Direct high-speed rail! Niche cities for a relaxing 3-day stay, uncrowded and healing
Tired of crowded popular cities and overpriced attractions? We've compiled 5 less-known small cities, each with unique scenery and style, reachable by high-speed rail within 1.5 hours. No need for long-distance self-driving; they have few tourists and reasonable prices. Enjoy leisurely 3-day, 2-night strolls, perfect for office workers seeking a short getaway to relax, and for culture enthusiasts to explore peacefully.
① Qingyang, Gansu | Loess canyons, Northern Wei grottoes, and agricultural culture ⛰️
🚄 High-speed rail information
High-speed rail from Xi'an West Station directly to Qingyang West Station, about 1 hour, second-class ticket price around CNY 110. Buses from the high-speed rail station go directly to Xifeng urban area, or a taxi to the city center takes only 20 minutes.
📍 City features: Loess Plateau landscape, Northern Wei grottoes + Longdong agricultural culture, desolate and tranquil, a niche cultural destination in the Northwest.
📌 Core attractions
Beishiku Temple (low ticket price, Northern Wei grotto relics), Puhe Loess Grand Canyon, Zhouzu Mausoleum, Nanchenghao Old City streets, all city parks are free.
🍜 Authentic local snacks
Huanxian lamb hegele, buckwheat flour jiaotuan, tangyougao, local hot pot. Night market snacks cost about CNY 30 per person for a full meal.
🗓️ Relaxed 3-day, 2-night itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and check into Xifeng urban area. In the afternoon, stroll along Nanchenghao Old Street. In the evening, visit the night market to experience local life.
Day 2: Visit Beishiku Temple. In the afternoon, head to Puhe Loess Grand Canyon and walk along the gentle trails to admire the loess river valley landscape.
Day 3: Stroll through Zhouzu Mausoleum Forest Park. On the way, visit local intangible cultural heritage sachet shops. Rest in the afternoon before returning.
② Suizhou, Hubei | Dahongshan mountains and rivers, Emperor Yan's chime bells ancient culture 🌿
🚄 High-speed rail information
High-speed rail from Wuhan Station directly to Suizhou South Station, reachable in half an hour, second-class ticket price around CNY 40. Tourist special line buses from the station go directly to the city center, or a taxi takes 15 minutes.
📍 City features: Chu-north mountain and river scenery, Zeng Houyi chime bells, hometown of Emperor Yan, rich ancient historical heritage.
📌 Core attractions
Suizhou Museum (free reservation, replica chime bell exhibits), Hometown of Emperor Yan, gentle sightseeing route in Dahongshan, Caodianzi Ancient Street.
🍜 Authentic local snacks
Guaizi rice, masubing, paopaocai, sanxian hot pot. Old shops in residential areas offer great value.
🗓️ Relaxed 3-day, 2-night itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and check into the city center. In the afternoon, visit Suizhou Museum. In the evening, stroll along Caodianzi Ancient Street and walk slowly along the shores of Baiyun Lake.
Day 2: Enjoy a gentle tour of the Hometown of Emperor Yan, saving effort by taking the scenic shuttle. In the afternoon, head to Dahongshan for a relaxing walk along the gentle boardwalks to breathe fresh air.
Day 3: Stroll through the old city streets, try local breakfast, and return after a free rest.
③ Xuchang, Henan | Three Kingdoms history, Shenhou Jun porcelain ancient town 🏮
🚄 High-speed rail information
High-speed rail from Zhengzhou East Station directly to Xuchang East Station, 28 minutes, second-class ticket price CNY 35. City buses cover major points. To Shenhou Ancient Town, you can take a rural shuttle bus.
📍 City features: Cao Wei Three Kingdoms culture, birthplace of millennium-old Jun porcelain, a niche cultural city in Central Plains with low commercialization.
📌 Core attractions
Cao Wei Ancient City (free), Xuchang Museum (free), Shenhou Ancient Town (old streets are free to open), Chunqiu Tower.
🍜 Authentic local snacks
Wangluo braised pig trotters, Zhangdi lamb soup, Xiangxian stewed noodles, Yuzhou menzi, hulatang with youmoutou.
🗓️ Relaxed 3-day, 2-night itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and check into the city center. In the afternoon, slowly explore Cao Wei Ancient City and walk along the moat. Have dinner in the old city in the evening.
Day 2: Spend the whole day at Shenhou Ancient Town, exploring the ancient kiln streets. Optionally, experience Jun porcelain hand-throwing. Return to the city center in the evening.
Day 3: Learn about Cao Wei history at Xuchang Museum. Enjoy leisurely shopping and eating in the city streets. Return in the afternoon.
④ Xiaogan, Hubei | Hometown of filial piety culture, mountain forests, flower seas, and water town ancient streets 💧
🚄 High-speed rail information
High-speed rail from Wuhan directly to Xiaogan East Station, fastest 25 minutes, second-class ticket price CNY 30. Buses connect major city parks, making travel costs low.
📍 City features: Birthplace of Dong Yong's filial piety culture, featuring gentle mountain forests, lake flower seas, and Jiangnan-style water town ancient streets.
📌 Core attractions
Dong Yong Park (free), Xiaogan Museum (free), Mengli Water Town Ancient Street, Guanyin Lake lakeside trail. No high-intensity hiking routes.
🍜 Authentic local snacks
Hutang rice wine, Pengjiawan beef noodles, Xiaogan matang, doupi, crab leg noodles.
🗓️ Relaxed 3-day, 2-night itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and check into Xiaonan District. In the afternoon, stroll through Dong Yong Park and visit the filial piety culture relief sculptures. In the evening, explore and eat at Huaiyin Night Market.
Day 2: Stroll through Mengli Water Town Ancient Street, take photos on the gentle stone bridges and water alleys. In the afternoon, head to Guanyin Lake for a slow walk around the lake.
Day 3: Enjoy a peaceful visit to Xiaogan Museum. Try authentic breakfast in the old city. Return after free arrangements.
⑤ Yunmeng, Hubei | Shuihudi Qin bamboo slips, ancient Chu culture water town 📜
🚄 High-speed rail information
High-speed rail from Wuhan directly to Yunmeng East Station, about 30 minutes, second-class ticket price CNY 32. County buses start at CNY 1, and short taxi rides are very affordable.
📍 City features: Heart of ancient Yunmengze, site where Shuihudi Qin bamboo slips were unearthed, a niche Chu culture water town, quiet with few people.
📌 Core attractions
Xiangshan Museum (free, Qin bamboo slips exhibition area), Chu King City Ruins Park (free), Mengze Lake Wetland Park, Xiangyunwan Water Town District.
🍜 Authentic local snacks
Yunmeng fish noodles, steamed buns, shazi mo, stir-fried white flower vegetables, osmanthus rice wine.
🗓️ Relaxed 3-day, 2-night itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and check into the county town. In the afternoon, visit Xiangshan Museum to see exhibits related to the Qin bamboo slips. In the evening, wait for the sunset at Chu King City Ruins.
Day 2: Stroll around Mengze Lake. In the afternoon, slowly explore Xiangyunwan Water Town District, enjoying the water alley scenery.
Day 3: Try special breakfast on Ruxue Old Street. Relax on the wetland trail. Return at an appropriate time.
These 5 small cities offer five completely different landscapes, without crowded throngs or high-intensity hiking.
They are perfect for solo getaways on weekends or short holidays, or for culture enthusiasts on short trips, offering a free pace and affordable food and accommodation.
We recommend saving this to avoid popular crowded cities and plan a quiet, healing, short slow trip.
city short trip rail 3-day tour treasure small city slow travel