5 Lesser-Known Cities Perfect for a Solo Getaway, Just 2 Hours by High-Speed Rail

1. Shaoxing
- Transportation: Take high-speed rail directly to Shaoxing North Station.
- Attractions:
- Lu Xun's Hometown: Free admission, offering deep insights into the childhood and creative background of Lu Xun.
- Cangqiao Straight Street: Free, stroll along the ancient street to experience the charm of Jiangnan water towns.
- Calligraphy Sage's Hometown: Free, featuring Wang Xizhi's former residence where you can appreciate calligraphy culture.
- Food:
- Yellow Rice Wine Milk Tea: ¥15, blending the richness of yellow rice wine with the sweetness of milk tea.
- Fennel Beans: ¥10, a local Shaoxing snack with delicious flavor.
- Shaoxing Stinky Tofu: ¥8, crispy outside and tender inside, pungent in smell but delightful in taste.
- Accommodation: Youth hostels in the old town cost ¥60-80/night.
- Unique Experience: Find a small shop by the river on Cangqiao Straight Street, order a cup of yellow rice wine milk tea, and quietly enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

2. Zhenjiang
- Transportation: Take high-speed rail directly to Zhenjiang South Station.
- Attractions:
- Xijin Ferry: Free, this ancient ferry port preserves many buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, offering enchanting views when lit up at night.
- Jinshan Park: Off-season ticket ¥50, home to Jinshan Temple, one of China's four famous towers.
- Beigu Mountain: Off-season ticket ¥30, where you can overlook the majestic Yangtze River.
- Food:
- Pot Cover Noodles: ¥15, a local specialty with a chewy texture.
- Yao Meat: ¥20, tender and flavorful without being greasy.
- Accommodation: Youth hostels cost ¥50-70/night.
- Unique Experience: Take a morning walk at Xijin Ferry to feel the tranquility and historical weight of the ancient town.

3. Zhangzhou
- Transportation: Take high-speed rail directly to Zhangzhou Station.
- Attractions:
- Zhangzhou Ancient City: Free, featuring many arcade buildings in Ming and Qing styles, full of southern Fujian charm.
- Volcano Island Natural Ecological Scenic Area: Showcasing unique volcanic landscapes.
- Dongshan Island: A great seaside getaway for beach walks and ocean breezes.
- Food:
- Satay Noodles: ¥15, a delicious signature dish of Zhangzhou.
- Fish Wonton: The fish wonton at Changren Wonton Shop has a delicate texture.
- Accommodation: Affordable seaside homestays let you fall asleep to the sound of waves.
- Unique Experience: Stroll along Dongshan Island's beach at sunset for a romantic coastal vibe.

4. Benxi
- Transportation: Take high-speed rail directly to Benxi Station.
- Attractions:
- Benxi Water Cave: One of China's largest karst caves with stunning stalactites.
- Guanmen Mountain National Forest Park: Known as "Little Huangshan of the Northeast," famous for autumn foliage.
- Benxi Lake Park: Free, offering beautiful lake views.
- Food:
- Small Pot Rice Tofu Restaurant: Authentic northeastern cuisine.
- Nanbowan BBQ: Northeastern-style skewers, perfect for a night out with friends.
- Accommodation: Upscale options like Benxi Yaxiduo Select Hotel or comfortable choices like Benxi Hailian Hotel.
- Unique Experience: Visit Guanmen Mountain in autumn to admire the red leaves and embrace nature's beauty.

5. Qingyuan
- Transportation: Take high-speed rail directly to Qingyuan Station.
- Attractions:
- Lianzhou Underground River: A spectacular karst cave with an underground river for boat tours.
- Thousand-Year Yao Village: Experience unique Yao culture and ancient architecture.
- Qingyuan Bijia Mountain Scenic Area: Free, ideal for hiking and nature immersion.
- Food:
- Dintianxia Teahouse: A wide variety of Cantonese dim sum.
- Merlin Lake Hot Spring Hotel: Cantonese dishes showcasing local flavors.
- Accommodation: Luxury stays like Qingyuan New World Hotel or family-friendly options like Qingyuan Xilegu Hot Spring Resort.
- Unique Experience: Immerse yourself in Yao traditions at the Thousand-Year Yao Village and relax in hot springs.