Travel Guide for a Less Crowded Seaside Getaway with Seniors

Zhangzhou Travel Guide

• Itinerary:

◦ Day 1: Explore Zhangzhou Ancient City, visiting landmarks like Wenchang Gate, the Catholic Church, and the Puppet Art Museum to experience the city's old-world charm and artistic vibe.

◦ Day 2: Head to Yunshuiyao to visit Hegui Building and Lovers' Bridge. In the afternoon, visit Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster to admire the "Four Dishes and One Soup" landscape.

◦ Day 3: Hike Lingtong Mountain in the morning, then travel to Dongshan Island in the afternoon. Drive along the Sufeng Mountain Ring Road to enjoy the scenic views of Jinluan Bay and Nanmen Bay.

◦ Day 4: Visit Volcano Island and check in at Rainbow Mountain, Monument Valley, and Bubble Houses.

• Transportation Tips: Take a high-speed train to Zhangzhou Station for the ancient city, then transfer by bus or Didi. For Yunshuiyao and Tianluokeng, take a train to Nanjing Station—self-driving or chartering a car is recommended. Lingtong Mountain has limited transport options, so self-driving or chartering is safer. For Dongshan Island, take a high-speed train to Yunxiao Station and transfer to Bus 15 to Tongling.

• Pitfall Avoidance: Check tide times in advance for the Nanyu Two-Sided Sea Lighthouse. The "Left Ear" rooftop requires a purchase, while the free Wen Gong Temple viewing deck offers great photo ops. The Sufeng Mountain Ring Road is not open to private cars; renting an e-bike or taking a sightseeing bus is better.

Hezhou Travel Guide

• Must-Visit Attractions: Huangyao Ancient Town was a filming location for "Tea is Hometown Strong." Gupo Mountain offers tea plantations, waterfalls, and stunning landscapes. The Yushi Forest Scenic Area boasts unique rock formations. Lingfeng Park provides a bird's-eye view of the He River. Linhe Ancient City is a well-preserved historical town.

• Accommodation Recommendations: For luxury stays, try Hezhou Xixi Forest Hot Spring Resort, where you can soak in hot springs atop a mountain. Alternatively, Gupo Mountain Sanjie Story Forest Hot Spring Retreat offers private villas, each with its own hot spring.

• Nearby Attractions: Visit Guangzhou Chimelong Resort for its themed parks or Guilin's Elephant Trunk Hill to see the iconic elephant-shaped rock formation.

Yantai Travel Guide

• Must-Visit Attractions: Penglai Pavilion is the birthplace of the "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" legend. Penglai Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea International Tourism Resort offers beautiful scenery. Changdao Island is perfect for sunrise and sunset views over the Yellow and Bohai Seas. Yantai Mountain Scenic Area showcases coastal views and the city skyline. Changyu Wine Culture Museum delves into wine culture.

• Itinerary: For a cultural route, visit Yantai City Museum and Yantai Mountain Scenic Area. For a romantic island getaway, head to Yangma Island, stopping at beaches and Zhang Island, then visit Muping Xiguan Night Market in the evening. A wine-themed stroll could include Changyu Wine Culture Museum and Anuo Winery.

• Food Recommendations: Try fresh seafood at Wangjiao Seafood Village. Penglai Chun is a time-honored Shandong cuisine restaurant, while 8 Fresh Penglai Noodles serves delicious fish-broth noodles.

Yangzhou Travel Guide

• Must-Visit Attractions: Slender West Lake is synonymous with Yangzhou, featuring attractions like Shibi Liucong and Five Pavilions Bridge. Ge Garden is famed for its seasonal rockeries, while He Garden blends Chinese and Western styles. The China Grand Canal Museum explores canal culture.

• Accommodation Recommendations: For luxury stays, consider Yangzhou Slender West Lake Hot Spring Resort by the lake. Yangzhou Slender West Lake Blossom Hill Hotel offers a scenic setting with family and pet-friendly amenities.

• Food Recommendations: Quyuan Teahouse lets you dine amid classical gardens. Yechun Teahouse is a century-old Huaiyang cuisine restaurant by the river. Jiangjiaqiao Dumpling Noodle Shop serves shrimp roe dumpling noodles bursting with flavor.