Lazy Traveler's Guide: 4 Chill Cities Accessible by High-Speed Rail

Title: High-Speed Rail Getaway! These 4 Relaxing Cities Offer the Perfect Slow-Paced Summer Life Tired of complicated summer trips? High-speed rail + low-intensity travel = perfection! Here are 4 easy-to-reach cities for a laid-back getaway, just 1-2 hours by high-speed rail. Eat well, sleep well, and enjoy without rushing! 1️⃣ Yangzhou Just 1.5 hours from Nanjing by high-speed rail (G7192 departs at 7:30 AM). Dim sum lovers, this is your spot! Try the emerald shaomai and Kuilongzhu tea at Yechun Tea House—so delicious it'll blow your mind. Spend the afternoon strolling around Slender West Lake, take a paddleboat to enjoy the scenery, then relax on the terrace of a canal-side B&B with jasmine tea and cicada songs. Recommended stay: "Canal Elegance Lodge," a 5-minute walk to Dongguan Street, with charming brick courtyards full of local vibes. 2️⃣ Yantai 2 hours from Beijing/Shanghai by high-speed rail (G6931 departs at 10:00 AM). Let the sea breeze wash your worries away! Visit Penglai Pavilion for a chance to see a mirage (high probability in summer), lounge on the golden sands of Jinsha Beach, and enjoy grilled horsefish with Harbin beer at a seaside pub. Stay at "Starry Island Homestay" on Yangma Island—wake up to ocean views and the sound of waves, so cozy you won’t want to leave! 3️⃣ Xuzhou 1 hour from Nanjing by high-speed rail (G8372 departs at 8:30 AM). Carb lovers, rejoice! Savor the rich flavors of Diji pot chicken and pair braised pork belly with rice. In the afternoon, explore Yunlong Lake by renting a shared bike, then relax lakeside with spicy soup and pan-fried buns. Stay at "Cloud Rest Hotel" near Pengcheng Square—conveniently located near shopping and dining. 4️⃣ Kaifeng 1.5 hours from Zhengzhou by high-speed rail (G3186 departs at 11:00 AM). A must-visit for Song Dynasty fans! Stroll through Qingming Riverside Park in Hanfu at night, lit up like a scene from "The Eastern Capital: A Dream of Splendor." Start your day with Huangjia steamed buns—crab roth soup buns that burst with flavor! Stay at "Half-Acre Garden Homestay" near Book Street, a quaint courtyard where you can soak in the charm of old alleyways. Pro tip: Book high-speed rail tickets 15 days in advance for the best deals! Summer is all about taking it slow—eat, sleep, and explore to your heart's content. Which city are you heading to first? Tell me in the comments! (Note: Train schedules and homestay names are simulated for June 2025; check real-time platform info for updates.)