4 niche cities accessible by high-speed rail for a 3-day slow-paced trip | Quiet, healing, and uncrowded
Tired of the crowds! These 4 hidden gem cities are accessible by high-speed rail, have a super slow pace, and are quiet and uncrowded.
Perfect for zoning out, living like a local, and relaxing. A 3-day short getaway is just right 🌿
🏮No. 1 Fujian, Zhangzhou | Half ancient houses, half ocean
📍Location
Zhangzhou, Fujian Province | High-speed rail to Zhangzhou Station/Yunxiao Station
💛Why visit
Quieter than Xiamen, gentler than Quanzhou, and very little commercialization.
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the old town and the blue ocean islands. Affordable prices, and a relaxed pace with no rushing.
✅Must-visit
▪️Zhangzhou Ancient City | Free ancient streets, arcade buildings, archways, and traditional Minnan atmosphere
▪️Nanmen Bay | Colorful seaside fishing village, healing seaside sunset
▪️Sufeng Mountain | Coastal road, super healing blue ocean
▪️Yunshuiyao | Century-old tulou (earthen buildings), streams, and ancient trees, quiet and traditional style
📅3-day slow-paced itinerary
Day 1: Arrive → Stroll through Zhangzhou Ancient City and eat snacks → Night walk and relax
Day 2: Dongshan Island day trip | Walk in Nanmen Bay → Cycling by the sea at Sufeng Mountain
Day 3: Slow stroll through Yunshuiyao Tulou → Breathe in the fresh air in the ancient village → Relaxed return trip
🍜Food guide
Braised noodles, four-fruit soup, five-spice rolls, oyster omelet, ginger duck, stir-fried seafood rice noodles
💡Tips
There is a large temperature difference between day and night by the sea, so bring a light jacket. The ancient city can be explored entirely on foot, no need to rush.
🌊No. 2 Jiangsu, Zhenjiang | The most low-key ancient city in Jiangnan
📍Location
Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province | High-speed rail to Zhenjiang South Station
💛Why visit
Less crowded than Suzhou and Wuxi, niche and quiet.
The evening breeze of the Yangtze River, the thousand-year-old ferry crossing, and mountain temples make it the ultimate Jiangnan slow-life destination.
✅Must-visit
▪️Xijindu Ancient Street | Thousand-year-old ferry crossing, bluestone roads, retro pavilions, and stunning night views
▪️Jinshan Park | Temple surrounding Jinshan Mountain, classic Jiangnan gardens
▪️Beigu Mountain | View the Yangtze River, open views that are super healing
▪️Nanshan Scenic Area | City's green lung, super comfortable for hiking and breathing fresh air
📅3-day slow-paced itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and rest → Stroll through Xijindu Ancient Street, see the night view, and enjoy the river breeze
Day 2: Immersive garden tour at Jinshan Park → Walk in the old town and eat local food
Day 3: See the Yangtze River at Beigu Mountain → Slow hike in Nanshan → Return trip
🍜Food guide
Zhenjiang pot-lid noodles, crystal pork (yaorou), balsamic vinegar, duck blood vermicelli soup, Jiangnan pastries
💡Tips
Focus on a slow stroll! No need to rush between attractions. The atmosphere at Xijindu + Yangtze River walkway is best in the evening.
🏞️No. 3 Anhui, Xuancheng | A hidden ink-wash painting landscape in southern Anhui
📍Location
Xuancheng, Anhui Province | High-speed rail to Xuancheng Station
💛Why visit
A small city in southern Anhui that looks like a poem or painting, with green mountains, bamboo forests, and Hui-style ancient villages.
Quiet, uncrowded, and lush green, perfect for clearing your mind and healing anxiety.
✅Must-visit
▪️Jingting Mountain | A place visited by the "Poet Immortal," quiet mountain forests, easy hiking
▪️Taohua Pool | Clear water and green mountains, immersive ink-wash painting atmosphere
▪️Chaji Ancient Village | Original Hui-style ancient village, simple and authentic
▪️Xuan Paper Cultural Park | Intangible cultural heritage ancient papermaking, niche and healing
📅3-day slow-paced itinerary
Day 1: Arrive → Light hike at Jingting Mountain → Stroll and eat in the old street of the city
Day 2: Boating and relaxing at Taohua Pool → Walk along the river and breathe in the fresh air
Day 3: Slow stroll through Chaji Ancient Village → Experience intangible cultural heritage → Return trip
🍜Food guide
Hu Shi's "Yipin" pot, Shuiyang three treasures, southern Anhui stinky tofu, old street wontons, farmhouse dishes
💡Tips
It is recommended to stay in a homestay in the ancient village. You can see bamboo forests and green mountains right outside your window, creating a perfect atmosphere.
💎No. 4 Guangxi, Hechi | A landscape paradise away from the world
📍Location
Hechi, Guangxi | High-speed rail to Hechi Station
💛Why visit
An underrated small city with beautiful landscapes! Quiet scenery and excellent air quality.
Almost no tourists, original karst scenery, extremely quiet and healing.
✅Must-visit
▪️Bama Longevity Village | Green mountains and clear water, a sanctuary for slow-paced living
▪️Baimo Cave | Natural oxygen bar, stunning karst cave landscapes
▪️Fengshan Sanmenhai | Water skylight, a dreamy landscape secret spot
▪️Yizhou Xiajian River | Green water and green mountains, super relaxing boating
📅3-day slow-paced itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and rest → Walk around the city and feel the slow pace
Day 2: Stroll through Bama Longevity Village → Relax, breathe in the fresh air, and experience mountain life
Day 3: See the landscapes at Sanmenhai/Xiajian River → Slow return trip
🍜Food guide
Hechi sour soup fish, Bama fragrant pig, five-colored sticky rice, oil tea, local wild vegetables
💡Tips
The temperature difference in landscape scenic areas is large and it can be humid, so bring comfortable shoes and socks. Suitable for a peaceful, long-term stay.