Comfortable and off-the-beaten-path cities just 2 hours away by high-speed rail!

Xuzhou

- Must-visit attractions: The Guishan Han Tomb offers a chance to explore intricately carved burial chambers; the Xuzhou Museum houses rich collections, including treasures like the Han Dynasty jade burial suit, and was once Emperor Qianlong's southern tour palace; the Xuzhou Han Culture Scenic Area showcases the essence of Han Dynasty culture.
- Family-friendly spots: Besides the Xuzhou Museum and Han Culture Scenic Area, there's also Xuzhou Fantawild Adventure for a fun-filled experience.
- Free attractions: Yunlong Lake Scenic Area boasts beautiful lake and mountain views; Xima Terrace, one of Xuzhou's oldest historic sites, is built along the hillside with a picturesque layout.
- Accommodation recommendations: Xuzhou Hyatt Regency is a city landmark offering panoramic views of the lake and mountains; Xuzhou Marriott Hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of Yunlong Lake.
- Food recommendations: Dazhang Luomo Village serves authentic northern Jiangsu cuisine with a unique "sedan chair" serving style; Mashijie Shitang Restaurant's "Shi Tang" is a famous Chinese snack; Qingnian Road Mutton Restaurant is a long-standing eatery specializing in mutton dishes.

Liuzhou

- Must-visit attractions: Chengyang Bazhai offers a glimpse into Dong ethnic culture; Luzhai Xiangqiao Karst National Geological Park showcases stunning karst landscapes; the Liujiang River Scenic Area lets you enjoy Liuzhou's urban scenery by boat.
- Family-friendly spots: Longtan Park combines karst mountains with ethnic charm; Liuzhou Cloud Top Observation Deck features thrilling glass walkways.
- Free attractions: Besides Longtan Park and the Liujiang River Scenic Area, there's Liuhou Park, which contains Liu Zongyuan's cenotaph.
- Accommodation recommendations: Liuzhou Hyatt House offers 360° views of the Liujiang River; Florasis·Liuzhou Moon Unfinished Inn, located near Yaobu Ancient Town, is a quaint Chinese-style B&B.
- Food recommendations: Liuzhou Cuisine Museum's "Dragon City Snail Family Feast" is worth trying; New Shihui Beef and Offal Hotpot's signature sour and spicy offal is appetizing; Wangjiangzhai Liuzhou Restaurant's stir-fried fish with bamboo shoots pairs perfectly with rice.

Yichang

- Must-visit attractions: Three Gorges Tribe showcases pristine natural scenery; Yichang Three Gorges Resort offers beautiful views and boat rides; Three Gorges Grand Waterfall features lush mountains and numerous streams and waterfalls.
- Family-friendly spots: Jiaoyun Two Dams and One Gorge cruise lets you admire the Yangtze River's Three Gorges; Qingjiang Gallery offers scenic boat rides along the river.
- Free attractions: Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area provides various angles to view the majestic dam; Gezhou Dam, a key water conservancy project on the Yangtze, is worth a visit.
- Accommodation recommendations: Yichang Crowne Plaza is near the Three Gorges Tourist Center with river views; Yichang Nanchawan Stone House B&B is a century-old stone village with picturesque scenery.
- Food recommendations: Shuai Ba Ren·Countryside Restaurant's classic Hubei dishes are highly praised by locals; Fangweng Restaurant is a cave dining spot with great views; Yuhuazi·Live Fish Restaurant's Yichang fat fish is a must-try.

Weihai

- Must-visit attractions: Liugong Island is a memorial site of the First Sino-Japanese War; Xixiakou Shenjiaoshan Wildlife Park is a fun coastal zoo; Hailv Island is a rocky seabird habitat.
- Family-friendly spots: Besides Xixiakou Shenjiaoshan Wildlife Park, there's Chengshantou Scenic Area, the easternmost point of China's mainland coastline; Weihai Huaxia City features impressive ancient-style Chinese architecture.
- Free attractions: Weihai International Bathing Beach is one of the best in northern China for water and sand quality; Weihai Park offers seaside views.
- Accommodation recommendations: Weihai Summit Golf Resort has private courtyard villas with golf access; Weihai Half Moon Bay Dongzi Garden No. 6 B&B is a short walk from the bay for sunrise views.
- Food recommendations: Baixing Seafood BBQ serves local-style seafood barbecue; Oyster Castle·Asia Oyster Company's oysters are the house specialty; Qunfa Dumplings are handmade and delicious.