Life is more than just the daily grind; it also holds poetry and distant horizons. Everyone should learn to explore the world on foot and savor every moment of their journey. The following 8 recommended major cities are perfect for those seeking a leisurely journey, whether you're wandering alone or on your own, to find your own personal sense of tranquility and beauty.
1️⃣ Hangzhou (Zhejiang)
High-speed rail direct access: Hangzhou East Station
Highlights: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Nine Creeks in Mist. Tips:
Day 1: West Lake (Su Causeway Spring Dawn, Calm Lake Autumn Moon) → Lingyin Temple
Day 2: Nine Creeks in Mist → China National Tea Museum. Food: West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, Pianerchuan. Accommodation: Near West Lake or near Wulin Square.
2️⃣ Wuxi - The tranquil beauty of the shores of Taihu Lake
Must-see attractions:
Lingshan Scenic Spot: The majestic Lingshan Giant Buddha, the world's tallest bronze standing Buddha. - Taihu Lake: Breathtakingly beautiful scenery, it's a perfect place for a relaxing vacation.
Food Recommendations:
- Three Fresh Wontons: Thin skin, savory filling, and rich flavor, a traditional Wuxi snack.
- Xiaolongbao: Rich broth and savory meat filling, a must-try delicacy.
3️⃣ Nanjing | A Dreamlike Interweaving of History and Modernity
Must-See Attractions:
- Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: Walk along the long mausoleum path to the Boai Archway, where you'll feel like you're resonating with the great spirit of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.
- Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: Explore Zhu Yuanzhang's mausoleum and be captivated by the rich history.
- Laomendong: Stroll along the ancient streets, discover a dazzling array of snacks, and embody the vibrant atmosphere of Nanjing.
Food Recommendations:
- Salted Duck: Ultra-thin skin, incredibly tender meat, and incredibly delicious, a Nanjing specialty you must try.
- Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup: The broth is delicious, the vermicelli is smooth and smooth, and you'll fall in love with it in one bite.
4️⃣ Datong | Three Days of Ancient Charm
Journey through the rivers of history, explore this ancient city, and discover the traces of time.
- Day 1: Huayan Temple, Datong Nine Dragon Wall, and Shanhua Temple
- Day 2: Datong Volcanic Group National Geopark
- Day 3: Datong Weibei Calligraphy Museum and Datong Ancient City Wall
Huayan Temple: A thousand-year-old temple with simple architecture, compassionate Buddha statues, and vibrant murals—every detail speaks of the vicissitudes of history.
Datong Nine Dragon Wall: Nine dragons come to life, seemingly poised to burst forth from the wall at any moment. The ancient craftsmanship is truly remarkable!
Datong Volcanic Group National Geopark: The crater is breathtaking, and the rock formations are diverse. Nature is truly the ultimate artist!
Datong Weibei Calligraphy Museum: A paradise for calligraphy enthusiasts. Experience the powerful and vigorous brushwork of Weibei works, and experience the fusion of calligraphy and history.
5️⃣ Foping (Shaanxi)
Direct high-speed rail access: Departs from Xi'an, takes as little as 43 minutes, second-class tickets cost 56 yuan.
Recommended attractions:
Foping Panda Valley: See rare animals such as giant pandas and golden monkeys. Foping Old Street: Experience the quaint town charm. Dongshan Park: Enjoy panoramic views of the county town. Recommended dining options:
Foping Three Spices, Pickled Konjac, Fried Bacon with Vermicelli, and Vegetable Tofu. Three-day itinerary:
Day 1: Panda Valley → Stroll along Old Street → Enjoy a night view of Dongshan Park. Day 2: Hike in Shawo Village → Enjoy local farmhouse cuisine. Day 3: Explore the surrounding natural scenery → Return.
6️⃣ Xiapu (Fujian)
Direct high-speed rail access: 1 hour from Fuzhou, 4 hours from Hangzhou. Recommended attractions:
Beiqi Tidal Flats: Watch the sunrise and see the light and shadows of the mudflats. Dongbi Village: Cliffside B&Bs and stunning sunsets. Yangjia Creek: Watch the banyan trees create a Tyndall light effect in the early morning. Recommended Food:
Razor clams, kelp seedling soup, and crushed snails. Three-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Beiqi Tidal Flats → Songshan Tianhou Temple → Seafood food stalls. Day 2: Dongbi Village → Sansha Light and Shadow Plank Road.
Day 3: Yangjia Creek → Banyueli She Village → Return.
7️⃣ Zhejiang · Jiaxing Attractions:
Xitang Ancient Town: Stroll along the Misty Corridor and experience the charm of a Jiangnan water town.
Nanhu Lake: Visit the Nanhu Red Boat and soak in the rich history. Wuzhen: Admire the ancient architecture and experience the tranquility of a water town. Food:
Jiaxing Meat Zongzi: Filled with fragrant meat and rich flavor. Nanhu Water Chestnut: Fresh, juicy, and sweet. Haining Yanqiu: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a unique flavor.
Accommodation: We recommend staying near Nanhu Lake or in Xitang Ancient Town for convenient sightseeing. Transportation: High-speed rail directly connects to Jiaxing South Station.
8️⃣ Fujian · Zhangzhou
Transportation: High-speed rail from Xiamen takes only 19 minutes.
Climate: Winter temperatures are pleasantly warm, around 20°C. Attractions:
Daimei Ancient Village: Free admission to 700-year-old houses on the water. Aerial photos showcasing the unique beauty of chocolate bars.
Zhenhaijiao: Free "Little Kenting"—use a bubble camera for romantic photos straight out of idol dramas.
Dongshan Island: 5 yuan per person for Zuo'er Terrace. Enjoy a leisurely island experience by riding an e-donkey at Nanmen Bay. · Food:
Jianguo Oyster Omelette: 15 yuan per serving, a crispy version of oyster omelette with a rich texture. Gongyuan Monk Dried Tofu Noodles: 8 yuan per bowl, with your choice of fried items, delicious. Four-Fruit Soup: 6 yuan per bowl, with 20 toppings, more affordable than Xiamen.
🌿 While these small towns may not be as well-known as some popular tourist destinations, they all possess unique charm and rich cultural heritage, making them well worth a visit. Accommodation: Tongling Town sea view room 180 yuan/night, open the window to see the lights of fishing boats, enjoy the seaside night view.