Small towns suitable for a solo trip to relax

If you are looking for a quiet and healing small town to unwind alone, here are 3 underrated towns full of atmosphere, perfect for daydreaming, strolling, and clearing your mind. They are also affordable, safe, and friendly.

1. Nanxun Ancient Town, Zhejiang
📍 Location: Huzhou City (30 minutes by high-speed train from Hangzhou → 40 minutes by taxi)
Why is it suitable for solo travelers?
- Fewer people and peaceful. Compared to Wuzhen and Xitang, it is less commercialized and retains the original water town lifestyle.
- Free admission. Since 2023, the main gate ticket has been canceled; small attractions charge separately (¥20-30). Just wandering around is very pleasant.
Healing scenes include the morning mist over the Hundred-Room Building, the old walls of Zhang Jingjiang’s former residence, and sipping a cup of smoked bean tea by the river.
🍜 Must-try: Double-topped noodles (crispy pork + fried fish), Xunti (braised pork knuckle), and night rowing boat tour (¥50/person).
🏡 Accommodation recommendation: Riverside guesthouses inside the ancient town, ¥150-300/night, choose rooms with terraces.

2. Shaxi Ancient Town, Yunnan
📍 Location: Jianchuan County, Dali (2 hours self-drive from Lijiang / 1.5 hours carpool from Dali)
Why is it suitable for solo travelers?
- A millennium-old town on the Tea Horse Road, isolated from the world, with no chain stores, only the sound of horse hooves and the wind.
Artistic atmosphere with the Avant-garde Bookstore, wood carving studios, and a local market every Friday—artsy but not pretentious.
- The starry sky is stunning; watch the Milky Way by Yujin Bridge at night, and the misty rice fields in the early morning look like paintings.
🍜 Must-try: Bai ethnic three-course tea, mushroom hotpot, and grilled rice cakes from street vendors.
🏡 Accommodation recommendation: Countryside guesthouses on the outskirts of the ancient town, ¥200-400/night, quiet and peaceful.

3. Tongling Town, Dongshan Island, Fujian
Location: Zhangzhou City (High-speed train to Yunxiao Station → 30 minutes by taxi)
Why is it suitable for solo travelers?
- Healing seaside spots like the colorful houses of Nanmen Bay, sunset at Left Ear rooftop, and the mirror-like sand beach of Jinluan Bay.
Strong sense of freedom renting an electric scooter (¥80/day) to circle the island, stopping anytime to enjoy the sea breeze.
Seafood feast for about ¥50 per person with fresh squid and oyster omelets; fruits are cheap at the market.
🍜 Must-try: A cup of local milk tea (Chao tea), Chenji meatballs, and night squid fishing (summer).
🏡 Accommodation recommendation: Hostels or sea view apartments near Nanmen Bay, ¥100-200/night.