjiang Some people say that if you don’t travel to Xinjiang, you don’t know how vast China is; and if you don’t travel to Ili, you don’t know how beautiful Xinjiang is. Lying at the north foot of Tianshan Mountain, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture is in the west of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, bordered by Russia and Mongolia in the northeast, and Kazakhstan on the west. The capital of Ili is Yining City. The city features broad and green grasslands, lofty snow mountains, clear lakes and colorful flower seas. Ili in May is nature’s gift with its green grassland dotted with blossoming flowers everywhere and flocks of cows and sheep grazing here and there. Visiting Ili during this time of the year to appreciate the flowers or the snow-capped mountains, to lie down on the grassland and to treat yourself with the local delicacies, will save you from the suffocating summer heat and crowds. Fuding, Fujian If you can choose only one place to visit in Fujian during May, then Fuding is highly recommended. A county-level city in Fujian Province, Fuding, though not a popular tourist destination, is a foodies’ paradise for Fujian people and a hot tourist destination for Wenzhou people. The area has a fertile, hilly landscape that is ideal for growing trees, tea, fruit and other crops. The mouthwatering delicacies in Fuding are comparable to those of the Chaoshan region. It became a well-known food city back in 1996. Last year, it was the first one to be included in the list of “China food cities.” Regarding snacks alone, there are more than 300 varieties, enough choices to keep you busy for weeks. Apart from food, Fuding is also home to well-known mountains and seas. Taimu Mountains is one of the most famous tourist spots. Known as the “wonderland on the sea,” it sports many high and steep mountains, spectacular rock formations, secluded caves, a foggy climate and many rivers and parks. Another spot is Yushan Island, which is a small island that has rolling grassland and beautiful views of hills and lakes. It is sometimes referred to as the “Heavenly Mountain in South China.” Shanwei, Guangdong Neighboring Chaozhou and Shantou which are known for their delicacies, Shanwei, which is home to 455 kilometers’ coastlines and one of China’s four fishing ports, has become a forgotten capital of seafood. This coastal city, which is around 170 kilometers east to Shenzhen, enjoys picturesque scenery, a pleasant climate, and a tranquil environment. There is breathtaking scenery along its long coastline including beaches, strange rocks, islands, reefs and historic sites. However, very few people know of its beauty, or how delicious the seafood is there. The seafood is inexpensive yet fresh and tasty and Shanwei also has night markets like that of Taipei. Rongcheng, Shandong Located at the easternmost tip of the Shandong Peninsula, Rongcheng is the place on the Chinese mainland that is closest to South Korea. It is home to the winter habitat of the Great Swan.It is ranked at the top among the “eight most beautiful coastal lands in China” on the mainland by Chinese National Geography. Bestowed with 500 kilometers’ coastline, Rongcheng is home to many beautiful islands. At Chengshantou Scenic Area you can embrace the first sunshine on sea, while on Hailyu Island you will be amazed by the flocks of seagulls flying together like dancers in a group. Along Jinshi Bay, you can check out the rarely-seen seaweed houses. Rongcheng people feed on the sea, whether it comes to daily dishes like fried cuttlefish with potato or the renowned dumplings stuffed with mackerel. Every year when the fishing season comes, people from all over the country rush here for the unforgettable seafood feast. (Chen Xiaochun)
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