Who knows, family! After getting my shoes stepped on and stomped off in Suzhou and Hangzhou last year, I decided to head to a lesser-known, traditional Chinese city this year—and stumbled upon a treasure! Without the hustle and bustle of influencers, it hides authentic fireworks and poetic charm. Every frame feels like an ancient painting come alive. ✨
🌊 Lanxi, Zhejiang | The Overlooked Premier of Jiangnan Fireworks
Think Suzhou and Hangzhou are the end of Jiangnan? Lanxi's got you covered! This small town hidden in Jinhua feels like time has slowed down, and crucially, there aren't many tourists. 🤫
Three must-see treasures:
• Youbu Ancient Town: Get up early for morning tea to make your trip worthwhile! The clatter of enamel cups in the old teahouses complements the perfectly cooked chicken buns, the crust so crisp it falls apart, and the eggy liquid oozes out the instant you bite into them. 🤤 The barber shops and old pharmacies along the street give you the feel of a period drama.
• Zhuge Bagua Village: Walking inside is like walking through a maze! The entire village is laid out according to the Bagua formation, with white walls and black tiles hidden in the greenery. The wood carvings in the ancestral hall are more exquisite than a museum. Watching the sunset by the lotus pond in the evening, you'll feel like you've been transported back to the Three Kingdoms period.
• Underground River: The moment you enter the cave by boat will leave you speechless! Stalactites glow like crystal chandeliers under the light. The boatman gently paddles, the sound of water echoes through the cave, and the cool breeze instantly sobers you up.
A blind food pick that won't disappoint: Lanxi beef noodles are piled high with toppings, salty glutinous rice balls bursting with fresh meaty broth, and there are those strange-sounding meat sinkers. The egg-wrapped pork combo is so delicious you'll want to lick the bowl!
🌿 Hubei · Lichuan | A 22℃ summer escape
While Wuhan and Chongqing are melting with heat, the people of Lichuan are munching on watermelon under their thin blankets! The Wuling Mountains, with an average altitude of 1,000 meters, offer the most relaxing ways to enjoy summer ❄️
Explore the mountains and waters with a unique twist:
• Tenglong Cave: Asia's largest karst cave, no exaggeration! The entrance is large enough to accommodate a helicopter, and the temperature inside is a constant 18°C. When you're tired, you can enjoy a laser show and Tujia folk dances, bringing a refreshing coolness from your feet to your head.
• Qiyue Mountain: A must-see alpine meadow for children from southern China! Windmills whirl amidst the blue sky, and the wind fills your clothes as you gallop on horseback. Every photo is a desktop-worthy sight.
• Sumadang: Known as "China's most beautiful small place," it boasts mountains covered in wildflowers and a clifftop viewing platform. The morning mist shrouds the forest like a veil, and your very breath is filled with the fragrance of grass and trees.
A delicious treat: The cured pig's trotter hotpot is a must! The pig's trotters, smoked with pine and cypress branches, are stewed to a tender tenderness, while the alpine potato flour, soaked in the broth, is glutinous and flavorful. Paired with a bowl of soybean-based mixed rice, it's a simple yet heartwarming dish.
🏔️ Bijie, Guizhou | A magical wonderland of karst landscapes
Who says you have to go to Guilin to see the natural wonders of Bijie? Bijie's karst wonders are simply breathtakingly beautiful! Cool and relaxing, perfect for those looking to escape the pressures of life and recharge 🔋
Must-see natural wonders:
• Zhijin Cave: A true "ceiling of karst caves"! Its 17-story-high stalactites resemble a divine palace, with lifelike figures like the "Overlord Helmet" and "Silver Rain Tree." As you sail through the underground river, the lights reflect off the water, making it shimmer.
• Jiudongtian: A breathtaking boat ride beneath nine skylights! Sunlight filters through the cave entrances into the underground river, creating a constant play of light and shadow on the stalactites. The boatman says it's even more breathtaking on rainy days, with waterfalls cascading through the skylights resembling a water curtain cave.
• Shexiang Ancient Town: A sea of flower terraces hidden in the mountains! Colorful floral ribbons cascade into a vast canvas. Rent a Yi costume for a photo op, a red dress against a sea of flowers, and your social media feed will instantly be filled with requests for your address.
Foodie must-try list: Lin Ji's bean glutinous rice dumpling hotpot is incredibly delicious, and the hot oil pan-fried pot is smeared with a secret sauce, paired with a bowl of ice jelly to break the greasiness. The sour, spicy, and fragrant flavors of Guizhou cuisine will captivate your taste buds.
🖼️ Anhui · Chaji | A picturesque village 10 times quieter than Hongcun
Forget the crowds of Hongcun! Chaji, an ancient village hidden at the foot of Mount Huangshan, is restrained even in its commercialization. Whitewashed walls and black tiles reflect the flowing stream, making it feel like stepping into a watercolor painting. 🎨
Unlock slow travel:
• Chaji Ancient Street: The bluestone pavement is polished to a shine by time. The wooden doors of old houses are ajar, and the carved wood windows retain the ingenuity of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Uninterrupted by the sounds of hawkers, just the gurgling stream and the barking of roosters and dogs, sitting on the stone steps and daydreaming is truly relaxing.
• Rainbow Bridge: Breathtakingly beautiful in the early morning mist! The ancient bridge spans the stream, its arches reflected in the water, forming a circular pattern. Villagers walking past, leading their cattle, their clothes drenched in dew, create stunning photos of ancient charm.
• Degong Hall: A "woodcarving museum" hidden deep within the ancient village! The dragon, phoenix, flower, and bird carvings on the beams are lifelike. Sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows onto the ground creates a dappled pattern of light and shadow, resembling a flowing painting.
A delightful surprise: The freshly baked Chaji rice crust is a must-try! Dipping the crispy rice crust in the delicious chicken broth is a mouthful of flavor. The golden fried hairy tofu dipped in chili sauce is irresistible. The braised pork with dried bamboo shoots is savory and flavorful, perfect with rice.
✨ Pitfalls & Tips Summary
1. Transportation: All four cities are connected by high-speed rail, making local taxis inexpensive. Walking through the ancient town is recommended for even more discoveries.
2. Accommodation: Choose a B&B in an old house near the ancient town. You can fall asleep to the sounds of insects or the gurgling water of a stream at night, making it a great value.
3. Outfit: Light-colored Hanfu (Chinese traditional clothing) or cotton and linen skirts are super photogenic. Mountain areas can be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so remember to bring a light jacket.
4. Reminder: Respect local customs in ethnic minority areas. Caves and ancient villages have many steps, so wear non-slip shoes!
I really advise everyone to stop sticking to Suzhou and Hangzhou! These less crowded towns offer more authentic landscapes, poetic scenery, and local life. Next time someone asks you where to go, just share this post with them 👇
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