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.