High-speed rail 2h direct, perfect for solo relaxation: five lesser-known cities

1️⃣ Anhui Xuancheng

Transportation: High-speed rail direct to "Xuancheng Station," within 2 hours from Shanghai/Hangzhou.

What to do:

• Jingtingshan Mountain: Poetic mountain scenery like Li Bai’s, climb early morning to see the sea of clouds, must-try bamboo tube rice at the mountain midsection.

• Chaji Ancient Town: Living fossil of Huizhou architecture, stroll the bluestone alleys in Hanfu, Maolin Hu with rice cakes is super healing.

• Taohuatan: Boat on the emerald pool, stunning dusk light and shadow, nearby guesthouses offer bamboo sea views from the window.

Food & accommodation recommendations: Stinky mandarin fish and steamed qin fish egg at Laojiefang Huizhou Cuisine; stay in city hotels (under 100 RMB) or ancient town guesthouses.

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2️⃣ Guizhou Duyun

Transportation: High-speed rail to "Duyun East Station," 1 hour direct from Guiyang.

What to do:

• Qinhan Film City: Check in at the wonton shop featured in "The Untamed," wear Hanfu for time-travel photo shoots.

• Cape Mountain: Hike the primeval forest, soak in Southeast Asian-style hot springs, watch Miao village lights at dusk.

• Shanmu Lake: Cliff swing + glass viewing platform, thrilling and scenic coexist.

Food & accommodation recommendations: Mochun sour soup hotpot (intangible cultural heritage flavor); stay at Maojianli Hotel (tea fragrance theme) or forest-style guesthouses.

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3️⃣ Hunan Chenzhou

Transportation: High-speed rail to "Chenzhou West Station," 1.5 hours direct from Guangzhou/Changsha.

What to do:

• Dongjiang Lake: Fishermen casting nets in morning mist like ink painting, cycling on Bailang Road is super relaxing.

• Gaoyiling: Danxia landform hiking, red rock walls + emerald lakes, aerial shots are breathtaking.

• Yangtianhu Grassland: May meadow windmills + sheep, shoot "Little Switzerland" scenes at sunset.

Food & accommodation recommendations: Chenzhou fish noodles (Dongjiang fish broth), Linwu duck; stay at Dongjiang Lake guesthouses or city hotels.

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4️⃣ Jiangsu Yixing

Transportation: High-speed rail to "Yixing Station," 1.5 hours direct from Shanghai/Nanjing.

What to do:

• Bamboo Sea Scenic Area: Cable car over ten thousand mu of bamboo forest, wear white dresses for fairy-like photos.

• Shanjuan Cave: Explore underground karst caves, boat through the dark river, birthplace of Liang Zhu culture.

• Shushan Ancient South Street: DIY purple clay teapots, listen to Pingtan storytelling in old street teahouses.

Food & accommodation recommendations: Black rice + Yanlaixun stewed tofu; stay at Bamboo Sea International Conference Center or pottery guesthouses.

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5️⃣ Zhejiang Lanxi

Transportation: High-speed rail to "Jinhua Station" then transfer by bus, within 2 hours from Hangzhou.

What to do:

• Zhuge Bagua Village: Maze-like ancient village, receive colorful strings + herbal tea in May, super retro photo spots.

• Youbu Ancient Town: Early morning enjoy "Jiangnan’s first morning tea," meat dumplings + chicken pastries so fragrant you’ll stomp your feet.

• Bailu Mountain: May rose sea + hydrangea secret spots, stay in forest-style wooden cabins to watch the stars.

Food & accommodation recommendations: Lanxi beef noodles, Dragon Boat Festival sachet DIY; stay in ancient village inns or Lanhu RV campsite.

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Tips:

• Traveling off-peak is more cost-effective, accommodation prices drop 30% in the low season of May.

• Book high-speed rail tickets 7 days in advance, weekends are best to depart Friday night.

• Solo travelers should prioritize safety and choose female-friendly guesthouses.

"Traveling alone is a romantic date with yourself." 🌸 Save and set off～ #HiddenTravel #HighSpeedRailTour #SoloFemaleTravel