1. Luoyang, Henan
Recommended Attractions
Longmen Grottoes: A World Cultural Heritage Site, Buddhist stone carvings from the Northern Wei to Tang dynasties.
White Horse Temple: China's premier ancient temple, blending Chinese, Indian, Burmese, and Thai styles.
Luoyi Ancient City: A popular destination for Hanfu (Hanfu) experiences, featuring a nighttime light show.
Laojun Mountain (surrounding area): "A Stunning Feast on Earth," with breathtaking views of the sea of clouds and the Golden Summit (requires a one-day round trip).
Recommended Food
Water Banquet: Zhen Bu Tong Restaurant (Peony Bird's Nest, Deep-fried Meatballs).
Soups: Beef Soup (Majieshan), Unstirred Soup.
Snacks: Noodles, Pot Stickers.
Recommended Accommodations
- High-End: Luoyang Huayang Plaza International Hotel (near the city center).
- Value: B&Bs near Luoyi Ancient City (convenient for nighttime excursions).
2. Nanchang, Jiangxi
Recommended Attractions
Tengwang Pavilion: The original site of the scene "The setting sun and the solitary wild goose fly together." Enjoy a nighttime performance of "Dreaming of Tengwang Pavilion." - August 1st Uprising Memorial Hall: A must-see for exploring revolutionary history.
Haihunhou Tomb Site (surrounding area): Stunning Han Dynasty gold artifacts.
Qiushui Square: Asia's largest musical fountain complex.
Food Recommendations
Gan Cuisine: The Old Three (Crab Leg Noodles, Spicy Lotus Root Slices), Clay Pot Soup + Mixed Noodles (Zhou Zhenzhen).
Snacks: White Sugar Cake, Nanchang Fried Noodles.
Accommodation Recommendations
- High-End: Shangri-La Hotel, Nanchang (Ganjiang River Night View).
- Value: Chain Hotels in Honggutan New District (near the subway).
3. Chengdu, Sichuan
Sights Recommended
Giant Panda Breeding Base: See adorable pandas like Huahua. Morning visit recommended.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System + Qingcheng Mountain (1-Day Tour): Water conservancy project and the birthplace of Taoism.
Kuanzhai Alley/Jinli Alley are commercialized but suitable for first-time visitors to take photos.
Jinsha Ruins Museum: The site where the Sun Bird gold foil was unearthed.
Food Recommendations
Hot Pot: Wuliguan (Local Favorite), Shujiuxiang.
Snacks: Egg cakes, Zhong dumplings, sweet noodles (from Zhang Laoer's Dongzikou).
Sichuan cuisine: Chen's Mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork.
Accommodation recommendations
- High-end: The Boshe Chengdu (Taikoo Li Design Hotel).
- Value: B&Bs around Chunxi Road/Kuanzhai Alley.
4. Shaanxi · Xi'an
Recommended attractions
Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Huaqing Palace (Lintong Line): A must-see wonder of the world, the "Song of Everlasting Regret" performance is highly recommended.
Tang Dynasty City: A pedestrian street themed around the prosperous Tang Dynasty, featuring the tumbler girls.
Shaanxi History Museum: Free, reservations required, the Treasure House is a must-see.
City Wall: Enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city from a bike, best viewed at sunset.
Food recommendations
Mo (steamed bun): Lao Mi's Rain-soaked Mo (break your own mo)
Snacks: Roujiamo (Qinyu), Liangpi (cold noodles), Zenggao (steamed rice cake).
Evening: Sajin Bridge (Ma Er sour soup dumplings).
Accommodation Recommendations
- High-End: W Hotel Xi'an (Qujiang Night View).
- Value: Hotels near the Bell Tower/South Gate (convenient transportation).
5. Hubei · Wuhan
Recommended Attractions
Yellow Crane Tower: A landmark building, even more stunning at night.
East Lake: Cycling Greenway, Cherry Blossom Garden (best in March).
Hubei Provincial Museum: The Sword of Goujian, King of Yue, and the Chime Bells of Zenghouyi.
Tanhualin: A cultural district perfect for photos.
Food Recommendations
Breakfast: Hot Dry Noodles (Cai Lin Ji), Doupi (Lao Tong Cheng), and Noodle Wo.
Crayfish: Fei Fei Xia Zhuang (braised prawns).
Lotus Root Soup: Jiaozi Stewed Soup.
Accommodation Recommendations
- High-End: The Westin Wuhan (River View Room).
- Value: Hotels near Chuhe Hanjie Street (concentrated food).
6. Hunan · Changsha
Recommended Attractions
Orange Island: Mao Zedong Statue, recommended for a train ride.
Yuelu Mountain: Aiwan Pavilion, Yuelu Academy (inside Hunan University).
Hunan Provincial Museum: Mawangdui Han Tomb Exhibition (Lady Xin Zhui).
Super Wenheyou Hisense Plaza: Retro street-style photo ops.
Food Recommendations
Hunan Cuisine: Yizhandeng (duck foot tendon) and Benluobo (stir-fried vermicelli with pickled cabbage).
Snacks: Black Classic Stinky Tofu and Sugar-coated Baba.
Cha Yan Yue Se: The Youlan Latte is a must.
Accommodation Recommendations
- High-end: Niccolo Changsha (IFS aerial view).
- Value: B&Bs near May Day Square (walking and dining).
7. Nanjing, Jiangsu
Recommended Attractions
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: Republican-era architecture, Wutong Avenue is incredibly relaxing.
Confucius Temple + Laomendong: A nighttime cruise along the Qinhuai River, where Laomendong snacks are even more authentic.
Nanjing Museum: An immersive experience in the Republican-era pavilion.
Niu Shou Mountain (nearby): The Buddha's Head Palace is a breathtakingly luxurious experience.
Recommended Foods
Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup: Xiao Pan Ji, Huiwei.
Salted Duck: Jin Hongxing Duck Shop.
Snacks: Fangpo Cake Shop (Black Rice Balls).
Accommodation Recommendations
- High-End: The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing (above Deji Plaza).
- Value: Hotels near Xinjiekou Subway Station (city center).
8. Chongqing
Recommended Attractions
Hongyadong's night view rivals that of "Spirited Away," with the best view from Qiansimen Bridge.
Liziba Light Rail: Spectacular light rail passing through buildings.
Yangtze River Cableway: Aerial views of the two rivers.
Wulong Three Natural Bridges (nearby): Filming location for "Curse of the Golden Flower."
Recommended Foods
Hot Pot: Peijie Hot Pot, Guaxixi (Hongyadong Branch).
Noodles: Huashi Pea Noodles.
Folk Cuisine: Yangji Longfu (Spicy Chicken).
Accommodation Recommendations
- High-End: InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City (High-Rise River View).
- Value: B&Bs in the Jiefangbei/Guanyinqiao Business Districts (Convenient Subway Access).
General Tips
Transportation: Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi'an have well-developed subway systems; Luoyang and Nanchang recommend taxis or public transportation.
Season: Changsha/Wuhan are hot and humid in the summer, so spring and autumn are recommended. Xi'an/Nanjing are more charming in autumn and winter.
Cultural Experiences: Hanfu in Luoyang, Tang suits in Xi'an, and night photography in Chongqing.