All Free! High-Speed Rail Access! 6 Ancient Towns Perfect for Solo Getaways

Budget travel isn't about compromise—it's a different kind of luxury ✨ Spend the price of a milk tea to see mountains and lakes, use a few meal budgets to experience local life. The meaning of travel is never about how much you spend, but about embracing the unknown and healing yourself. Today we recommend 6 free ancient towns perfect for solo relaxation, all accessible by high-speed rail for spontaneous trips 🚄!

【Zhejiang·Nanxun Ancient Town】"Where time slows down"
Morning mist lingers as paddle boats glide beneath stone bridges, white walls and black tiles blurring into ink-wash paintings on the water. Wander aimlessly along the canals—you might turn a corner to find grandmothers shelling beans on their doorsteps 👵.
🚄Transport: High-speed rail to Huzhou Station, ~20min taxi
🏮Must-do: Sunrise at Baijian Lou, Zhang Shiming's Former Residence for Republic-era charm
🍜Food: Shuangjiao noodles, Dingsheng cake
🛏Stay: Riverside B&Bs with water views
👯Visitor says: "Three days in Nanxun felt like living in an old film—even daydreaming became romantic~"

【Anhui·Zhaji Ancient Town】"An ink painting forgotten by time"
No crowds here—just babbling streams, weathered bridges, and wildflowers growing freely 🌼. Sit by the creek listening to water, sketch, or simply let mountain breezes carry your worries away.
🚄Transport: High-speed rail to Jingxian Station, transfer by bus
🏮Must-do: Erjia Ancestral Hall, Rusong Pagoda
🍜Food: Zhaji river fish, osmanthus-fermented rice
🛏Stay: Creek-side farm stays (great value)
👯Visitor says: "Zhaji taught me places exist where time stands still ⏳"

【Jiangsu·Qiandeng Ancient Town】"One lantern, one town"
Cobbled paths wind past ancient opera stages echoing with Kunqu melodies 🎶. At dusk, red lanterns reflected on the river create instant atmosphere photos.
🚄Transport: High-speed rail to Kunshan South, ~30min taxi
🏮Must-do: Gu Yanwu's Former Residence, Yanfu Temple
🍜Food: Azao noodles, begonia cakes
🛏Stay: Ancient street B&Bs for "sleeping by water"
👯Visitor says: "In Qiandeng, even the evening breeze carries stories~"

【Jiangxi·Yaoli Ancient Town】"A hidden mountain paradise"
Nestled among misty peaks at dawn, it feels like stepping into a fantasy drama 🌲. Stroll stone paths watching locals wash clothes by the river—pure, unspoiled life.
🚄Transport: High-speed rail to Jingdezhen North, transfer by shuttle
🏮Must-do: Wanghu Ecological Area, Yaoli Village
🍜Food: Alkali-water rice cakes, clay-baked chicken
🛏Stay: Hillside B&Bs with mountain views
👯Visitor says: "Too beautiful to leave—everything here feels profoundly gentle~"

【Fujian·Yunshuiyao Ancient Town】"Poetry hidden in earthen buildings"
Ancient banyans with aerial roots, pebble paths leading nowhere, creaking waterwheels—like entering a Miyazaki film 🎐.
🚄Transport: High-speed rail to Nanjing Station, transfer by shuttle
🏮Must-do: Hegui Building, Huaiyuan Building
🍜Food: Braised pork with preserved veggies, bamboo-tube rice
🛏Stay: Tulou earth building stays
👯Visitor says: "In Yunshuiyao, even breathing slows down~"

【Guizhou·Qingyan Ancient Town】"A millennium in stone"
Grey stone walls whisper history while alleyways smell of braised pork trotters 🥘. Climb the walls for sunset views—the whole town turns gold.
🚄Transport: High-speed rail to Guiyang North, transfer by bus
🏮Must-do: Qingyan City Wall, Back Street
🍜Food: Qingyan braised trotters, rose jelly
🛏Stay: Ancient-town inns
👯Visitor says: "Qingyan's nights outshine all expectations~"

Which hidden gem stole your heart 💘? Tell us—which ancient town calls to your soul? Or share your own secret free ancient towns in the comments!