Highly Recommended! A Post-New Year Travel Guide to Six Must-Visit Cities
Three years of the pandemic forced countless travel plans to be shelved and forgotten. Now, with the steady relaxation of epidemic controls, we can finally boldly step out into the world, heading toward the travel sanctuaries in our hearts. So, I'm going to give you my "heartily recommend" six travel destinations, featuring natural landscapes, cultural holy lands, bustling local life... and I'll provide detailed travel guides, so be sure to bookmark them now!
A Heavenly Masterpiece: Dali, Yunnan
After three years of being pent-up by the pandemic, even a common sunset would make you reach for your camera to capture it, just to soothe your restless heart. The moment the idea of traveling within China popped up, the first place that came to mind was Dali. Blue skies, white clouds, green trees, and red blossoms; gentle breezes, warm sunshine, towering mountains, and vast waters—who wouldn't love such natural beauty? Plus, the popular drama 'Meet Yourself' (also known as 'Go to the Windy Place') showcased Dali's magnificent scenery, making the journey feel truly dreamy. When visiting Dali, it's best not to join a tour group; a superficial itinerary won't spark any magical connection between you and Dali. Self-driving or renting a car after arriving in Dali is a better choice, giving you freedom. Just follow the itinerary below to perfectly experience Dali's charm.
The recommended travel route in Dali is centered around Erhai Lake, roughly divided into the East Coast and West Coast lines. The East Coast line mainly includes Shuanglang Ancient Town – Luwo Mountain Site – Little Putuo Island – Haidong Reefs – Haidong Highway, with the whole route focusing on lake views. The West Coast line primarily covers Cangshan Scenic Area – Dali Ancient City – Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas – Xizhou Ancient Town – Zhoucheng Tie-dye – Butterfly Spring, highlighting pastoral and ancient town scenery. Along the way, you'll pass Xingsheng Bridge, where you can easily snap European-style photos without leaving the country. No matter which route you choose, the picturesque interplay of Cangshan and Erhai Lake will always meet your eyes and touch your heart.
However, my favorite is taking a leisurely stroll along the West Ring Road, with Erhai Lake on the left and rice fields on the right. The laid-back comfort, combined with the unique charm and vitality from the pervasive historical culture and local customs, is truly special. Take Dali Ancient City as an example: from the top of the South Gate, you can overlook half of Dali's beauty and enjoy the vastness of Erhai Lake; from the Wuhua Tower, you can gaze at Cangshan Mountain and overlook the ancient city, effortlessly framing boundless scenery. Wandering through the ancient city, try a local specialty flower cake, savoring the fragrant blend of petals in the flaky pastry; or buy a grilled rushan, experiencing a soft, chewy delight similar to cheese. You might even join friends for a wildly popular wild mushroom hotpot—the array of delicacies will make your trip worthwhile.
The scenery that looks like oil painting filtered, the relaxed yet lively atmosphere, and delicious local cuisine sketch out the idyllic pastoral life you yearn for, bringing immense satisfaction to your journey.
Exploring mountains and waters is tiring, and when roaming Dali, where you stay greatly affects the quality of your trip. That's why I recommend staying at Lavande Hotel · Dali Erhai Sea View. The hotel is near the southern tip of Erhai Lake, and upon check-in, you'll immediately feel the gentleness of Dali. Staying here feels like being in a place your heart calls home; the just-right elegant design soothes both body and mind. At night, you'll sleep under the starry sky with the sound of the waves, subtly amplifying the happiness of your journey.
Worth mentioning is the hotel's clever integration of lavender elements and fragrance culture, making your sojourn natural and carefree, allowing you to effortlessly switch to a lazy mode from complexity to simplicity, in a wonderful balance with nature.
Majestic Peaks: Chengdu, Sichuan
Dali is northeastward to Chengdu. This is also a city brimming with natural elements. If you haven't had enough fun in Dali, then stop by Chengdu on the way for another round of fun.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Kuanzhai Alley, Xiling Snow Mountain... This is the cute and fun Chengdu; bo bo chicken, rabbit head, dan dan noodles, and chuan chuan xiang (skewered snacks)... This is the fiery hot Chengdu.
In contrast to Dali, self-driving is actually not advisable in Chengdu. With many tourists visiting Chengdu, most scenic spots have scarce and expensive parking. Driving yourself isn't cost-effective; instead, the metro, direct shuttle buses to scenic areas, public buses, and shared bikes are all viable commuting options. Choose according to your actual situation.
Chengdu not only has ancient cultural charm and delicious spicy snacks, but is also dotted with many lesser-known yet stunning natural landscapes. If you want a lively visit while enjoying scenic beauty, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an excellent choice. It's praised as 'a natural paradise for national treasures, our idyllic haven.' Green mountains, mirror-like waters, whispering forests, and harmonious birdsong—the beautiful scenery combined with adorable pandas makes it a place you'd regret missing.
But if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a natural retreat, I suggest visiting Gaomiao Ancient Town first. This surprising spot, nestled behind a deep mountain town and a long narrow street, feels like a scene from a Miyazaki world brought to life. Due to a lack of commercial development, the town has few tourists, retaining a clear, ancient, and pristine beauty. Misty rain shrouds the landscape, while vermillion buildings create a quiet collision of red and green, offering a uniquely liberating travel experience.
Apart from the relatively remote Gaomiao, Liujiang Ancient Town is also a wonderful place. With blue skies, white clouds, green hills, and clear waters, standing on a stone step in the water to take a photo instantly evokes a misty, poetic mood. Ancient banyan trees planted along the river and the street built by the water form a landscape painting, fully revealing the town's weathered charm. Here, you can leisurely savor the unique appeal of the ancient town and experience a slow-paced lifestyle.
