A change of scenery | Slow-paced riverside old towns, even more comfortable than home
Lately, unavoidable work has been piling up, making me feel stifled. I just want to find an old riverside town to hide in for a few days. No need to rush to tourist spots; just wake up, follow the scent of food, and wander along the riverbank until sunset. I've compiled 4 riverside old towns I've personally tested and loved. The pace is so slow it gets into your bones—I almost canceled my return ticket.😌
Anqing✨
As the former capital of Anhui, Anqing's old town spreads out right along the Yangtze River. There are no crowded tour groups. The breeze is mixed with the savory scent of riverside restaurants and the sweet aroma of roasted snacks. It's the perfect blend of culture and local charm.
Highlights
Yingjiang Temple and Zhenfeng Pagoda, Yangtze River shoreline viewing area, Former Residence of Zhao Puchu, Linghu Park, Renmin Road old alleys
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon, book a riverside homestay, drop off luggage, wander to Yingjiang Temple to climb Zhenfeng Pagoda, watch cargo ships drift slowly on the river, walk along the shoreline at dusk, and wait for the sunset to dye the river orange.
Day 2: Wake up, dive into old alleys for breakfast, visit the Former Residence of Zhao Puchu in the morning, spend the afternoon at Linghu Park, and sit in the tea garden with the locals without anyone bothering you.
Day 3: Wake up naturally, go to Renmin Road to browse old shops, pick up some Mozi Su (roasted snacks) as souvenirs, and head back slowly.
Must-eat list
Dananmen Beef Bun, Jiangmao Dumplings, Chicken Soup with Paochaomi, Mozi Su, Yingjiang Temple Vegetarian Meal
Tips
The river breeze is 2 degrees cooler than downtown, so bring a light jacket for the evening.
The alleys are narrow and hilly, so shared e-bikes are more convenient than driving.
The stairs to Zhenfeng Pagoda are steep, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Luzhou✨
The Tuojiang and Yangtze rivers collide in Luzhou to create a gentle bay. The slow pace of this "Liquor City" is soaked in a faint aroma of alcohol. The old town is built along the riverbank slopes; turn a corner and you'll run into a river view. The locals live such relaxed lives.
Highlights
Luzhou Laojiao Tourism Area, Binjiang Road leisure belt, Bell and Drum Tower, Bao'en Pagoda, Zhangba Longan Forest
Itinerary
Day 1: Stay in a small homestay near the river in the old town, visit the Luzhou Laojiao Tourism Area in the afternoon to smell the liquor aroma filling the streets, stroll along Binjiang Road at dusk, watch locals walk dogs, drink tea, and square dance, and wait for the night lights of the two rivers.
Day 2: Eat a bowl of spicy noodles in the morning, visit the Bell and Drum Tower and the old alleys around Bao'en Pagoda, and spend the afternoon walking in the Zhangba Longan Forest (you can even pick longans by the road in summer).
Must-eat list
Luzhou White Cake, Lun Jiao Cake, Gulin Spicy Chicken, Hejiang Grilled Fish, Luzhou Cold Noodles
Tips
The old town has many slopes, so don't wear high heels.
The local teahouses on Binjiang Road are very affordable, so just pick one that's busy.
It's hot at noon in summer, so try to go out in the morning or evening.
Zhenjiang✨
The Yangtze River and the Grand Canal meet in Zhenjiang. This thousand-year-old city has none of the restlessness of a tourist city. The whole city is filled with a faint scent of vinegar. There are historical sites every few steps in the old districts, and prices are so low you won't feel guilty eating for 3 days straight.
Highlights
Xijindu Historical and Cultural Block, Beigu Mountain, Zhenjiang Museum, Boxian Road Old Street, Yangtze River Ecological Wetland Park
Itinerary
Day 1: Stay in a homestay converted from an old house near Xijindu, walk on the bluestone roads of Xijindu in the afternoon, climb the high platform to see the Yangtze River view, and eat a bowl of hot pot-lid noodles nearby in the evening.
Day 2: Climb Beigu Mountain in the morning to touch the relics of the Three Kingdoms stories and see the rolling Yangtze River below. Visit the Zhenjiang Museum in the afternoon, then wander around the old alleys of Boxian Road.
Day 3: Wake up and walk the wooden boardwalk at the Yangtze River Wetland Park, watch water birds flying in the reed marshes, and pick up 2 bottles of Hengshun Vinegar as souvenirs at a supermarket before leaving.
Must-eat list
Pot-lid noodles, Yaorou (cured meat), Crab roe soup dumplings, Vinegar-flavored pork strips, Duck blood vermicelli soup
Tips
Xijindu is very quiet on weekdays, making for a great experience.
Attractions are close to each other, and taxis are basically at the starting fare.
Don't buy expensive vinegar at tourist spots, as local supermarkets have the same product for half the price.
Wuzhou✨
The Xunjiang River flows through Wuzhou. This is the old town with the most Cantonese flavor in Guangxi. Rows of arcade buildings are built along the riverbank. The scent of tea from the morning market drifts for half a street. At night, the river breeze carries the aroma of snacks. The sense of relaxation is maxed out.
Highlights
Qilou City, Longmu Temple, Sizhou Island, Xijiang Pearl Tower, Baihe Taoist Temple
Itinerary
Day 1: Stay in a river-view homestay near Qilou City, walk through the century-old arcades in the afternoon, watch locals cooling off and playing chess at their doorways, wait for the sunset by the river at dusk, and visit the Qilou night market for snacks in the evening.
Day 2: Wake up early for Cantonese morning tea, climb Longmu Temple in the morning to overlook the city and river view, and go to Sizhou Island in the afternoon for a walk around the island to watch fishing families mending nets by the river.
Day 3: Visit Baihe Taoist Temple in the morning, stop by the old alleys to buy handmade herbal jelly and Bingquan soy milk powder, and head back slowly.
Must-eat list
Bingquan soy milk, Original herbal jelly, Paper-wrapped chicken, Boat congee, Snail chicken pot
Tips
Old shops in Qilou City open late, so no need to rush.
It's hot and humid in summer, so try to go out in the morning or evening and hide in shops for sugar water at noon.
Buy freshly made snacks at the river night market, as they all taste good.
You really don't need to save up for a long holiday to travel far. Just find a small riverside town like this, stay for 2–3 days, no need to set an alarm or rush your itinerary. The moments when you zone out looking at the river are more relaxing than just lounging at home.🥰