Visiting China During Golden Week: 10 Places to Avoid and Where to Find Peace from the Crowds

If you’re visiting China during Golden Week, then be prepared for very busy and crowded cities.

Golden Week (October 1–7) is one of China’s busiest travel periods. Millions of people take to the skies, trains, and highways to explore, and the most famous landmarks — think the Great Wall at Badaling, the Bund in Shanghai, or West Lake in Hangzhou — are going to swarm with millions of domestic tourists.

If you can’t change your plans to visit China at any other time, don’t worry! I’ve got 10 alternatives to the big and busy sights, to avoid being shoulder-to-shoulder in crowds. Read on to find out more.

What is Golden Week?

Golden Week is China’s national holiday and generally runs from 1 October – 7 October annually (dependent on dates for the Autumn Festival). Golden Week is a nation-wide holiday when people take time off work and either head to the city or visit popular tourist attractions. It is generally a very chaotic, domestic, travel time with most advice telling you to avoid travel to China during this period.

If you’re already going to be here during that time though and can’t avoid changing your travel dates, this blog post might help you find some solace from the chaos. Here are 10 places we’d recommend to avoid the crowds:

1. Beijing – Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City

Instead of: Tiananmen Square & The Forbidden City
Try: Jingshan Park & Beihai Park
These two parks sit right next to the Forbidden City and give you stunning panoramic views of Beijing’s old rooftops, lakes, and gardens. Pack a picnic and enjoy the vibrant city life, where kids can run free and the daily grind of endless queues form to enter the ancient city. With lots of open space, you’ll still get to see the grandeur that is the Forbidden City without having to get in amongst the crowds.

2. Beijing

Instead of: The Great Wall at Badaling
Try: The Great Wall at Huanghuacheng or Jiankou
Badaling is gridlocked during Golden Week. Think shoulder-to-shoulder up on the wall. We suggest hiring a drive and heading to Huanghuacheng or Jiankou to a more rugged and authentic look at this world wonder. Both a less developed, but far more infinitely more rewarding and less crowded.

3. Shanghai

Instead of: The Bund
Try: Pudong Riverside Promenade or West Bund Art District
The Bund will be elbow-to-elbow, but walk across to Pudong’s riverside promenade for skyline views with breathing room. For a slower vibe, the West Bund Art District mixes galleries, parks, and riverside paths popular with locals and even the North Bund offers great cityscape views, with less pushing and people.

4. Shanghai

Instead of: Yu Garden
Try: Yuyuan Old Street back alleys or Lu Xun Park
Yu Garden is beautiful but packed during holidays. The narrow pathways and traditional buildings become swarmed. Skip the tourist crush and wander nearby old streets, or head north to Lu Xun Park where locals fly kites, dance, and play cards. It’s authentic Shanghai life at its best and you won’t have to face the crammed walls of the Garden to enjoy the scenery.

5. Xi’an

Instead of: Terracotta Warriors
Try: Hanyangling Mausoleum
The Terracotta Army is one of China’s busiest sites during Golden Week. For a calmer alternative, visit Hanyangling Mausoleum — the tomb of Emperor Jingdi. The smaller terracotta figures and glass walkways make it a fascinating and peaceful visit, but give you the same history vibe you’re craving from the Warriors.

6. Xi’an

Instead of: The Ancient City Wall’s South Gate
Try: Cycling the Northern Section of the Wall
The South Gate is the busiest entry point. Rent bikes and head to the northern stretches of the wall instead. You’ll still enjoy the views and the fun of cycling above the city, without the Golden Week gridlock. Bikes are super cheap, just look out for the Blue Hello ones that can be unlocked with Alipay.

7. Hangzhou

Instead of: West Lake
Try: Xixi National Wetland Park
West Lake is postcard-perfect, but during Golden Week it’s impossible to move. The crowds will quickly turn your postcard-perfect shot into a human pot luck. Just a short trip away from the West Lake is Xixi Wetland, which offers tranquil waterways, boardwalks, and quiet boat rides — like stepping into a different world.

8. Chengdu

Instead of: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (midday)
Try: Visiting Local Parks or Going Early
Everyone wants to see pandas, so it’s a crush. If you must, go right at opening time. Otherwise, swap for People’s Park, where you can sip tea, watch locals play mahjong, and even get your ears cleaned — a uniquely Chengdu experience. Come back for Panda’s outside of Golden Week.

9. Guangzhou

Instead of: Canton Tower
Try: Shamian Island
Instead of queuing for hours to get into the Canton Tower, wander Shamian Island. This leafy colonial quarter is full of shady avenues, European architecture, and riverside cafes. It’s quiet, beautiful, and very photogenic.

10. Nanjing

Instead of: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Try: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum & Purple Mountain Trails
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is impressive, but the crowds can ruin it. Nearby, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and surrounding Purple Mountain trails are calmer and full of history, temples, and fresh air.

Final Tips for Surviving Golden Week in the Cities

• Go early — most attractions are quieter first thing in the morning. Many local tourists and tour groups won’t start there day until after 10am. The evenings will be the prettiest with lights on, but also the busiest.
• Stay flexible — have backup options if lines are too long.
• Follow the locals — parks, side streets, and neighbourhoods are where you’ll find peace. Locals will be looking for escape from the tourist crowds as well. They’ll know exactly where to go to find some green space and peace.
• Use apps like Dianping or Xiaohongshu (Red Note) to discover less famous local spots.

Final Thoughts for visiting China During Golden Week

Golden Week doesn’t have to mean giving up on sightseeing. By swapping the obvious icons for their quieter neighbours, you’ll still experience the history, culture, and atmosphere of China’s biggest cities — without feeling crushed by the crowds.

Next time you’re in Beijing, skip the chaos of Tiananmen and climb up Jingshan Park instead — the view of the Forbidden City from above might just become your favourite memory.

Let me know where you decided to spend Golden Week in the comments below! And as always, send me an email to nicola@prettyfarfromhome.com if you have any questions about getting the most out of your next trip to China.

If you want more information on what to do in Shanghai, checkout my blog post: Shanghai with Kids, 5 Day Itinerary or checkout my Youtube for up-to-date videos on China and our journey on moving here from New Zealand.

As always, until next time

Nic x

FAQ: Visiting China During Golden Week

Is it worth visiting China during Golden Week?
Yes — but with realistic expectations. Major landmarks will be very busy, but with smart swaps and early starts, you can still enjoy an incredible trip. The festive atmosphere also adds a unique cultural experience.

Where are the worst places to visit during Golden Week?
Top-tier attractions like the Forbidden City, the Bund, West Lake, and the Terracotta Warriors are at their busiest. If you do visit them, book tickets in advance and aim for early morning or late afternoon.

What are the best times of day to explore during Golden Week?
Early mornings are the best — you’ll find locals out exercising, and attractions will be less crowded. Evenings can also be calmer, especially in parks and riverside areas.

Is Golden Week travel family-friendly?
It can be, if you plan carefully. Avoid long queues by swapping to parks, neighbourhoods, and smaller museums. Many local parks have playgrounds and activities that kids will love.

How far in advance should I book trains and hotels?
As early as possible — tickets open 15 days ahead for trains and can sell out within minutes during Golden Week. Hotels in big cities fill up weeks in advance.

What’s the best way to avoid the stress of Golden Week?
Stay flexible, swap major sights for quieter alternatives, and embrace local life in parks, tea houses, and neighbourhood streets. Think of Golden Week as a chance to see China through its people rather than just its monuments.

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