High-speed rail direct access, reverse travel in July-August! 4 off-the-beaten-path cities

Don't want to jostle with crowds at popular attractions during the July-August summer vacation? Why not take a different approach and head to these 4 lesser-known cities by high-speed rail! Fewer tourists, beautiful scenery, cool summer retreats, and most importantly, you can save a lot of money. Check out this reverse travel guide now! Guizhou · Liupanshui🌲 🌟Highlights: Truly deserving of the title "China's Cool City"! With an average summer temperature of 19°C, it's a natural air-conditioned city and the top choice for a summer getaway! ✅Must-visit: Wumeng Grassland, where vast meadows reveal grazing cattle and sheep, and you can even ride horses. Stay overnight at the stargazing campsite to admire the dazzling Milky Way; Tuole Ancient Ginkgo Village, where the ginkgo trees may not be golden in July-August, but the tranquil ancient village with babbling streams feels like a hidden paradise; Meihua Mountain International Ski Resort, which transforms into a grass skiing venue in summer, offering thrilling downhill rides! 🍜Food highlights: Shuicheng mutton rice noodles—a bowl of delicious mutton soup with chewy rice noodles for just 15 RMB, super satisfying; local specialty "luoguo," where various ingredients are grilled on a flat pan and dipped in chili powder, costing about 30 RMB per person; and special bayberry juice, sweet and sour, perfect for beating the heat! 🚗Transport: Take the high-speed rail from Guiyang North Station, arriving at Liupanshui Station in just about 1 hour. Taxis and buses are convenient within the city. Stay at downtown hotels for 150-200 RMB per night—great value for money. Gansu · Jinchang🌼 🌟Highlights: The "Provence of the Northwest," where purple flower fields bloom romantically in July-August, along with unique industrial mining culture! ✅Must-visit: Zijinyuan Scenic Area, where millions of acres of lavender and verbena bloom, making for Instagram-worthy photos; Jinchuan National Mine Park, where you can learn about the glorious history of China's "Nickel Capital" and enjoy a panoramic view of the stunning mine pit from the observation deck; Huangcheng Reservoir, with its sparkling blue waters and vast surrounding grasslands, perfect for camping and picnics. 🍜Local delicacies: Mutton with rolled noodles—tender mutton paired with chewy dough rolls, a perfect blend of meat and flour flavors; Jinchang gray fragrant bean dessert, a rich and refreshing treat for just 5 RMB; and roasted whole lamb, crispy on the outside and tender inside, ideal for group gatherings! 🚗Transport: Take the high-speed rail from Lanzhou West Station, arriving at Jinchang South Station in about 2 hours. Taxis are convenient for traveling between attractions. Stay at downtown homestays for 120-180 RMB per night—clean and comfortable. Heilongjiang · Yichun🌳 🌟Highlights: With over 80% forest coverage, it's a natural oxygen bar! The average temperature in July-August is 20°C, making it an ideal place to escape the heat and cleanse your lungs! ✅Must-visit: Wuying National Forest Park, where you can stroll through red pine forests, breathe in negative oxygen ions, and even spot adorable chipmunks; Maolangou National Forest Park, known as the "Jiuzhaigou of the North," with deep canyons and babbling streams; Jiayin Dinosaur National Geopark, where you can explore dinosaur fossils—a perfect educational trip for kids! 🍜Food delights: Iron pot stew, a Northeastern specialty featuring river fish, pork ribs, or goose simmered with various side dishes, filling the air with aroma; forest frog stew with potatoes—tender frog meat and potatoes soaked in rich broth; wild berry juices like blueberry and raspberry, sweet and tangy, for just 8 RMB a bottle! 🚗Transport: Take the high-speed rail from Harbin Station, arriving at Yichun West Station in 2-3 hours. Renting a car is recommended for scenic drives along the way. Stay at forest homestays for 200-250 RMB per night—wake up to greenery right outside your window, super soothing. Fujian · Ningde🌊 🌟Highlights: Fujian's "hidden coastline"—skip the crowds of Xiamen and enjoy pristine blue seas and skies all to yourself! ✅Must-visit: Xiapu, where the seaweed harvest in July-August creates a bustling scene on the tidal flats, with fishing boats weaving through ever-changing light and shadow—every shot is a masterpiece; Yushan Island, one of China's most beautiful islands, where alpine meadows meet azure seas, offering stunning sunrise views from campsites; Yangjiaxi, where you can drift downstream on bamboo rafts, soaking in the serenity of a Jiangnan water town amidst green mountains and clear waters. 🍤Seafood feast: Steamed yellow croaker, blanched squid, and other fresh seafood cooked on the spot—50 RMB per person is enough to indulge; and the local specialty oyster pancake, crispy outside and tender inside, for just 3 RMB each! 🚗Transport: Take the high-speed rail from Fuzhou Station, arriving at Ningde Station or Xiapu Station in 40 minutes to 1 hour. Boats are available at the pier for island visits. Stay at seaside homestays for 150-200 RMB per night—fall asleep to the sound of waves. 💡【Summer Reverse Travel Tips】 🚄Tickets: Book high-speed rail tickets 15-20 days in advance, as summer travel demand is high—plan early to secure your preferred train. 👚Outfits: Bring a light jacket for cities like Liupanshui and Yichun, where temperatures vary between day and night; for coastal cities, pack sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses. 💰Budget: These cities offer moderate costs—400-600 RMB per day is enough for a fun and relaxed trip! Gather your friends and embark on a cool and unique summer adventure!