5 Lesser-Known Cities Perfect for a Solo Getaway, Just 2 Hours by High-Speed Rail

1. Shaoxing - Transportation: Take high-speed rail directly to Shaoxing North Station. - Attractions: - Lu Xun's Hometown: Free admission, offering deep insights into the childhood and creative background of Lu Xun. - Cangqiao Straight Street: Free, stroll along the ancient street to experience the charm of Jiangnan water towns. - Calligraphy Sage's Hometown: Free, featuring Wang Xizhi's former residence where you can appreciate calligraphy culture. - Food: - Yellow Rice Wine Milk Tea: ¥15, blending the richness of yellow rice wine with the sweetness of milk tea. - Fennel Beans: ¥10, a local Shaoxing snack with delicious flavor. - Shaoxing Stinky Tofu: ¥8, crispy outside and tender inside, pungent in smell but delightful in taste. - Accommodation: Youth hostels in the old town cost ¥60-80/night. - Unique Experience: Find a small shop by the river on Cangqiao Straight Street, order a cup of yellow rice wine milk tea, and quietly enjoy a leisurely afternoon. 2. Zhenjiang - Transportation: Take high-speed rail directly to Zhenjiang South Station. - Attractions: - Xijin Ferry: Free, this ancient ferry port preserves many buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, offering enchanting views when lit up at night. - Jinshan Park: Off-season ticket ¥50, home to Jinshan Temple, one of China's four famous towers. - Beigu Mountain: Off-season ticket ¥30, where you can overlook the majestic Yangtze River. - Food: - Pot Cover Noodles: ¥15, a local specialty with a chewy texture. - Yao Meat: ¥20, tender and flavorful without being greasy. - Accommodation: Youth hostels cost ¥50-70/night. - Unique Experience: Take a morning walk at Xijin Ferry to feel the tranquility and historical weight of the ancient town. 3. Zhangzhou - Transportation: Take high-speed rail directly to Zhangzhou Station. - Attractions: - Zhangzhou Ancient City: Free, featuring many arcade buildings in Ming and Qing styles, full of southern Fujian charm. - Volcano Island Natural Ecological Scenic Area: Showcasing unique volcanic landscapes. - Dongshan Island: A great seaside getaway for beach walks and ocean breezes. - Food: - Satay Noodles: ¥15, a delicious signature dish of Zhangzhou. - Fish Wonton: The fish wonton at Changren Wonton Shop has a delicate texture. - Accommodation: Affordable seaside homestays let you fall asleep to the sound of waves. - Unique Experience: Stroll along Dongshan Island's beach at sunset for a romantic coastal vibe. 4. Benxi - Transportation: Take high-speed rail directly to Benxi Station. - Attractions: - Benxi Water Cave: One of China's largest karst caves with stunning stalactites. - Guanmen Mountain National Forest Park: Known as "Little Huangshan of the Northeast," famous for autumn foliage. - Benxi Lake Park: Free, offering beautiful lake views. - Food: - Small Pot Rice Tofu Restaurant: Authentic northeastern cuisine. - Nanbowan BBQ: Northeastern-style skewers, perfect for a night out with friends. - Accommodation: Upscale options like Benxi Yaxiduo Select Hotel or comfortable choices like Benxi Hailian Hotel. - Unique Experience: Visit Guanmen Mountain in autumn to admire the red leaves and embrace nature's beauty. 5. Qingyuan - Transportation: Take high-speed rail directly to Qingyuan Station. - Attractions: - Lianzhou Underground River: A spectacular karst cave with an underground river for boat tours. - Thousand-Year Yao Village: Experience unique Yao culture and ancient architecture. - Qingyuan Bijia Mountain Scenic Area: Free, ideal for hiking and nature immersion. - Food: - Dintianxia Teahouse: A wide variety of Cantonese dim sum. - Merlin Lake Hot Spring Hotel: Cantonese dishes showcasing local flavors. - Accommodation: Luxury stays like Qingyuan New World Hotel or family-friendly options like Qingyuan Xilegu Hot Spring Resort. - Unique Experience: Immerse yourself in Yao traditions at the Thousand-Year Yao Village and relax in hot springs.