Perfect for a cozy three-day winter stay! Here are 4 cities accessible by high-speed rail!
Shaoxing, Zhejiang: The poetic slow life of the Jiangnan water town
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Shaoxing in the morning and check into a guesthouse in the ancient city. In the afternoon, stroll through Lu Xun’s hometown and soak in the literary atmosphere of Baicao Garden and Sanwei Study. In the evening, take a black-awning boat for a night tour of Jian Lake, experiencing the feeling of "a boat traveling through a painting" under the lights. At night, enjoy Shaoxing drunken chicken and yellow wine, and stay in a guesthouse styled after the ancient city’s Tai-men courtyard houses.
Day 2: Visit Lanting Scenic Area in the morning to feel the creative atmosphere of Wang Xizhi’s "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion" at this calligraphy holy site. In the afternoon, visit Shen Garden, listen to the love story of Lu You and Tang Wan, and enjoy a Yue opera performance. In the evening, stroll along Cangqiao Straight Street and sample Shaoxing specialties like Shao Sanxian and drunken crab.
Day 3: Explore Dong Lake Scenic Area in the morning, taking a black-awning boat through the "water and stone bonsai." In the afternoon, visit the Xu Wei Art Museum to admire the works of the master painter and calligrapher. In the evening, shop for souvenirs such as fennel beans and fermented tofu before heading back.
Special experiences: Black-awning boat night tour, yellow wine tasting, Lanting calligraphy copying, Shen Garden Yue opera appreciation
Chaji, Anhui: The winter tranquility of a Huizhou-style ancient village
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Chaji in the morning and check into a guesthouse renovated from Ming and Qing dynasty old houses. In the afternoon, stroll along the ancient town’s bluestone roads, visit the Degongting House (Yuan dynasty architecture), Honglou Bridge, Guangyuan Building, and admire Huizhou-style residences along Xuxi River. At dusk, climb Zhongxiu Gate for a panoramic view of the village and capture the scene of cooking smoke dancing with the sunset.
Day 2: Visit Baogong Ancestral Hall (Ming dynasty with exquisite carvings) and Erjia Ancestral Hall (peak of Qing dynasty ancestral halls) in the morning to appreciate the fine craftsmanship of Huizhou architecture. In the afternoon, explore the painters’ village and experience the artistic atmosphere; hike to nearby bamboo groves and tea gardens. In the evening, try handmade rice cakes or enjoy local green tea at a tea house by the stream.
Day 3: Head to Nanshan Waterfall (2 km from the ancient town) in the morning to enjoy natural scenery. In the afternoon, visit intangible cultural heritage workshops to buy bamboo carvings, Xuan paper, and other specialties before returning.
Special delicacies: Chaji one-pot stew (local chicken, cured meat, dried bamboo shoots), Jingxian rice cakes, fermented tofu, stinky mandarin fish, wild seasonal vegetables
Jianshui, Yunnan: The warm winter sun of the ancient city in southern Yunnan
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Jianshui in the morning and check into a guesthouse in the ancient city. In the afternoon, tour Jianshui Ancient City, climb Chaoyang Tower for a panoramic view, visit Zhu Family Garden ("Grand View Garden of Southern Yunnan") and Lin’an Prefecture Office. At dusk, experience water drawing at the West Gate’s Dabanjing well and taste freshly made tofu at Zengji Tofu Shop. At night, explore the Zitao Street night market and enjoy Jianshui barbecue.
Day 2: Take the century-old narrow-gauge railway in the morning, passing Shuanglong Bridge (Seventeen-Arch Bridge), Xianghuiqiao Station, and Tuanshan Station, arriving at Tuanshan Residence (a World Architectural Heritage site). In the afternoon, visit Tuanshan Residence to appreciate the charm of this century-old village. At dusk, return to Shuanglong Bridge to watch the sunset and capture the magnificent "golden light shining through the arch."
Day 3: Visit Ant Workshop (macaron-colored ceramic architecture) in the morning for photo opportunities. In the afternoon, head to Wulong Lake Park · Lianhua Island, stroll among cacti and palm trees, and enjoy the "Little California of Jianshui" atmosphere. Return in the evening.
Special experiences: Narrow-gauge railway, Shuanglong Bridge sunset, Ant Workshop photo shoot, purple pottery making experience
Pu’er, Yunnan: The cozy winter time in the tea mountains
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Pu’er in the morning and check into a city hotel. In the afternoon, visit Simao Old Street and Daijia Lane ancient buildings to experience the slow life of the old town. At dusk, head to the Tea Horse Ancient Town tourist area, browse the creative market, and taste Pu’er barbecue and wrapped rice noodles. At night, enjoy a hot spring to relax after your journey.
Day 2: Visit Pu’er Sun River Forest Park in the morning, hike the rainforest boardwalk, and get close to adorable animals like red pandas and macaques. In the afternoon, go to the China Pu’er Tea Expo Garden to experience the full Pu’er tea production process including tea picking, fixing, and pressing, and taste Pu’er teas of different vintages under the guidance of a professional tea master.
Day 3: Explore the Tea Horse Ancient Road tourist area in the morning, walk along well-preserved ancient road relics, and take a cable car for a panoramic view of the tea plantations. In the afternoon, visit the Nakeli Tea Horse Post Station, stroll through the ancient village, visit the caravan museum, and buy tea, coffee, and other souvenirs before returning.
Special experiences: Rainforest hiking, Pu’er tea making experience, Tea Horse Road exploration, hot spring bathing
Warm Tips
1. Climate: Shaoxing winter temperatures range from 5-15°C with large temperature differences between morning and night, so bring a thick coat; Chaji is colder in winter, so keep warm; Jianshui is warm in winter with daytime temperatures above 20°C, ideal for escaping the cold; Pu’er has an average annual temperature of 19.5°C, spring-like all year round.
2. Transportation: All four cities are accessible by high-speed rail. Shaoxing, Jianshui, and Pu’er high-speed rail stations are close to the city center, while Chaji requires a transfer by shuttle bus or taxi from Jingxian Station.
3. Accommodation recommendations: Shaoxing offers Tai-men courtyard style guesthouses in the ancient city; Chaji has guesthouses renovated from Ming and Qing dynasty old houses; Jianshui recommends guesthouses within the ancient city; Pu’er suggests city hotels or specialty guesthouses.
4. Food recommendations: Shaoxing’s drunken chicken, yellow wine, fennel beans; Chaji’s one-pot stew, fermented tofu; Jianshui’s grilled tofu, steam pot chicken; Pu’er’s Pu’er tea and ethnic minority specialties.
5. Best seasons: Shaoxing is best in early winter (November to December); Chaji is suitable year-round with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery in winter; Jianshui is the top choice for winter warmth; Pu’er is suitable all year with warm and comfortable winters.