Whether you’re a domestic or international traveler looking to unwind, the following destinations are excellent choices for a short getaway.
1. Jiangxi – Qianshan
Located in the county of Shangrao, Jiangxi, Qianshan lies at the foot of the Wuyi Mountain range, near Fujian’s Wuyishan City. In the ancient Hekou town, stay in a transformed residence from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and visit the morning market to experience the local life.
Gexian Village offers a traditional Jiangnan-style charm, surrounded by clouds and mountains during the day, and illuminated with festive lights at night. Many locals hike up Gexian Mountain, or you can take a cable car to enjoy panoramic views from the peak.
2. Yunnan – Mangshi
Mangshi is a small border town with exotic charm and delicious food. This city combines the flavors of the Dai, Jingpo, Achang, and Myanmar cultures, offering a culinary experience like no other.
Many domestic cities offer direct flights to Mangshi, or you can fly to Kunming and connect there. In Ruili, try spicy dishes like fresh crab and mixed vegetables. You can also experience a traditional Myanmar head massage to ease your travel fatigue.
Leiya Mountain’s golden and silver pagodas are landmarks offering a view of the entire city. In Mangxing Village, you’ll find many barbecue shops, which are both cheap and authentic. Enjoy a leisurely pace of life while sipping coffee from rice paddies.
3. Guangxi – Chongzuo
Chongzuo offers picturesque landscapes rivaling Guilin, featuring the largest cross-border waterfall in Asia, rural villages with gentle breezes, and accommodations nestled in karst mountains.
In August and September, the waterfalls in the canyon are at their fullest, creating more breathtaking natural scenery. The village of Mingxi has vast rice fields, and the lush bamboo surrounding the Mingxi River makes for an idyllic setting. The Detian Waterfall remains stunning year-round, where you can take a bamboo raft and enjoy the refreshing mist from the falls.
4. Shandong – Yantai
A coastal city conveniently accessible by high-speed rail, Yantai sits near the Bohai Sea. The glassy waters at Yantai’s Yangma Island are perfect for a scenic walk on the boardwalk. At sunset, the orange light reflects off the stranded whale sculpture, creating a magical scene.
Local delicacies like sea intestine rice and mackerel dumplings fill the air with mouth-watering aromas. From the pier to the golden beach, the sea breeze is refreshing. Take a boat to Changdao Island, visit the cliffs at Jiuzhangya, and collect colorful pebbles at Crescent Bay, where amber-colored waves sparkle under the sun.
5. Guizhou – Chishui
Located at the intersection of Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guizhou, Chishui is easily accessible by high-speed rail from Luzhou station. The area features pristine forests, deep valleys, and the spectacular Danxia Waterfall, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
The Chishui Waterfall is especially impressive when seen against the backdrop of the Danxia landscape. Hiking through the lush forests, you can spot ancient plants from the era of dinosaurs. At Swallow Cave, a cable car ride offers breathtaking views of the cliffs. The Si Dong Gou Scenic Area merges Danxia landscape with waterfalls, providing picturesque views.
6. Zhejiang – Fuyang
Fuyang offers classic Jiangnan villages with grey tiles and white walls, coupled with unique mountains and waters. It’s an ideal destination for a weekend road trip from surrounding cities like Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Suzhou.
Longlin Dam is a great spot for summer water activities, with water flowing like dragon scales. The ancient pavilions in the distance complete the serene landscape, almost like a traditional Jiangnan ink painting. Dongziguan Village not only has historical sites but is also home to the New Hangzhou-style architectural community along the Fuchun River.
The ancient Longmen Town, with its preserved Ming and Qing architecture, is a must-visit for history buffs. You can also enjoy a relaxing stay by the Huyuan Creek, where many camping spots await.
7. Yunnan – Qiaojia
A hidden gem in northeastern Yunnan, Qiaojia offers breathtaking views along the Jinsha River, highland meadows surrounded by mist, and sparse tourism. At 4,041 meters above sea level, Yaoshan Mountain’s cloud sea makes it feel like a fairyland. The wetlands of Mashu feature black-necked cranes, and various migratory birds can be spotted. You can also visit the White Crane Water Station to feel the awe of the massive hydropower projects up close.
