Lazy Traveler's Guide to 4 Laid-back Cities Accessible by High-Speed Rail

1. Luoyang, Henan
- Transport: 40-minute high-speed rail from Zhengzhou.
- Attractions:
- Wangcheng Park: Peonies bloom like a colorful carpet in April.
- Longmen Grottoes: Golden light pierces through the caves at 4 PM for breathtaking views.
- Luoyi Ancient City: Experience the charm of an ancient capital.
- Food: Bu Fan Soup, Jiang Noodles, Guotie (pan-fried dumplings), Peony Yan Cai.
- Accommodation: Stay near Cross Street in the old town for vibrant local life.
- Unique Experience: Enjoy a full Yu Opera performance for ¥5 at old-town teahouses, or rent Hanfu with makeup for ¥49.
- Tip: Avoid holidays for a quieter ancient capital vibe.

2. Weishan, Yunnan
- Transport: High-speed rail to Weishan Station.
- Attractions:
- Weishan Ancient Town: Stroll through the town and feel the ancient Nanzhao charm.
- Gongchen Gate: Sip ¥2 papaya vinegar under the gate tower and try Bai ethnic grandma's candied fruits.
- Wen Temple: Sunbathe while watching diabolo performances.
- Food: Pa Rou Er Si (rice noodles with tender meat), Green Bean Cakes, Candied Carved Plums.
- Accommodation: Stay in old courtyard guesthouses by the ancient walls, some offer free Hanfu.
- Unique Experience: Visit the Saturday morning market at Nanzha Gate, where mushrooms are sold by the pile.
- Tip: Carry cash—some old shops only accept bills.

3. Qingtian, Zhejiang
- Transport: High-speed rail to Qingtian Station.
- Attractions:
- Linjiang East Road Café Cluster: Sip ¥5 espresso with ¥10/3 Jinyun Baked Cakes while watching Ou River boats.
- Longjin Park: Unlimited ¥3 tea refills under century-old camphor trees.
- Food: Shan Fen Jiao (sweet potato dumplings), Fried Rice Noodles with Dried Field Fish, Ham and Duck Stew.
- Accommodation: Choose riverside guesthouses converted from old houses for the sound of flowing water at night.
- Unique Experience: Hunt for affordable wines at the Overseas Chinese Imported Goods Mall, with discounts in underground warehouses.
- Tip: Buy whole Iberian ham at Qingtian Market—they’ll slice it for you.

4. Pingnan, Fujian
- Transport: High-speed rail to Ningde Station, then a 1.5-hour bus ride.
- Attractions:
- Baishuiyang Shallow Water Plaza: Wade through streams on billion-year-old volcanic rocks.
- Jitou Ancient Village: Admire Ming-Qing stone archways and soak in the village’s charm.
- Wan’an Bridge: Sit quietly at sunset to admire the wooden arched bridge’s play of light.
- Food: Mi Shao Tu (rabbit with Pingnan rice wine), Sweet Potato Noodles, Bitter Melon and Rib Soup.
- Accommodation: Book ancient village stays 3 days ahead—some B&Bs offer free Hanfu.
- Unique Experience: Visit Longtanli Art Village, where a bookstore-café in a repurposed granary overlooks bamboo forests.
- Tip: Wear anti-slip shoes for Pingnan’s mountainous terrain.