High-Speed Rail Travel: 4 Budget-Friendly Cities to Visit in April-May

Hey friends👫, don't waste the beautiful spring weather in April-May! Here are 4 hidden gem cities accessible by high-speed rail where you can have a great time for around CNY 1,000 per person. These destinations feature stunning views, fewer tourists, and great value for money - perfect for students and working professionals👇

🌼Tongling, Anhui (2h from Shanghai)

Why visit: Tongling turns into a romantic purple ocean in April💜! Wutong Valley boasts 3,000 acres of blooming paulownia flowers - walking through feels like stepping into a Monet painting. Yongquan Resort combines Hui-style architecture with mountain scenery, perfect for photos with a classical vibe📸. Must try: Tongling Large Intestine Noodles - springy noodles soaked in broth with perfectly cleaned intestines, so delicious you'll want to lick the bowl!
Cost: High-speed rail round trip ~CNY 300, accommodation CNY 100-200/night, attraction tickets CNY 50, CNY 800-1,200 per person for 2 days.
Duration: 2 days for flower viewing + immersive Hui-style cultural experience.

🌿Fuzhou, Jiangxi (3h from Shanghai)

Why visit: Fuzhou is a green healing paradise in May🌳! Magu Mountain features misty clouds and thousand-year-old temples hidden in deep mountains. Morning hikes with birdsong and incredibly fresh air. Lichuan Ming-Qing Old Street retains authentic local life - try hand-ground tea with sweet rice balls, a perfect mix of sweet and savory. Must stay: hot spring guesthouses, private hot spring baths for just CNY 150 per person♨️
Cost: High-speed rail round trip ~CNY 400, accommodation CNY 150-300/night, Magu Mountain ticket CNY 50, CNY 1,200-1,500 per person for 3 days.
Duration: 3 days for mountains + hot springs + food experience.

🚶‍♀️Anshun, Guizhou (2h from Guangzhou)

Why visit: Anshun in April-May is a textbook example of karst landscape📚! Dragon Palace Cave boat tour reveals mysterious stalactites illuminated like an underwater world. Huangguoshu Waterfall is at peak flow with frequent rainbows🌈. Try 600-year-old noodles at Yunfeng Tunbao while experiencing Ming Dynasty culture. Must try: small pot jelly noodles with an addictive sour and savory taste!
Cost: High-speed rail round trip ~CNY 600, accommodation CNY 100-200/night, Dragon Palace ticket CNY 100, CNY 1,500-2,000 per person for 3 days.
Duration: 3 days to explore caves + waterfalls + ancient towns.

🚴‍♂️Handan, Hebei (1h from Beijing)

Why visit: Handan is a cyclist's paradise in May🚴! Guangfu Ancient City offers 26km lakeside wall cycling, lotus ponds with cicada songs, and evening boat rides for sunset views🌅. Try Yongnian donkey meat sausage with millet porridge - perfectly savory. Must stay: ancient city guesthouses in Ming-Qing buildings for just CNY 80 per person!
Cost: High-speed rail round trip ~CNY 200, accommodation CNY 80-150/night, ancient city free entry, CNY 1,000-1,500 per person for 3 days.
Duration: 3 days of cycling + history + leisurely food experience.

Friends, catch the tail end of spring in April-May by picking a city to explore! You can travel in style even on a budget - don't forget to share your experiences when you return💖