High-speed rail direct access to cozy cities perfect for a 3-day getaway

🚄Within 3h by high-speed rail｜These 4 "healing small towns" are ideal for a 3-day stay!

Sisters! Discovered these "gentle hidden gems" reachable by high-speed rail from Guangzhou~ Within 3 hours' ride, 4 uniquely charming cities await: an old town brimming with local life, slow-paced villages painted with landscapes, and a Jiangnan region sweet but not cloying—want to "steal some laziness" this weekend? Pick one for a 3-day stay, and life will be sweeter than milk tea!

1️⃣ Xi'an｜2h to the "Tang Dynasty's bustling life"

Take an early high-speed train (Guangzhounan → Xi'anbei, departs ~7:00), arriving right at the doorstep of Muslim Quarter! Stay in a "Xiangzimiao Street" homestay (blue-brick courtyard with amazing vibes), where opening the window greets you with the aroma of chili oil~ Must-eats: Lao Jinjia Egg & Meat Burger (savory and juicy!), Ma Hong's Stir-Fried Pita Bread (rich broth, tender meat). Wander to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in the afternoon, dress in Hanfu for "Tang Dynasty chic" photos; at dusk, wait for the "Great Tang Never Night City" to light up and watch the "Tumbler" dolls smile amidst the crowd~

2️⃣ Wuhan｜1.5h soaking in "riverside slow living"

High-speed rail to Wuhan Station, then a 10min taxi to Wuchang Riverside. Stay in a "Tanhualin" old villa homestay (ivy-covered windows = insta-worthy). Breakfast at "Cai Lin Ji" for hot dry noodles (sesame paste so good you'll lick the bowl!). Bike around East Lake in the afternoon (rent a retro bike for better photos), then board the "Zhiyinhao" cruise at sunset for river views. Evening breezes carry lotus root soup aromas—Wuhan's laid-back charm is all here~

3️⃣ Suzhou｜1h diving into "garden slow time"

High-speed rail to Suzhou North Station, then 20min taxi to Pingjiang Road. Stay at "Pingjiang Li" homestay (white walls, black tiles + carved windows, 3min walk to the river). Morning: "Tong Dexing" Fengzhen noodles (shrimp roe & eel will blow your mind). Afternoon: Humble Administrator's Garden (June lotus blooms, wear light dresses for photos). Evening: Listen to Pingtan at "Shantang Street" with Biluochun tea—even the air tastes of Jiangnan's sweetness~

4️⃣ Handan｜1.5h seeking "ancient Zhao's slow charm"

High-speed rail to Handan East Station, then 15min taxi to Guangfu Ancient City. Stay at "Under the Ancient Wall" homestay (open windows to black-tiled roofs, lantern-lit nights = romance). Must-eats: Yongnian Ermao Braised Chicken (fall-off-the-bone tender!), donkey sausage (buckwheat meets meat). Afternoon: "Wa Palace" (hanging temple vibes, ethereal photos). Dusk walks along the moat, wheat-scented breezes~

These 4 cities—Xi'an's profound sweetness, Wuhan's riverside warmth, Suzhou's misty softness, Handan's timeless tranquility... Guangzhou buddies, tired of crowds on 3-day breaks? Swipe that high-speed rail ticket, pick a city, and turn days into poetry~ ✨

(Note: Train schedules subject to 12306 updates; book homestays 3 days ahead~)

Post by Shanel McGlynn | Jul 2, 2025