Social Anxiety Heaven! Top 4 "Underrated Healing" Cities Within 2 Hours by High-Speed Rail, Perfect for Solo Adventures

Dear solo travelers! It’s time for a journey that belongs only to you! No socializing, no compromises—just pure relaxation. In these 4 cozy and laid-back small cities, you can daydream, read, wander, eat alone, and enjoy rare peace and freedom. The latest 2025 transportation and travel tips, grab them fast! 🚄✨ 1️⃣ Dali (Avoid the hidden paradise of Shuanglang) Relaxation highlights: The slow-paced life of Weishan Ancient Town, exclusive quiet time at the Tie-dye Museum. Transportation: Fly to Dali Airport from any city, take the airport shuttle bus directly to Xiaguan Bus Station → transfer to a shuttle bus for 1 hour to Weishan (2025 schedules are more frequent and seamless). Stay: “Jia Ma Inn” in Weishan Ancient Town (around ¥150+ per person, an old courtyard converted into a library guesthouse, perfect for reading and tea), or “Qingpu Jing She” in Nanzhao Alley (only 5 rooms, with a Zen-style courtyard). Eat: Must-try Su Lao San Yi Ancient Noodles (one long noodle!), Lao Wang Guo Jiang Ersi to warm your stomach, Zhu Ji cold jelly for a sweet and sour refreshment, and relax all afternoon in a café in the ancient town. Play: Stroll freely on the empty main street of the ancient town early in the morning, daydream over old items at Miss Liang’s residence, hunt for old books and stamps at Li Meng’s bookstore, try tie-dyeing (recommended “San Yi” workshop), and sit quietly listening to the wind at the Confucian Temple. 2️⃣ Shaoxing (Romantic solitude in a scholarly atmosphere) Relaxation highlights: The daily waterside life at Baziqiao Straight Street, hiding away in niche bookstores sipping yellow wine milk tea. Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Shaoxing North Station, then BRT Line 1 directly to Lu Xun’s hometown in the city center (about 40 minutes, ¥3). Stay: “Huazhu · Shier Pu” in the hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy (around ¥180+ per person, window views of ink-wash style residences), or “Liuhe Cangyuan” on Cangqiao Straight Street (strong design sense, private reading spaces). Eat: Don’t miss the yellow wine popsicle! Stinky tofu, creamy xiaopan, and Shaoxing printed cake on Cangqiao Straight Street for snacking on the go, and dine in at Xianheng Hotel for “Tai Diao Chicken” with fennel beans. Play: Baziqiao water town is most beautiful at dawn and dusk, avoid the boats and enjoy quiet walks; visit the Xu Wei Art Museum for exhibitions (great air conditioning and atmosphere); relax and read at the Wilderness Bookstore (minimum order one drink); take photos undisturbed in the historic Xixiaolu district; experience the story of Lu You and Tang Wan at Shen Garden by night (even more touching when alone). 3️⃣ Yangzhou (Huaiyang elegance for solo dining) Relaxation highlights: The artistic rebirth in Renfengli Alley, exclusive moonlight night tour of Slender West Lake. Transportation: High-speed train to Yangzhou East Station, then take a tourist shuttle or Didi directly to the city center (about 30 minutes). Stay: “Xiaoshe” guesthouse in Renfengli (around ¥200+ per person, hidden in the historic district, quiet with a courtyard), or “Fushengji” inn on Pishi Street (creative and lodging combined, a gathering place for young artists). Eat: Experience solo dining with Yiyuan morning tea (shrimp roe wontons + hot dried tofu strips), affordable and delicious dumplings and noodles at Jiangjiaqiao, shaved ice at Mushroom Hall on Pishi Street, and afternoon tea with garden views at Shiqing Shanfang. Play: Explore independent studios in Renfengli nonstop (printmaking, guqin, incense ceremony); immersive visit to the China Grand Canal Museum (book in advance! The air conditioning is amazing); night tour of Slender West Lake with beautiful light and shadow (enter at 19:30 for fewer crowds); free photo and daydream at Tianning Temple’s red walls. 4️⃣ Zhangzhou (The lonely aesthetics of Minnan’s old flavors) Relaxation highlights: The authentic local life in Zhangzhou Ancient City, zoning out and listening to the sea at Zhenhaijiao, Fujian’s “Little Kenting.” Transportation: High-speed train to Zhangzhou Station, taxi or bus to the ancient city (about 20 minutes); to Zhenhaijiao, take a bus from the Passenger Transport Center to Gangwei → carpool or Didi (total about 1.5 hours). Stay: “Confucius Temple Juice Shop Upstairs Guesthouse” in the ancient city (around ¥120+ per person, super central location), or “SeaU Aesthetic Guesthouse” at Zhenhaijiao (around ¥300+ per person, sea view right outside the door, exclusive sunrise). Eat: Jianguo oyster omelet and oyster noodles, Afang braised noodles with five-spice rolls, handmade mochi, Confucius Temple juice with Pianzaihuang + sugarcane for a wonderful experience. Play: Wander the streets of Zhangzhou Ancient City sipping four-fruit soup (cool shade in the afternoon); sit quietly at the Confucian Temple and feel the passage of time; watch the sunset under the Zhenhaijiao lighthouse (bring a jacket, it’s windy); visit Daimi Ancient Village to see the waterborne ancient houses (perfect for photos!); watch boats come and go from the stone piers of Jiangdong Ancient Bridge. 💡 Super practical tips for solo travelers: High-speed rail convenience: Book 7 days in advance on the 12306 APP, choose a quiet window seat. Use your ID card for super easy entry and exit. Safe accommodation: Use Trip.com to book hotels with “solo/female-friendly” tags, choose guesthouses with 24-hour front desk for peace of mind. Food freedom: Small snack shops are easy for solo dining, for popular restaurants choose off-peak times or takeout. Safety first: Carry a power bank, choose well-lit routes at night, inform friends or family of your accommodation address. Enjoy your own time: Bring headphones, a book, and a lightweight camera, allow yourself to slow down completely and stop whenever you want. Set off alone, and in the corners of unfamiliar cities, meet the long-lost you. These quiet small towns will gently embrace all your emotions and give you the freest breathing space. 💫 Start now and maximize your healing!