Perfect for a 3–5 day getaway

--- 1. Dali (Yunnan) Recommended reason: Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, and the slow life of the ancient city are perfect for relaxing and clearing your mind. Highlights: - Erhai Lake cycling: Rent an electric bike (CNY 50/day) and cycle around Erhai Lake, stopping at Shuanglang and Xizhou Ancient Town. - Strolling through the ancient city: Explore Renmin Road in Dali Ancient City for handicrafts and enjoy folk music at bars in the evening. - Unique experiences: Tie-dye DIY in Zhoucheng (CNY 30-50) and enjoy tea and sunshine in Shaxi Ancient Town. Accommodation: Bai-style guesthouses by Erhai Lake (CNY 150-300/night) or hostels in the ancient city (CNY 50-80/night). --- 2. Xiamen (Fujian) Recommended reason: A combination of literary island and Minnan culture, perfect for a short vacation. Highlights: - Gulangyu Island: Stay overnight to experience the tranquility of the morning (guesthouses CNY 200-400/night) and visit Shuzhuang Garden (CNY 30). - Cycling along the Island Ring Road: Cycle from Zengcuoan to Huangcuo Beach, enjoying the sea views and taking photos along the way. - Eight Cities Fireworks: Visit the seafood market and have fresh seafood cooked on the spot (CNY 60/person). Accommodation: Guesthouses in Zengcuoan or Zhongshan Road (CNY 100-200/night). --- 3. Suzhou (Jiangsu) Recommended reason: The elegance and leisure of a Jiangnan water town, a perfect blend of gardens and old streets. Highlights: - Garden strolls: Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden (CNY 80) and the Lingering Garden (CNY 55) in the early morning for a more tranquil experience. - Pingjiang Road: Enjoy a cup of Biluochun tea (CNY 30) while listening to *pingtan* (Suzhou storytelling) and admiring the small bridges and flowing water. - Day trip to Zhouzhuang/Tongli: Experience authentic water town life (tickets approx. CNY 100). Accommodation: Inns near Pingjiang Road or Guanqian Street (CNY 150-250/night). --- 4. Weihai (Shandong) Recommended reason: A beautiful coastal city with few tourists, low prices, and a clean, comfortable environment. Highlights: - Self-drive along the coastal road: Rent a car and drive along the coastline, stopping at the Happiness Gate and Torch Eight Street (free). - Liugong Island: Take a boat to the island and learn about the history of the First Sino-Japanese War (tickets CNY 122 including boat fare). - Hanlefang Night Market: Enjoy authentic Korean food (CNY 40/person), such as spicy chicken feet and rice sausage soup. Accommodation: Seaside apartments near International Bathing Beach (CNY 150-300/night). --- 5. Yangzhou (Jiangsu) Recommended reason: A representative of the slow life, known for "water-wrapped skin in the morning, skin-wrapped water at night." Highlights: - Morning tea culture: Enjoy crab roe soup dumplings at Quyuan Tea House or Fuchun Tea House (CNY 50/person). - Slender West Lake Night Tour: Experience the unique charm of the gardens under the lights (night tickets CNY 80). - Bathhouse experience: Visit a traditional bathhouse and enjoy a Yangzhou-style body scrub (CNY 80-120/person). Accommodation: Inns near Dongguan Street (CNY 120-200/night). --- 6. Beihai (Guangxi) Recommended reason: A cost-effective coastal city, perfect for winter escapes. Highlights: - Stay on Weizhou Island: Rent an electric scooter (CNY 60/day) and explore the island, admiring the volcanic rocks and sunsets. - Qiaogang Style Street: Enjoy Vietnamese rice rolls, sweet soups, and seafood fried ice (CNY 20/person). - Stroll along Silver Beach: Walk barefoot on the fine sand of "the world's best beach" (free). Accommodation: Seaside guesthouses on Weizhou Island (CNY 150-300/night) or hotels in Beihai city (CNY 100-200/night). ---