Step out of the exam hall and hit the road! 4 underrated, uncrowded, and budget-friendly "healing" cities
Dear graduation travelers! Your strained nerves deserve a complete release! Skip the crowds and head to these 4 tranquil towns with natural "filters" – they're perfect for post-exam relaxation, photography, and indulging in food and sleep. Tested and approved! Come copy these travel notes! 📚➡️🎒
1️⃣ Xuancheng, Anhui (Slow living in poetry and painting)
Chill spots: Immerse yourself in the poetic Shuitingxi River and enjoy the morning mist in Chaji Ancient Village.
Transport: High-speed train to Xuancheng Station, then transfer seamlessly to tourist buses (new routes in 2025 will make it even easier!).
Stay: Boutique B&B "Huizhou House" in Chaji (¥200+/person, charming renovated old house with stunning rooftop stargazing) or "Tingxi" design B&B by the river (green views and soothing water sounds).
Eat: Refreshing Tingxi Orchid Tea, hearty Maolin paste with Shuiyang delicacies, and must-try bamboo shoot braised pork at local farmhouses.
Play: Morning walks in crowd-free Chaji, afternoon bamboo rafting/stream trekking (safe shallow waters), and evening tea-house journaling.
2️⃣ Chenzhou, Hunan (Real-life ink painting)
Chill spots: Embrace the fairy-tale fog of Xiaodongjiang and marvel at Gaoqiling's dramatic landscapes.
Transport: High-speed train to Chenzhou West Station, then book a private car/guide (¥300/car/day for flexible touring).
Stay: "That Year" inn near Dongjiang Lake (¥150+/person, walk to tickets) or budget-friendly "Qichi" hostel (great for carpooling).
Eat: Wake up with "Slaughtered Pig Noodles," savor fresh Dongjiang fish (no scams at park entrances!), and try spicy "Burn Chicken" (mild is enough!).
Play: Catch the 6 AM fog-fishing at Xiaodongjiang (2nd viewing spot is quieter), hike Gaoqiling for golden sunsets, or challenge Feitianshan trails.
3️⃣ Yixing, Jiangsu (Artistic therapy in the pottery capital)
Chill spots: Stress-relief pottery-making and deep breaths in bamboo forests.
Transport: High-speed train to Yixing Station, then easy buses/e-bikes (attractions are close).
Stay: "Taoyu" B&B in Dingshu pottery district (¥200+/person, hands-on pottery) or "Qingzhu" tea house (serene tatami reading nooks).
Eat: Fragrant black rice, savory bamboo shoots with bacon, Heqiao dried tofu snacks, and Zhouzhen's plump wontons.
Play: Free antique shopping in Shushan Old Street, AC-cooled Purple Clay Museum visits, bamboo forest biking (¥30/hour), or pottery classes (¥50-100).
4️⃣ Duyun, Guizhou (Hidden fairyland in South Guizhou)
Chill spots: Visit "The Untamed" filming locations and soak in ancient village tranquility.
Transport: High-speed train to Duyun East Station, then direct tourist shuttles to film city/tea fields (optimized 2025 routes save time!).
Stay: Riverside "West Mountain Bridge" hotel (¥150+/person, night views) or tea-field "Cloud Dwelling" B&B (book early!).
Eat: Unique "Shrimp Sour Beef" (try small portions), spicy sour beef noodles, sweet street cakes, and refreshing Maojian milk tea.
Play: Costume photos at Han Dynasty Film City (no crowds!), tea-field hikes with windmills, ancient stone streets, and sunset light shows.
💡 Exclusive tips for grads:
- Discounts: Show your exam slip for perks (e.g., Chaji, Purple Clay Museum).
- Pack light: One backpack + 20" suitcase. Comfy shoes are a must!
- Safety first: Travel with friends, book stays on legit platforms.
- Slow down: Sleep in, linger longer—depth over checklists.
- Budget: Off-peak stays (¥100-200/person), meals (¥30-50/person), and carpooling make ¥1k+/week possible!
This summer, reward yourself with a healing trip! Reclaim slow living, snap photos, feast, and rest—your youth story is just beginning! 💖