Beat the Crowds With These Last-Minute May Holiday Ideas
Haven't booked anything for the Labor Day holiday (May 1-5) yet? With more than 250 million people predicted to take trips around China over the next five days, you might assume it will be difficult to get any last-minute plans rolling. And while you're probably right, there are still hotel rooms to be found if you pick the right destination. Assuming you can grab a plane or train ticket out of here, below are a few of our picks for May holiday travel.
Editor's note: The hotels mentioned below all had availability during the Labor Day holiday when we checked on April 30. According to a source who works in the hotel industry, bookings have become much more changeable post-COVID, as people chop and change plans, so check back frequently if you don't find anything for the dates you want.
Mi'le, Yunnan Province
Dali? Lijiang? They've been done. Get off the beaten path in Yunnan with a trip to Mi'le, a city in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, around a two-hour drive southwest of Kunming. Steeped in Hani and Yi minority culture, Mi'le and its surroundings are the perfect place to explore another side of Yunnan. Both cultural and outdoorsy experiences abound; wander Mi'le Temple, the temple complex honoring the Maitreya Buddha for which the city is named or explore Shilin Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed geopark with incredible karst limestone scenery.
Stay in style in Mi'le at Dongfengyun Hotel Mi'le - MGallery, a boutique hotel nestled in Dongfengyun Art Village. Both the hotel and the art village boast a unique architectural style, with cone-shaped structures built out of locally-fired red bricks. The hotel has two bars and two restaurants, and there is also a vineyard nearby.
Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province
Craving some sand between your toes? The port city of Qinhuangdao is one of the closest to us in Beijing, and while it's not quite Sanya, there is plenty of coastal fun to be had. The best beaches are in the district of Beidaihe, equipped with changing facilities, water sports vendors, and plenty of seafood restaurants. Heading north up the coast to Shanhaiguan District, you can visit the most easterly end of the Great Wall where it meets the sea, known as the "Old Dragon's Head" (老龙头).
In terms of hotels, your best bet is the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, Qinhuangdao, which has facilities suitable for both adults and kids, and boasts views over the ocean. Club Med Joyview Golden Coast, part of the swanky Aranya development, is a good choice for families. Qinhuangdao is accessible by high-speed rail, but if you've got a friend with a car, even better — it's just a three-hour drive away.
Qufu, Shandong Province
Anyone who knows China knows Confucius, but how much do you actually know about China's most revered sage? Take the opportunity of the May Day holiday to find out more and travel to the city of Qufu in southwest Shandong Province, where Confucius was born more than 2,500 years ago. There are three main sites to see in Qufu — the Temple of Confucius, the Confucius Mansion, and the Cemetery of Confucius, located 1 km north of the city wall — which have been collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. There are several wetlands parks to explore just outside of the city if you need a bit of nature time.
The best hotel in town is, without a doubt, the Shangri-La, which also has a restaurant serving Confucian banquet cuisine, although Qufu International Youth Hostel is also a great choice for travelers on a tighter budget. Qufu is 2-3 hours away from Beijing by high-speed rail. If you're looking to extend your trip, consider a visit to Tai'erzhuang Ancient Town, about a 90-minute drive south of Qufu.
Chengdu, Sichuan Province
With its laid-back atmosphere, many cultural attractions, and tongue-tingling spicy food (it's Mainland China's only UNESCO City of Gastronomy, don't you know), Chengdu is one of our favorite destinations at any time of the year. However, the city center is likely to be packed during the holiday, so how can you visit and still get away from it all?
The answer is: choose a spot in one of the city's surrounding suburbs, where you'll have easy access to countryside hikes (and still all that delicious food). For example, Jintang District to the east of Chengdu is home to the newly-opened Ocean Spring Resort Chengdu - MGallery, which is located on White Horse Spring, a natural hot spring with waters packed with beneficial trace elements. If you can tear yourself away from the 21 hot spring pools, central Chengdu is still just a 45-minute drive away.
Settle for a staycation
Trip.com not giving up the goods when it comes to plane tickets? Never fear, you can find plenty of luxury and relaxation with a staycation right here in the capital. Many hotels still have availability and some are offering staycation deals for the holiday. For example, Nuo Hotel is offering a DIY staycation package — starting from RMB 1,688 for a deluxe room with two breakfasts, guests can then choose two out of a list of seven extra privileges, such as Sunday brunch for two at N'Joy or a 45-minute spa experience. Intercontinental Beijing Sanlitun's "suite staycation" package has been getting good feedback in our WeChat circles; starting from RMB 2,683, you'll get a stay in a Club Intercontinental Room or an Intercontinental Junior Suite, including access to the executive lounge (and all the free-flow drinks that entails), complimentary late check-out until 4pm, and more.
READ: Ride the rails and discover northwest Beijing's hidden beauty
Images: HelloRF ZCool/Shutterstock, 4045/Shutterstock, courtesy of Accor
