5 Lesser-Known Cities Reachable by High-Speed Rail in 2 Hours

If you're looking for a quick getaway to scenic yet uncrowded destinations, these 5 off-the-beaten-path cities accessible by 2-hour high-speed rail rides are perfect for spontaneous weekend trips! Escape the crowds and enjoy leisurely moments. 1. Liyang, Jiangsu (30min from Nanjing by HSR) Why go? Bamboo forests, hot springs, and Tianmu Lake offer serene beauty for relaxation. ✅ Must-do: - **South Mountain Bamboo Sea** (¥80): Ride a mini train through bamboo groves and see pandas - **Tianmu Lake Fish Head Soup** (¥60/person): Deliciously light, a must-try! - **Yushui Hot Springs Night Ticket** (¥128): Soothing soak under starry skies 🏠 Stay: Bamboo forest homestays (¥150-200/night) 2. Shaoxing, Zhejiang (18min from Hangzhou by HSR) Why go? Lu Xun's hometown + water towns brimming with cultural charm. ✅ Must-do: - **Lu Xun's Former Residence** (Free): Visit the "Sanwei Study" from textbooks - **Anchang Ancient Town** (Free): Ride awning boats (¥40/boat) and taste soy-sauce duck - **Yellow Wine Ice Pop** (¥5): Unique mildly boozy treat! 🏠 Stay: Inns near Calligraphy Sage's hometown (¥120/night) 3. Jixi, Anhui (1.5h from Hangzhou by HSR) Why go? Huizhou-style villages + canyon hikes in peaceful settings. ✅ Must-do: - **Longchuan Scenic Area** (¥75): Millennial village with awe-inspiring Hu Clan Ancestral Hall - **Huizhou-Hangzhou Ancient Trail** (Free): Scenic light hiking route - **Hu Shi's Signature Pot** (¥88/small): Classic Huizhou dish, perfect with rice 🏠 Stay: Ancient-style homestays (¥80-120/night) 4. Xianning, Hubei (30min from Wuhan by HSR) Why go? Hot springs + bamboo seas make this Wuhan locals' retreat. ✅ Must-do: - **Hidden Water Cave** (¥107): Explore underground karst by boat + train - **Country Garden Hot Springs Night** (¥98): Less crowded with multiple pools - **Heshengqiao Chicken Soup** (¥35/bowl): Unbelievably flavorful! 🏠 Stay: Hot spring hotels (¥150/night incl. breakfast) 5. Qingzhou, Shandong (1h from Jinan by HSR) Why go? Underrated ancient city with historic architecture + gourmet delights. ✅ Must-do: - **Qingzhou Ancient City** (Free): Visit Ou Garden and try Longsheng pastries - **Jingtang Ancient Village** (¥40): Filming site of "Red Sorghum" - **Hengwang Stone Arch** (Free): Photogenic Ming Dynasty relic 🏠 Stay: Old town inns (¥100/night)