No need to rush, no need for frantic sightseeing—just sleep in, take it slow, wander, eat, and zone out. These hidden gem small towns are all accessible by high-speed rail and are perfect for a 3-day getaway to heal the exhaustion of daily life.
📍Gaoyou, Jiangsu | A bustling water town by the Grand Canal
🚄Transport: High-speed rail to Gaoyou Station, then a quick taxi ride to the old town
A peaceful little town hidden along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the hometown of writer Wang Zengqi. It’s free from the hustle and bustle, with a slow-paced, old-town atmosphere everywhere you look.
🗓️3-day relaxed itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and settle in, then head straight to the Wang Zengqi Memorial Hall to experience the daily life of a water town through his writing. In the evening, stroll along Nanmen Street, browse local shops, try street snacks, and soak in the old-town vibes.
Day 2: Sleep in, then visit Yucheng Post, one of the best-preserved ancient post stations in China. Climb Wenyou Terrace for a view of the canal, then head to Zhenguo Temple to see the ancient pagoda standing quietly in the middle of the lake and just relax.
Day 3: Take a walk by Gaoyou Lake and wait for the stunning canal sunset. Enjoy an authentic Gaoyou meal, pick up some salted duck eggs as souvenirs, and head home feeling refreshed.
🍜Must-eats: Gaoyou salted duck eggs, Yangchun noodles, Pubao meat, Wang tofu
📍Shitang, Zhejiang | Colorful fishing village by the East China Sea
🚄Transport: High-speed rail to Wenling Station, then take a taxi to Shitang Town
A seaside town facing the ocean, filled with stone houses and a vibrant, colorful fishing village atmosphere. Fall asleep to the sound of the sea, watch the sunrise and sunset—the perfect place to just lie back and relax.
🗓️3-day relaxed itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and check into a stone house homestay. Visit the colorful Xiaoruo Village, where the macaron-colored houses are perfect for photos. Stroll along the coastal greenway and wait for the "orange sea" sunset.
Day 2: Wake up naturally, climb the Duijie Viewing Platform for a bird's-eye view of the entire bay and mountains. Wander around Golden Beach, dig your toes in the sand, and enjoy the sea breeze—doing nothing is just as good.
Day 3: Head to Shuguang Park to see the first light of dawn on the Chinese mainland. Walk through the old fishing port streets, enjoy fresh seafood, and head home with memories of the ocean.
🍤Must-eats: Fresh seafood, seafood noodles, local fisherman snacks
📍Xiapu, Fujian | A slow-paced seaside city of light and shadow
🚄Transport: High-speed rail to Xiapu Station, then take a taxi to Dongbi Village
A town beloved by countless photographers, where the mudflats change with the light and shadow. Mountains and sea embrace each other, and the village is built right on the cliffside—you can see the ocean just by opening your window.
🗓️3-day relaxed itinerary
Day 1: Check into a homestay in Dongbi Village, stroll along the coastal boardwalk, and wait for a breathtaking seaside sunset.
Day 2: Wake up early to watch the sunrise at Huazhu, then walk along the mudflats to see the stunning scenes shaped by the changing tides. No need to rush—when you're tired, just sit in a seaside cafe and watch the ocean.
Day 3: Visit the sea caves at Xiawei Island, explore the quiet She ethnic minority villages, taste the delicious gifts of the mountains and sea, and end your trip at a leisurely pace.
🦞Must-eats: Stir-fried seafood noodles, large yellow croaker, small mudflat seafood
📍Taining, Jiangxi | A slow-paced ancient town of Danxia landscapes
🚄Transport: High-speed rail to Taining Station, then a 10-minute taxi ride to the ancient town
A niche little town hidden in northern Fujian, surrounded by Danxia landscapes. The ancient town is quiet and leisurely, with affordable prices and few crowds—perfect for escaping the burnout of city life.
🗓️3-day relaxed itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and check into an ancient town homestay. Spend the evening wandering through Taining Ancient Street, browsing the old streets, eating local snacks, and soaking in the quiet night of the small town.
Day 2: No need to wake up early. Take a boat tour of Dajin Lake to see the unique Danxia landscapes—it's a relaxing way to sightsee without the need for strenuous hiking. In the afternoon, head back to the ancient town, find a small shop, and just drink tea and zone out.
Day 3: Visit the local market to pick out some mountain specialties, wander through the old town alleys at your own pace, and head home in the afternoon.
🥘Must-eats: Dajin Lake organic fish, Biyu rolls, Nuangu buns, stewed pork with bamboo shoots
✨Travel thoughts
Traveling doesn't always mean rushing to check off every single attraction. These small towns are all accessible by high-speed rail, saving you from long, tiring journeys. Spend 3 days letting the sea breeze, old streets, food, and quiet moments be your guide. No need to rush your itinerary—that's what makes for the most comfortable vacation.