Four Unique Cities Perfect for Spontaneous Solo Trips This Summer Vacation
Summer Vacation Solo Travel for Girls | Complete Guide to Jiangsu + Jiangxi + Sichuan + Guizhou 🌿
This summer, I decided to give myself a spontaneous trip, packing the gentleness of Jiangsu, the elegance of Jiangxi, the passion of Sichuan, and the mysterious realms of Guizhou into my backpack. Here’s a super detailed guide so girls traveling alone can easily manage~
Jiangsu: The Gentle Trap of Water-Embraced Jiangnan 🏮
• Accommodation Recommendations: Guesthouses near Pingjiang Road in Suzhou or Confucius Temple in Nanjing, convenient transportation and strong sense of security, perfect for pleasant evening strolls.
• Must-Visit Attractions:
◦ Suzhou Zhuozheng Garden: Enter early morning to avoid crowds, see pavilions and towers reflected in lotus ponds, and experience the Jiangnan aesthetic of “changing scenery with every step” 🌿
◦ Nanjing Qinhuai River: Night tour of Confucius Temple, take a painted boat to see lanterns shining on both banks, and listen to boatwomen sing Jiangnan folk tunes 🚢
◦ Wuxi Taihu Lake Yuantouzhu: Lotus flowers are in full bloom during summer, stroll along the lake to admire the lush lotus leaves, and watch the sunset turn the lake golden in the evening 🌇
• Food List: Nanjing duck blood vermicelli soup, Suzhou squirrel mandarin fish, Wuxi braised pork ribs. Look for old local shops in residential areas for authentic and cost-effective meals.
• Tips for Girls: Jiangnan is rainy, carry a foldable umbrella; many alleys, so ask locals for directions rather than relying solely on navigation apps~
Jiangxi: A Healing Journey Among Mountains and Waters 🏞️
• Accommodation Recommendations: Hotels near Tengwang Pavilion in Nanchang (transport hub), Taoxichuan guesthouses in Jingdezhen (artistic atmosphere, good security).
• Must-Visit Attractions:
◦ Lushan Mountain: Take a sightseeing bus to Hanpoukou to see the sea of clouds, walk the plank road at Sandiequan Waterfall (wear non-slip shoes!), and watch the sunset at Ruqin Lake for a super healing experience 🌈
◦ Taoxichuan in Jingdezhen: Visit the ceramics museum during the day to learn pottery throwing, watch the old factory light show at night, and find unique items in creative shops 🏺
◦ Huangling in Wuyuan: Although the autumn drying scenery isn’t here yet, the summer terraced fields are lush and green. Take the cable car to overlook the layered tea gardens—every photo is wallpaper-worthy 🌱
• Food List: Clay pot soup, fried rice noodles, three-cup chicken. Jiangxi cuisine is spicy; if you can’t eat spicy, be sure to say “no spice” in advance~
• Tips for Girls: Big temperature differences in the mountains, bring a light jacket; many mountain paths in scenic areas, comfortable sports shoes are important.
Sichuan: A Treasure Land of Spicy Heat and Tenderness 🌶️
• Accommodation Recommendations: Chain hotels near Chunxi Road in Chengdu (city center with strong security), guesthouses at Jiuzhaigou entrance (convenient for next-day entry).
• Must-Visit Attractions:
◦ Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Arrive before 7 a.m.! Watch Huahua and her friends eat breakfast and roll around, absolutely adorable 🐼
◦ Jiuzhaigou: Take sightseeing buses to Five Flower Lake and Long Lake, watch the water change colors with the light, and listen to streams and birdsong while walking the plank roads—so healing 🌊
◦ Dujiangyan: Witness the awe-inspiring ancient irrigation project, enjoy the evening breeze by the Min River at Nanqiao Bridge, and have a bowl of ice jelly for ultimate comfort 🌬️
• Food List: Chengdu hotpot (try the yuan yang pot with two flavors), Leshan boiled chicken on skewers, ice jelly. Recommended to visit night markets in residential areas—lively and safe.
• Tips for Girls: Jiuzhaigou is at a higher altitude, avoid strenuous exercise; Chengdu’s subway is well-developed, return to the hotel before 10 p.m. for safety.
Guizhou: A Cool Summer in a Secret Realm 🌿
• Accommodation Recommendations: Hotels near Jiaxiu Tower in Guiyang (city center), Jiangjing guesthouses in Zhenyuan Ancient Town (waterfront living, very quiet at night).
• Must-Visit Attractions:
◦ Huangguoshu Waterfall: Wear a raincoat to walk through the Water Curtain Cave, feel the shock of “a waterfall plunging three thousand feet,” and see double rainbows on sunny days 🌈
◦ Libo Xiaoqikong: Take the park shuttle to Wolong Pool and Mandarin Duck Lake, walk the stone forest plank road, with crystal-clear streams perfect for cooling off in summer 👣
◦ Zhenyuan Ancient Town: Morning stroll along Wuyang River, watch the mist drift over the bluestone paths, and in the evening enjoy sour fish soup by the river while watching lanterns light up 🏮
• Food List: Sour fish soup, silk rolls, spicy intestine noodles. Guizhou’s sour soup is very appetizing; if you can’t eat sour, ask for less litsea cubeba oil.
• Tips for Girls: Strong UV rays in the mountains, sunscreen and hats are a must; some scenic spots require transfers, check the last bus times in advance.
General Solo Travel Reminders ✨
1. Save local emergency numbers and hotel addresses on your phone in advance (screenshot and save in case of no internet)
2. Check in with family daily and share real-time location for peace of mind
3. Bring a small backpack for essentials, keep valuables out of sight
4. Trust your instincts and leave uncomfortable situations promptly
This summer, seeing mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas alone is also a kind of romance~ Wishing all girls a wonderful journey that belongs to themselves!