Escape from Tianjin in April|4 underrated small cities just 2 hours away by high-speed train, perfect for weekend relaxation enthusiasts!
The April winds in Tianjin are still "crazy," blowing your hairline back and making you irritable! As a hardworking person, I decisively packed my bag and ran away, choosing 4 hidden gem cities reachable within 2 hours by high-speed train. Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and affordable prices—after visiting, even the coffee at my desk tastes better!
🚄💨First stop: Baoding|The underrated "Back Garden of Southern Beijing"
🏯😌 Who understands! Baoding is truly perfect for those wanting peace and quiet! Departing from Tianjin West, the high-speed train takes just 1.5 hours to arrive. As soon as you exit the station, you can smell the aroma of donkey meat sandwiches, instantly healing travel fatigue!
🍖🔥Must eat: Freshly baked donkey meat sandwiches are flaky and crumbly, with a perfect mix of lean and fatty donkey meat wrapped in a crispy shell. Pair it with a bowl of millet porridge, and the happiness level instantly soars! Don’t look for trendy shops; just pop into any old couple-run shop in the alleys—the taste easily beats chain stores!
🏯🌸Must visit: The red walls and gray tiles of the Zhili Governor’s Office are incredibly photogenic! Ancient cypresses sprout new buds in spring, sunlight filters through the leaves onto the mottled plaques, and every snapshot looks like a classical Chinese painting! Also, the Ancient Lotus Pond, although lotus flowers haven’t bloomed in April, with pavilions, bridges, and flowing water, strolling here feels like stepping into a Jiangnan garden, and even the breeze becomes gentle~
💡💸Tips: Choose a guesthouse in the old town; for just over 100 yuan, you can stay in a house with a small courtyard. After shopping at night, sit in the courtyard and enjoy the breeze—it even cures insomnia!
🚄💨Second stop: Cangzhou|Slow life in the "Martial Arts Hometown"
⚔️🍵 Don’t think Cangzhou is just about martial arts! The springtime local life here is the real soul! The high-speed train takes 1.8 hours, and as soon as you get off, the aroma of mutton soup on the street will dazzle you!
🍲🥟Must eat: Mutton intestine soup is a must! The milky broth is thick and rich, sprinkled with cilantro and chili oil, warming your stomach with every sip! Also, Huanghua baked flatbread, freshly baked with a crispy outside and soft inside, stuffed with pickles or donkey meat—you can eat three in a row without getting tired!
🏯🌳Must visit: The Cangzhou Iron Lion is truly stunning! This thousand-year-old cast iron giant stands quietly, with weathered patterns hiding stories of time. Standing before it, your troubles instantly feel tiny! Also, the Grand Canal Museum lets you understand the changes along the canal’s bustling life. In the evening, stroll along the canal, feel the river breeze, watch the sunset—the atmosphere is perfect!
💡🚶Tips: Don’t rush your itinerary! The joy of Cangzhou is taking it slow: have a bowl of mutton soup in the morning, visit historic sites in the afternoon, and find a small bar at night to chat with locals. It’s 100 times more comfortable than squeezing into popular tourist spots!
🚄💨Third stop: Dezhou|The "Sunny Small City" with more than just braised chicken
🐔🌞 Only think of braised chicken when you hear Dezhou? Big mistake! The spring sunshine and canal scenery here are the hidden gems! The high-speed train takes 1.2 hours, and stepping off the train, you can feel the full warmth of the sun!
🍗🍵Must eat: Freshly cooked braised chicken must be hand-shredded! Crispy skin and tender meat, even the bones are flavorful. Pair it with a bowl of sweet millet soup, the salty and sweet blend is addictive! Don’t buy vacuum-packed ones; find an old shop making it fresh—the taste difference is huge!
🏯🌸Must visit: The tomb of King Suluwang is really off the beaten path but worth it! This exotic-style tomb is hidden among green trees, so quiet you can hear the wind rustling leaves. Visiting it reveals the ancient story of China-Philippines friendship, much more meaningful than crowded tourist spots! Also, Xinhu Park, where willows sprout green buds in April and the lake sparkles. Rent a small boat and drift slowly, bask in the sun and take a nap—it's a life-saving recharge for workers!
💡🌳Tips: Dezhou’s spring sunshine is strong, so remember to wear sunscreen! Watch the sunset at Xinhu Park in the evening, with pink and purple skies reflected on the water—every photo is a healing masterpiece!
🚄💨Fourth stop: Liaocheng|Slow time in the "Water City of Northern Jiangsu"
🌊🏯 Liaocheng really feels like Jiangnan! The high-speed train takes 2 hours, and stepping off, the sparkling blue waves of Dongchang Lake dazzle your eyes—it’s like a northern version of "Little Suzhou"!
🍜🍲Must eat: Shazhen Guata is a must-try! Crispy outside and tender inside, filled with meat or egg, pan-fried to golden crispness, bursting with juice in every bite! Also, Gaotang old tofu, as soft as tofu pudding, topped with sauce and chili oil, paired with baked flatbread—this breakfast will keep you energized all day!
🏯🌸Must visit: Guangyue Tower is incredibly photogenic! This Ming Dynasty ancient tower stands in the city center, offering a panoramic view of Dongchang Lake. The ancient city blooms with flowers in spring, red walls paired with pink blossoms—every shot looks like a classical photo! Also, the Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall, with exquisite wood and brick carvings showcasing the glory of Shanxi merchants. In the quiet courtyard, basking in the sun, time seems to slow down!
💡🚶Tips: Don’t stay in expensive hotels inside the scenic area! Guesthouses outside the ancient city offer great value. After exploring the city at night, stroll along Dongchang Lake, enjoy the evening breeze and listen to the insects—the anxiety just blows away!
✨💼Final note: No matter how strong the spring wind in Tianjin is, don’t be afraid! Pick a weekend, buy a high-speed train ticket, and hide away in these 4 underrated cities. No need to rush or take trendy photos—just relax, eat, drink, and soak up the sun. When you return, you’ll realize: what really heals hardworking people isn’t distant snowy mountains, but the everyday warmth hidden right around you~