Looking for a quick weekend escape? Depart Friday afternoon, explore a nearby city, stroll through small attractions, watch the sunset, try local food, and return by Sunday afternoon. These cities are mostly accessible by high-speed rail, making it possible to enjoy a full weekend trip without rushing.
1. Lishui, Zhejiang
Lishui offers stunning mountains, rivers, and Jiangnan-style ancient villages. High-speed trains make it easy to reach from surrounding provinces. Jinyun Xiandu is close to the city center, while Zhutan Mountain, Yandang Book House, and Yandang No.2 Pit are must-visits.
No need to go to Yunnan or Guizhou to see mountain terraces. The Yunhe terraced fields are breathtaking in summer, with green rice paddies and morning cloud seas. Ancient Camphor trees at Guyan Huaxiang create an instant green paradise.
2. Mile, Yunnan
Just 1.5 hours by train from Kunming, Mile in Honghe Prefecture has plenty of attractions and a climate ideal for short stays. Stay near Huoquan Ecological Park or Honghe Water Town and enjoy hot springs.
Jinping Mountain offers tranquil meditation experiences and a giant Mile Buddha statue. Dianxi River Wetland Park is free to enter, peaceful, and uncrowded. Dongfeng Yun’s Kaleidoscope art installation and summer flower fields are perfect for photos. Taiping Lake Forest Park features cozy wooden cabins for overnight stays. Don’t miss the local specialty — marinated chicken rice noodles.
3. Xingyi, Guizhou
Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport connects multiple cities. The nearest high-speed rail station is Panzhou, with buses or car transfers to Xingyi. High-speed rail access is expected by year-end.
The city is small but charming, surrounded by karst landscapes and over 6,000 acres of rice fields dotted with Buyi villages. Cycle along scenic trails and admire the Wanfenglin mountains. Malin River Canyon’s waterfalls are spectacular during the rainy season. Climb Jilong Fort on Wanfeng Lake for panoramic views.
4. Chizhou, Anhui
Located south of the Yangtze River, Chizhou is high-speed rail accessible.
Ping Tian Lake offers beautiful water views. Climb Wanglou Tower for a city panorama, or take a boat to Lianhua Terrace. Many attractions are reachable by car. Nuo Xian Town preserves ancient charm with Qing-style tile and stone walls, and night Nuo opera performances are rare elsewhere.
For nature lovers, visit Shitai Guniujiang, called the “Little Jiuzhaigou of Southern Anhui,” featuring waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. Mount Jiuhua, one of China’s four famous Buddhist mountains, is also nearby.
5. Kaiping, Guangdong
Kaiping is a famous overseas Chinese town, home to over 1,800 diaolou (fortified towers) blending Western and Lingnan architecture. A two-day weekend trip lets you explore these towers and stroll through old streets with cobblestone paths and weathered brick walls, evoking a century-old charm.
6. Rizhao, Shandong
Rizhao is a clean, seaside city reachable by high-speed train. The coastal boardwalk stretches along cliffs and emerald waves, perfect for walking or photography.
Visit the lighthouse early for sunrise; summer mornings start at 4 a.m. Nearby reefs reveal heart-shaped rock formations at low tide. Wanpingkou No.1 Gate features golden beaches and a sea post office with a blessing bell. Sunshine Coast offers multiple photo spots, and Dongyi Town combines ancient architecture with local seafood delicacies, offering a unique seaside cultural experience.
References:
- Local travel guides and tourism boards, 2023–2024.
- High-speed rail schedules and accessibility information.
