Five hidden gem towns you must visit in your lifetime, have you checked in?
🍀Traveling is a jailbreak from ordinary life. Pack your bags and head to Shaoxing, Wanning, Putian, Xichang, and Shunde to unlock off-the-beaten-path destinations and rediscover yourself.
[RoundNails] Water Town Poetry and Painting, Shaoxing
Ride a black-awning boat, weaving through Shaoxing’s ancient bridges and flowing waters, as if stepping into an ink painting. In the hometown of Lu Xun, follow the footsteps of the literary giant; at Shen Garden, feel the timeless love story of Lu You and Tang Wan. The unique rock formations of East Lake and the lively atmosphere of Anchang Ancient Town are Shaoxing’s special gifts.
[HighSpeedRail] Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Shaoxing North Station or Shaoxing East Station. Within the city, use Metro Line 1, flexible buses in Yuecheng, or ride shared bikes.
[House] Accommodation: Dayu Kaiyuan Guantang in Shaoxing, built by the river with an ancient charm; the cluster of homestays in the hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy offers carved king-size beds and riverside terraces to experience the slow life of old Shaoxing.
🍲 Food: Treasure hunt Shaoxing cuisine, must-try “Ten Bowls of Shaoxing”; street food stalls on Cangqiao Straight Street, don’t miss Wang Laohan’s stinky tofu and creamy little buns.
[RoundNails] Coastal Scenery, Wanning
Half coconut forest, half ocean, Riyue Bay in Wanning is a paradise for surfing enthusiasts and a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy road trips. The crystal-clear waters of Shimei Bay and the stunning sunsets at Shenzhou Peninsula are unforgettable.
[Airplane] Transportation: Fly into Haikou Meilan Airport or Sanya Phoenix Airport, then take a train or bus to Wanning; within the city, use buses, shared bikes, or rent a car.
[House] Accommodation: Wanning International Youth Hostel offers budget-friendly prices; homestays in Riyue Bay and Shimei Bay range from 150 to 300 RMB per night.
🍲 Food: Seafood stalls by the sea serve fresh ocean flavors; try Hainan specialties like Hainan chicken rice and coconut rice, available at Wanning Old Street night market.
[RoundNails] Mountain and Sea Mystique, Putian
Here you find the devout heritage of Mazu culture, the Zen martial spirit of Southern Shaolin Temple, and romantic island sunrises. Meizhou Island and Nanri Island are peaceful sanctuaries away from the noise.
[Airplane] Transportation: Transfer via Fuzhou Changle or Xiamen Gaoqi Airport to high-speed train to Putian Station; city buses cover widely, taxis start at 8 RMB, or rent shared electric scooters or drive yourself.
[House] Accommodation: Seaview homestays on Meizhou Island, such as Meiyu Time Homestay with sea views from the window; Xinghua Mansion Inn in the historic cultural district, renovated ancient houses with Minnan style.
🍲 Food: Putian braised noodles with rich broth; red rice balls, sweet but not greasy; spicy meat soup with tender pork loin.
[RoundNails] Scenic Wonders of Sichuan and Yunnan, Xichang
Xichang, a city favored by sunshine. The shimmering Qionghai Lake, lush Lushan Mountain, and the peaceful ancient village of Dashiban together paint a leisurely lifestyle.
[Airplane] Transportation: Xichang Qingshan Airport connects to many places, or take the train; city buses and taxis are convenient.
[House] Accommodation: Xichang Impression Hotel near the high-speed rail station, steps away from Fuxing Night Market; small courtyard homestays by Qionghai Lake, about 65 RMB per person, offering three meals.
🍲 Food: Charcoal barbecue, eat meat heartily; drunken shrimp, fresh and tasty; specialty rice noodles, a breakfast favorite.
[RoundNails] Lingnan Food Haven, Shunde
Shunde is a paradise for food lovers. Double-skin milk custard, fish skin, roasted squab—each bite is an ultimate temptation for your taste buds. The lake and mountain scenery of Shunfengshan Park adds a poetic touch to this small town.
[Airplane] Transportation: Fly into Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, then transfer by city rail or bus; city buses and taxis are convenient.
[House] Accommodation: Shunde Ronggui Holiday Hotel with convenient transport; Shunde Renjia Hotel offers authentic Shunde cuisine alongside comfortable lodging.
🍲 Food: Minxin Old Shop’s double-skin milk custard, delicate and sweet; fish skin on Huagai Road pedestrian street, crispy and chewy; roasted squab with crispy skin and tender meat.