Budget-Friendly Travel Guide: 4 Lesser-Known Cities Accessible by High-Speed Rail

Zhengzhou

• Attractions: Must-visit Henan Museum showcases rich collections reflecting Central Plains' long history. Only in Henan - Theater Fantasy City offers an immersive theatrical experience. For family trips, visit Zhengzhou Yinji Animal Kingdom and Zhengzhou Fantawild Adventure. Free attractions include Erqi Memorial Tower and Erqi Square.

• Food: Try Fang Zhongshan's signature spicy soup, He Ji's stewed noodles, Ge Ji's heritage steamed buns, plus authentic Henan cuisine at Chengqianggen Teahouse and Master Cheng's Song Dynasty Restaurant.

• Accommodation: Luxury options include InterContinental Zhengzhou; for design-focused stays, try THE GRAND HOUSE.

Xuzhou

• Attractions: Must-visit sites include Guishan Han Tomb, Xuzhou Museum, and Xuzhou Han Culture Scenic Area. Families can enjoy Xuzhou Fantawild. The free Yunlong Lake Tourism Area offers beautiful scenery and historical sites like Xima Platform.

• Food: Try Northern Jiangsu cuisine at Dazhang Pancake Village, the famous Fangfang BBQ, and local specialties like Ta Tang at Mashijie Food Shop and spicy soup at Lianglaifeng.

• Accommodation: Luxury options include Hyatt Regency Xuzhou. For families, try New Century Grand Hotel Xuzhou. For scenic views, consider Primus Hotel Xuzhou.

Handan

• Attractions: Must-visit sites include Guangfu Ancient City, Wahuang Palace, and Xiangtang Mountain Scenic Area. Families can enjoy Handan Fantawild Theme Park. Free attractions include Congtai Park and Handan Museum.

• Accommodation: Luxury options include Wyndham Handan Congtai, upscale choices include Hampton by Hilton Handan Congtai, and comfortable stays at Yingting Smart Hotel.

Guiyang

• Attractions: Jiaxiu Tower is Guiyang's landmark; Qingyan Ancient Town preserves Tunbao and Qian merchant culture; Qianling Park is known for its monkeys. Natural attractions include Tianhe Pool and Nanjiang Grand Canyon.

• Food: Try the distinctive Old Kaili Sour Fish Soup, Huaxi Wang's Beef Rice Noodles, Nanmenkou Intestine Rice Noodles, and Yang Auntie's Si Wawa.

• Accommodation: Choose hotels in the city center for convenient transportation, such as Sofitel Guiyang Hunter, or stay in characteristic guesthouses near Qingyan Ancient Town to experience the historic atmosphere.