Hangzhou

Hangzhou is slightly more expensive than central China but offers a beautiful, nature-filled escape. The West Lake (Xi Hu) is free to walk around and is the city's main draw. While hostel prices are higher than in Xian, you get high-quality accommodations often located in scenic tea-growing hills. For food, bypass the lakeside restaurants and head to the night markets or student areas near Zhejiang University for cheap eats like 'Pian Er Chuan' noodles. Use the extensive bike-sharing system to traverse the lake and surrounding temples. June is the start of the lotus season on the lake, which is stunning but brings higher humidity and more domestic tourists, so book your hostel in advance.