Shaoxing: Strolling Through Shaoxing, the Gentle Charms of a Watery Jiangnan

A Girl's Solo Trip to Dali: Encountering the Poetry and Freedom of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon A solo trip to Dali is a healing journey of reconnecting with oneself. Here, you'll find the majestic scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, the lively streets of the ancient city, and the stories and emotions of folk music bars. In the early morning, sunlight gently spills onto Erhai Lake, creating a sparkling surface. Rent a bicycle and ride along the lakeside road, with the breeze carrying the unique scent of the lake lightly brushing your face. In the distance, Cangshan Mountain is shrouded in mist, like a scene from a painting. When tired from cycling, sit on a bench by the lake, quietly watching the water. Occasionally, a few seagulls fly by, their crisp calls breaking the momentary tranquility. In that moment, you'll feel an unprecedented sense of inner peace and freedom. Dali Ancient City is a place full of stories. Walking through the city, the cobblestone paths wind beneath your feet, and the shops lining the streets are filled with a strong artistic vibe. Here, you can casually step into a café, order a rich cup of coffee, sit by the window, and watch the passersby, enjoying the leisurely time. Or stroll through the ancient streets at night, listening to the melodious folk songs drifting from the bars. Find a bar you like, sit down, listen to the singer's heartfelt performance, sip a drink, and let your thoughts drift with the music. In Dali, you can also visit Xizhou Ancient Town, where vast rice fields showcase the beauty of rural scenery. The white walls, blue tiles, and well-arranged Bai ethnic houses are full of ethnic charm. Walking through the town's alleys, you might even encounter hospitable Bai grandmothers and taste authentic Xizhou baba. Traveling alone in Dali means no rushed itineraries or external disturbances—just your purest self and the beautiful scenery. Here, you can fully relax, embrace nature's gifts, and find the tranquility and fulfillment deep within your heart. A Girl's Solo Trip to Chengdu: Savoring the Leisure and Ease of a Lively City Chengdu, a city you won't want to leave once you arrive, holds endless charm for solo female travelers. It combines the vibrancy of a metropolis with a leisurely pace of life, striking a perfect balance between busyness and relaxation. Step into one of Chengdu's old teahouses, where bamboo chairs, square tables, and covered-bowl tea create a lively scene. Find a seat, order a steaming cup of tea, and watch the tea master skillfully perform the art of pouring tea—each movement exuding the carefree spirit of Chengdu locals. Here, you can chat with the elderly nearby, listen to their stories about Chengdu's past and present, and feel the city's profound cultural heritage. Jinli Ancient Street is one of Chengdu's liveliest spots at night. Red lanterns hang high, illuminating the cobblestone paths. The aroma of street food—like dragon wontons, Zhong dumplings, dan dan noodles, and "three cannons"—fills the air, making mouths water. Strolling through the ancient street alone, eating and shopping while admiring the traditional architecture, you'll soak in Chengdu's lively atmosphere. Occasionally stepping into a small shop to pick up Chengdu-themed souvenirs is also a fun experience. Chengdu's parks are not to be missed. People's Park is a favorite spot for locals to relax. Here, you'll see people sunbathing, chatting, or playing cards on the lawn, enjoying a leisurely afternoon. Visit Heming Teahouse to experience Chengdu's tea culture or stop by the matchmaking corner to observe the local lifestyle. Beyond the city, Chengdu's outskirts offer many worthwhile destinations. Qingcheng Mountain, with its rolling hills, lush greenery, and fresh air, is a great escape from the hustle and bustle. Reaching the summit and overlooking the scenery below will lift your spirits. Dujiangyan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the wisdom and creativity of ancient people. Walking through the Dujiangyan scenic area, marveling at the engineering feat and learning about its history, is a meaningful experience. Traveling alone in Chengdu, you won't feel lonely. The locals are warm and hospitable, making you feel at home. In this vibrant city, you can fully enjoy life and savor its leisurely charm. A Girl's Solo Trip to Shaoxing: Immersed in the Poetry and Gentleness of a Water Town Shaoxing, a poetic and gentle Jiangnan water town, resembles an elegant ink painting—perfect for a solo female