2h High-Speed Rail Direct|4 Off-the-Beaten-Path Slow Cities, Low Cost, Super Relaxing and Healing Fewer Crowds, No Rush
2h High-Speed Rail Direct|4 Off-the-Beaten-Path Slow Cities, Low Cost, Super Relaxing and Healing✨
Fewer crowds, slow pace, low prices, travel anytime without stress, perfect for students and workers to go all out🚄
Zhejiang · Quzhou
Core: Southern Confucius Ancient City, full of local life, off the beaten path and non-commercialized🏮
Must-visit: Night tour at Shuitingmen🌃, Southern Confucius Family Temple, Lanke Mountain, Mazhandi food stroll
Transport: High-speed rail direct to Quzhou Station, city covered by walking/public transit
Food: Santou Yizhang, baked pancakes, rice dumplings, all for about 15 RMB per person to eat until full
Accommodation: Old town homestays 90-160 RMB/night, walking distance to attractions
Save money: Most attractions free, snack alleys half the price of scenic spots
Experience: Leisurely stroll ancient streets, spicy food heals, so comfortable you won’t want to leave
Tips: Mild spice is enough, wear comfortable shoes for a slow stroll
Anhui · Jixi
Core: Authentic Huizhou, fewer people, quiet scenery, Huizhou slow life🌿
Must-visit: Longchuan Ancient Village🏯, Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail light hiking, Jixi Museum
Transport: High-speed rail to Jixi North Station, bike-sharing/walking very convenient
Food: Hu Shi hot pot, Jixi fried vermicelli, stinky mandarin fish
Accommodation: Longchuan Village homestays 100-180 RMB/night, scenic views from windows
Save money: Museum free, ancient village free in early morning
Experience: White walls and black tiles are super healing, no noise, peaceful and cozy
Tips: Only walk the entrance section of the ancient trail, easy and not tiring
Jiangxi · Yanshan
Core: Ancient town under Wuyi Mountain, hometown of four types of paper, niche and tranquil🍵
Must-visit: Hekou Ancient Town🏮, Ehu Academy, Shitang Ancient Village, Xinjian River stroll
Transport: High-speed rail to Shangrao Station, then 20 minutes by intercity train
Food: Yanshan hot noodles, Dengzhan rice cake, clear soup, river noodles
Accommodation: Ancient town homestays 80-150 RMB/night, quaint and traditional
Save money: Ancient town free, local snacks average 5 RMB
Experience: Time slows down, local life and poetry coexist, super stress-relieving
Tips: Visit ancient town early morning, fewer people and better photos
Jiangsu · Gaoyou
Core: Water town in Wang Zengqi’s writings, slow canal city, fragrant duck eggs🦆
Must-visit: Yucheng Post Station🚚, Wang Zengqi Memorial Hall, Gaoyou Lake, Zhenguo Temple
Transport: High-speed rail direct to Gaoyou Station, 10-minute taxi to city
Food: Pubaorou (steamed pork), salted duck eggs, Yangchun noodles, Qinyou Dong sugar
Accommodation: Nanmen Street homestays 90-170 RMB/night, near old street
Save money: Memorial hall free, buy duck eggs at the market for better deals
Experience: Daydream by the canal, gentle food, the pinnacle of slow life
Tips: Choose salted duck eggs with flowing oil, don’t buy at scenic spots
💰Universal Budget Travel Money-Saving Tips
1. Buy high-speed rail tickets early, second-class seats offer best value
2. Walk/public transit/bike-share in the city, avoid taxis to save more
3. Stay in old town homestays, comfortable stays under 100 RMB
4. Eat local alley snacks, avoid trendy restaurants
5. Prioritize free attractions, zero ticket burden