The least crowded place I visited this year, afraid it will become popular soon

Don’t want to be stuck in crowds during the holiday? Take my advice! Head to Enshi, Hubei in the opposite direction — this hidden little town tucked away in the mountains hasn’t been overwhelmed yet. Come now before it becomes the next big hit!

🌄 Morning: Dive into history + enjoy some local life

1. Tangya Tusi City Ruins 📜

A World Cultural Heritage-level "Tusi secret realm"! On par with Laosi City in Hunan and Hailongtun in Guizhou, yet so quiet you can hear your footsteps on the bluestone slabs~

- Must-see: The 300-year-old stone archway and the ancient tombs of the Tusi family, every brick and tile tells the legend of the ethnic minority regime. Perfect for photos with a “historical filter,” just standing by the broken walls makes for an “archaeological blockbuster.”
- 🎫 80 RMB/person | ⏰ 2 hours to explore | 🚗 Best reached by car, parking lot is a 20-minute walk to the entrance

2. Pengjiagou Village Pick pomelos + watch live streams 🍊

A hidden gem village just 10 minutes by car from Tusi City! During pomelo season, you can carry a bamboo basket to pick fresh white pomelos (super sweet when eaten right away). The village live streaming room is lively — farmers sell Enshi black pork and Tangya white pomelos on camera, very down-to-earth and fun, plus you can bring home some local specialties~

- 🕒 1 hour experience is enough | 🚗 Navigate to “Pengjiagou Village East Gate,” free parking in the village

🌿 Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the “Western Hubei Forest Sea” for fresh air and lung cleansing

3. Pingbaying National Forest Park 🌳

A “natural oxygen bar” with 96% forest coverage! This secret spot at 30° north latitude features cable cars, forest suspension bridges, and glass walkways. When you take the cable car up, the green below looks like a spilled paint palette. Walking on the suspension bridge, you hear the rustling leaves, and all city anxiety disappears instantly~

- Hidden activity: Cave exploration in Sidong Gorge is super thrilling. Shine your flashlight and the stalactites glow in the dark, like stepping into the set of “Ghost Blows Out the Light”!
- 🎫 120 RMB all-access ticket | ⏰ 3 hours is not enough | 🚗 Navigate to “Pingbaying Forest Hotel,” take the park shuttle bus directly to the entrance
- 🚌 Lazy option: Direct buses from Enshi Train Station/Xianfeng Bus Station, perfect for those without a driver’s license

🏡 Stay here! Open your window to a forest fairy tale

Highly recommend the popular homestay “Red Flowers Like Forest Homestay”! The wooden cabins are hidden in the mountains, each room has floor-to-ceiling windows — wake up to birdsong in the morning, open the curtains to a sea of green; at night, when the cabin lights come on, it feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli animation. Every photo is social media gold. Remember to book at least a week in advance!

💡 Insider tips

- Enshi currently has few tourists, so you can “rent out” Tusi City and the forest park for photos. In a couple of years, it might get crowded!
- Food: Must try Enshi baked potatoes, Hezha (tofu dregs stewed with cured meat), and Shefan (community rice). Roadside small eateries taste even better than trendy restaurants~
- Clothing: It’s cool in the forest mornings and evenings, bring a light jacket. Wear light-colored clothes for better photos!

Such a treasure of a place, I’m really afraid that after sharing this, you won’t be able to get a bamboo basket to pick pomelos or book a forest cabin... But good scenery shouldn’t be hidden. While it’s still not popular, grab this guide and go “book” a holiday with few people and beautiful views~