traveler seeking solace. Every cobblestone path, stone bridge, and river carries centuries of history and culture, transporting you back to a poetic era. Entering Lu Xun's Hometown feels like stepping into the world of his writings. In the Hundred-Grass Garden, the green vegetable plots, smooth stone well railings, and tall honey locust trees evoke memories of childhood textbooks. At the Three-Flavor Study, you can sit where Lu Xun once studied, soaking in the atmosphere of his time. Wandering through the ancient streets, the black-and-white buildings are arranged harmoniously, and occasional black-canopied boats glide across the river, their oars gently rippling the water, calming your mind. Cangqiao Straight Street is one of Shaoxing's most lively spots. The cobblestones, polished smooth by time, are lined with shops selling local snacks, handicrafts, and old-style teahouses and barbershops. Walking alone down this street, breathing in the aroma of yellow wine and tasting specialties like stinky tofu and cream pastries, you'll feel the pulse of Shaoxing's daily life. Tired? Sit in a teahouse, order a cup of tea, and watch the passersby outside the window, enjoying a moment of peace. East Lake is a sparkling gem of Shaoxing. Boarding a black-canopied boat to enter the scenic area feels like stepping into a hidden paradise. The cliffs on either side are rugged and dramatic, while the clear lake mirrors the greenery. The boatman skillfully rows, the boat gliding slowly across the water, with occasional splashes bringing a refreshing coolness. At East Lake, you can admire the unique natural landscapes and marvel at nature's artistry. Shaoxing has many other attractions, like Shen Garden and Orchid Pavilion. Shen Garden, filled with love stories, is where the tragic romance of Lu You and Tang Wan unfolded, moving visitors deeply. Orchid Pavilion, a sacred site of Chinese calligraphy, hosted the famous Orchid Pavilion Gathering, and Wang Xizhi's "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion" made it renowned worldwide. Strolling through Orchid Pavilion, you can admire the beautiful garden scenery and immerse yourself in the rich calligraphy culture. Traveling alone in Shaoxing is like wandering through an exquisite poem. Everything here is so serene and beautiful, allowing you to forget life's troubles and lose yourself in the gentleness of the water town. A Girl's Solo Trip to Weihai: Embracing the Freedom and Serenity of a Romantic Seaside Weihai, a coastal city at the eastern tip of Shandong Peninsula, boasts long coastlines, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters—an ideal destination for solo female travelers. Here, you can fully embrace the sea, feel the ocean breeze, and enjoy the freedom and tranquility of solitude. At dawn, head to International Bathing Beach to watch the sun rise slowly from the horizon, painting the sky golden and making the sparkling sea even more beautiful. Find a quiet spot on the sand, sit down, and watch the waves roll in, listening to their soothing sounds. In this moment, the world seems to belong to you alone—no worries, no stress, just inner peace and joy. Cycling along the coastal road is a must-do in Weihai. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning sea views, with the ocean breeze whispering stories in your ears. The cliffs of Maotou Mountain offer spectacular scenery; from the viewing platform, you can overlook the entire bay—the azure waters and white waves forming a beautiful picture. Huoju Eighth Street, known as "Weihai's Little Kamakura," features blue-and-white houses full of artistic charm, perfect for capturing beautiful photos and memories. Haiyuan Park is a romantic spot. The vintage lighthouse here is a popular photo spot. Standing beneath it, gazing at the sea and feeling the sun's warmth, time seems to stand still. The park also has many reefs where, at low tide, you can hunt for small crabs and seashells, enjoying the fun the sea brings. Beyond the beaches, Weihai has other attractions. Liugong Island, a witness to modern Chinese history, houses sites like the Sino-Japanese War Museum, offering insights into that poignant era. Chengshantou, the easternmost point of China's coastline, is known as "where the sun rises." Here, you can greet the first rays of sunlight and marvel at nature's wonders. Traveling alone in Weihai, you can fully embrace the sea and explore every corner of the city. Here, you'll discover how simple and beautiful life can be, and the vastness of the sea will soothe your weariness and worries, leaving only love for life and anticipation for the future.