Weekend Short Trip Guide: 4 Cities Accessible by High-Speed Rail

Dear friends👫, after a week of hard work, you might want to find a place to relax on the weekend. Today, I've discovered 4 hidden gem cities that are perfect for weekend getaways and directly accessible by high-speed rail. Save this guide and let's go! 📍Suzhou The epitome of Jiangnan water towns, where ancient charm meets poetic beauty, every step is a picturesque scene. • Must-visit attractions: ◦ Humble Administrator's Garden: The crown jewel of classical Jiangnan gardens, featuring pavilions, artificial hills, and ponds arranged in perfect harmony, offering a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of ancient scholars. Admission is around CNY 80. Remember to book online in advance to avoid peak hours. ◦ Pingjiang Road: An ancient street winding along small rivers, with stone pavements and white walls with black tiles. Take a boat ride while listening to the boatman's soft Wu dialect songs, and try Suzhou-style desserts like plum blossom cake and begonia cake. Free to explore and enjoy. ◦ Suzhou Museum: A masterpiece by architect I.M. Pei, perfectly blending modern geometric aesthetics with Jiangnan water town charm. The museum houses rich collections and offers free admission, but advance reservation is required to avoid being turned away. • Practical tips: ◦ From Shanghai, Nanjing, and nearby cities, it takes just tens of minutes by high-speed rail to reach Suzhou. From Suzhou Station, you can easily reach attractions by subway, bus, or taxi. ◦ For food, besides desserts, you must try Suzhou-style noodle soup, known for its "fresh broth, chewy noodles, and generous toppings," costing around CNY 30 per person. Stay near Guanqian Street for convenient access to dining, shopping, and entertainment, with hotels and guesthouses available at various price points. 📍Wuxi The Pearl of Lake Tai, featuring both natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. • Must-visit attractions: ◦ Yuantouzhu: A must-visit spot in Wuxi, with cherry blossoms like snow in spring and sparkling lake views in autumn - beautiful in all seasons. Admission is around CNY 90. Though slightly expensive, it's worth the price. Take a boat to Fairy Island to experience its mystical atmosphere. ◦ Nanchang Street: A historic street along the Grand Canal, bustling with bars and restaurants at night. Stroll along to admire the ancient buildings illuminated by lights. Free to explore and shop for interesting souvenirs. ◦ Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Area: A Buddhist holy land featuring the majestic Lingshan Grand Buddha and the spectacular Palace of Light. Admission is around CNY 200. Remember to stay quiet and respect religious customs. • Practical tips: ◦ Convenient high-speed rail access, then transfer to bus or taxi to reach scenic spots. ◦ Wuxi cuisine tends to be sweet. Don't miss the braised pork ribs and Wuxi xiaolongbao - be careful of the hot soup inside! Recommended accommodation near Nanshan Temple for convenient transportation and abundant dining options. 📍Jiaxing A perfect blend of water towns and revolutionary culture, peaceful yet profound. • Must-visit attractions: ◦ Wuzhen: The East Section preserves authentic lifestyle while the West Section is beautifully designed with dreamlike night views. Admission is CNY 100-150. Take a paddle boat through the water alleys, like entering a paradise. ◦ Xitang Ancient Town: More down-to-earth than Wuzhen, with guesthouses overlooking peaceful streams and a vibrant bar street at night. Admission is around CNY 95. You might save money by entering with locals to experience a different ancient town nightlife. ◦ South Lake: One of the birthplaces of the Party, a cradle of revolutionary culture. Visit the Red Boat and learn about this magnificent history. Free admission to the park, with some attractions requiring separate tickets. Definitely worth visiting. • Practical tips: ◦ Take high-speed rail to Jiaxing Station, then transfer to bus for ancient towns. Frequent services available. ◦ Don't miss the famous Jiaxing zongzi at Wufangzhai flagship store, freshly wrapped and steamed. Try local snacks like Gordon Euryale Seed Cake and Victory Cake while exploring the ancient town. Accommodations inside scenic areas have atmosphere but are pricier; staying in hotels outside offers better value and convenience. 📍Hangzhou As the saying goes, "There's Heaven above, and Suzhou and Hangzhou below." Hangzhou's beauty needs no introduction, combining West Lake's grace with urban prosperity. • Must-visit attractions: ◦ West Lake: "West Lake can be compared to Xi Zi (a famous beauty), lovely with light or heavy makeup." Walk around the lake to see the Ten Scenes including Broken Bridge Snow, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset. Free admission, boat rides available at various prices. ◦ Lingyin Temple: A thousand-year-old temple nestled in the mountains, popular for praying and experiencing zen. Admission around CNY 75, including Flying Peak Scenic Area. Book online in advance to avoid crowds. ◦ Hefang Street: A historic cultural district with Hangzhou specialty snacks and handicrafts. Try local treats like scallion pancakes and victory cake while exploring the local life for free. • Practical tips: ◦ Extensive high-speed rail network, with subway connections to most attractions. ◦ Hangzhou cuisine is diverse, featuring light and fresh Hangbang dishes. Must-try dishes include Longjing Shrimp and Dongpo Pork. Stay near Hubin Yintai for convenient shopping, dining, and sightseeing, with accommodations available at various price points. Friends, each of these 4 cities has its unique charm. For a short weekend getaway, pick your favorite to escape the urban bustle and enjoy some quality time! 💕