By Lauren Hogan
Mid-Autumn Festival is right around the corner (September 15-17). Left your holiday planning to the last minute? Check out these getaways guaranteed to make your mooncake festival more enjoyable.
1. Travel to North Korea
Travel with Koryo Tours to the DPRK includes visits to sights such as the mausoleum of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and the Mansudae Grand Monuments. Visitors will also get a taste of Pyongyang’s beers at a local bar. Includes flights, visa, meals, hotel accommodation and ground transportation. Koryo Tours will also be running package trips for the Pyongyang Marathon in April which can be viewed on their website.
September 16-18, RMB8,000, koryogroup.com
2. Trek through Inner Mongolia
Ride horses through the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, stay in traditonal Mongolian yurts, and enjoy traditional prarier lamb and performances. Includes accomodation (including one night at Shangri-La), meals, round trip flights and ground transport, horse back riding and insurance.
September 15-18, RMB4,380 (before Sep 1), RMB4,580 (before Sep 7), www.dragonadventureschina.com, WeChat: DragonAdventures
3. Ziplining and rock climbing at Mt. Tianzhu
Adrenaline junkies, this trip is for you. The mountain of Tianzhu is surrounded by 45 peaks and stands at 1,489m tall. Over the weekend, adventurers will hike, rock climb, zip line and explore the natural area. Includes transportation, admission tickets and rock climbing and zip lining fees, meals, accomodation and insurance.
September 15-17, RMB1,680 (before Sep 1), RMB1,880 (before Sep 7), www.dragonadventureschina.com, WeChat: DragonAdventures
4. Hike, hot springs and raft Mt. Qiyun
Swim in a pool on the mountain top, relax in local hot springs, hike Qiyun mountain and unwind in the evening by a bonfire. The next day, get ready to go rafting. Includes transportation, accomodation, meals and beverage, BBQ, entrance fees and insurance.
RMB1,280 (before Sep 1), RMB1,480 (before Sep 7), www.dragonadventureschina.com, WeChat: DragonAdventures
5. Sleep in an ancient Chinese Mudcastle
Hop on a bullet train from Shanghai to explore Tulous country and stay in an ancient mud building. During the weekend, you’ll also explore a tea plantation, visit the colonial island of Gulangyu and eat local delicacies. Includes ground transportation, admission feeds, all meals except during free time and ferry tickets.
September 15-17, RMB2,499, info@travelers-society.com, WeChat: travelers-society1
6. Spend the night in a Buddhist Monastery
Find your zen during this weekend getaway. Trek up a mountain to where you'll check in to a Buddhist monastery, where you'll be spending the night, watching sunrises and sunsets and eating wtih Buddhist monks. On day 3, swim in pools and hot springs before a BBQ in the evening, while day 4 takes you to the ancient village of Hongcun. Includes transportation, accomodation, most meals, guides, entrance tickets.
September 14-17, RMB2,499, info@travelers-society.com, WeChat: travelers-society1
7. Go to Guilin
Roam through the Longji rice terraces, cycle through the countryside or go on a boat ride through the picturesque Yangshuo county. Includes bike and bamboo raft rental, accommodation, entrance tickets. Not included: flights and meals.
September 15-17, RMB1,670, wanna-travel.com, WeChat: wanna-travel
8. Yoga and Meditation Retreat
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, if you’re looking to ‘just get away’ this yoga and meditation trip could be the ticket. Switch off your phone and unwind your body and mind in nature. Includes bus, vegetarian meals, accommodation and guides.
September 15-17, RMB1,099, wanna-travel.com, WeChat: wanna-travel
9. Hike China’s ‘Best Oxygen Bar’
Pan’s county in Zhejiang is riddled with waterfalls, ancient towns, rivers, valleys and mountains. Journey out there over the weekend to explore and suck in as much fresh air as possible. Includes bus transportation, accommodation, meals and entrance tickets.
September 15-17, RMB999, wanna-travel.com, WeChat: wanna-travel
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