To admire green hills and clear waters, and enjoy birdsong and flowers, Huanhuaxi Park and Shuangliu Tanghu Park are the perfect choices. Huanhuaxi Park is designed around natural landscapes, composed of three main scenic areas: Wanshu Mountain, Canglang Lake, and Bailu Isle. Bamboo groves, lake waters, and egrets—walking on bluestone paths with birdsong in your ears, every step reveals a new scene, easily capturing photogenic moments. Shuangliu Tanghu Park offers a different charm with its classic Chinese garden style. Large plantain leaves and crabapple blossoms throughout the park fill it with natural beauty and ancient elegance; wearing Hanfu, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time. Come here to experience Chengdu's serene comfort, taste the authenticity beyond the bustling city, and under the shade of trees, watch flowers bloom and listen to birdsongs.
When evening comes, a place of peace is needed to soothe the fatigue of a day spent exploring. For my Chengdu trip, I chose Lavande Hotel · Chengdu Shuangliu Airport. The hotel is adjacent to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, 500 meters from Chengdu Metro Line 3, and just a stone's throw from Times Outlets International Shopping Plaza and the national 4A-level tourist attraction Huanglongxi. Its convenient transportation is a major advantage, consistently drawing travelers who move between natural retreats and bustling city centers to enjoy tranquility and comfort.
Meanwhile, the hotel's rooms are simply designed with comfortable amenities, soothing tired body and mind. During your stay, the breakfast room, lounge bar, gym, etc., are all great places to relax. Since you're bringing yourself to Chengdu, why not stay at Lavande and add a little rocket boost to this mind-and-body spa trip?
Historic Jinling: Nanjing, Jiangsu
Winter beauty, photogenic scenes, a cultural holy land—this is Nanjing, Jiangsu. How can you deeply experience Nanjing's charm in just one day? Why not start your energy-filled journey at Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone? As a 4A scenic area, Niushou Mountain not only boasts captivating scenery but also profound historical heritage. Niushou Mountain, also known as Tianque Mountain, got its name because its twin peaks resemble the horns of an ox. 'One Niushou Mountain holds half of Nanjing's history.' The area once featured Jinling beauty like Niushou Mist and Zutang Zhenxi, and still preserves many historical relics like Yue Fei's anti-Jin fortress, Zheng He Cultural Park, etc. The most astonishing is the Foding Palace, themed around enshrining the Buddha's cranial bone relic, divided into the Great Dome (external worship) and Small Dome (internal worship). Its architecture is breathtaking. The palace was built using an old mining pit, with six underground floors and three above ground, exuding solemn grandeur. In recent years, the Buddha's cranial bone relic has been enshrined here for long-term worship; you can visit on special Buddhist days, but it's best to call ahead for worship times.
Additionally, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is a place that soothes the soul without lacking cultural depth or travel interest. It is the tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Ming emperor, and Empress Ma. The mausoleum is magnificent, representing the architectural and stone-carving achievements of early Ming, and directly influenced the layout of imperial tombs in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Here, beautiful and elegant scenery, along with rich historical and cultural knowledge, can be absorbed through all your senses—more vivid than any book.
A day's journey naturally deserves a dazzling finale, and Nanjing offers more than just history and scenery. Nowadays, 'riding a painted boat on the Qinhuai River' is a must-do for visitors. At night, a boat ride on the Qinhuai River comes with a guided narration, allowing you to take in over forty sights including former residences of celebrities, historical relics, bridges, famous Jiangnan gardens, and Qinhuai lantern displays, while learning historical tales and anecdotes. Ancient buildings, drifting boats, brilliant lights—prosperity reflected on the water, and the moonlight tinged with romance.
By day, explore the beautiful scenery and historical sites of Niushou Mountain and Ming Xiaoling, feeling the wonder of time overlapping; by night, cruise the Qinhuai River, admiring the white-walled, black-tiled ancient buildings and enchanting lights on both banks, experiencing the profound delicacy reminiscent of Zhu Ziqing's essay 'The Qinhuai River in the Sound of Oars and Shadows of Lights'.
As for accommodation, I recommend Lavande Hotel · Nanjing South Railway Station Jiulonghu Metro Station. The hotel features lavender's natural fragrance as a distinctive mark, infusing 'a bit more ease' into every detail to create a warm and comfortable stay. Its smart room design and high-speed internet space let you stay ahead while enjoying high-quality comfort.
Around the hotel, all kinds of supermarkets, banks, dining, and entertainment facilities are readily available, allowing you to easily savor authentic Nanjing-style soup dumplings, Nanjing-style boiled shredded tofu, Nanjing beef potstickers, and other classic delicacies without searching hard. In short, staying at Lavande lets you immediately taste an elegant and carefree journey.
Imperial Grandeur: Beijing
As the capital of the country, a world-famous ancient capital, and a modern international city, the intersection of history and modernity is Beijing's most prominent feature as a travel destination. It has the ancient charm of the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven; the vitality of Beijing Wildlife Park and Wangfujing; and the modern tech vibe of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
The morning chill may make you shiver, but that's the perfect time to head to Badaling Great Wall. A round of climbing warms both your body and your travel spirit. 'He who hasn't been to the Great Wall is not a true man.' Badaling is known as one of the nine great passes, combining towering grandeur with lush beauty—the essence of the Ming Great Wall. Stepping on the ancient steps and gazing into the distance from the ramparts, you'll feel a surge of heroic pride.
There are many other popular attractions in Beijing, such as the Summer Palace, the Palace Museum, and the Temple of Heaven. These sites feel more like cultural heritage spots. The vermillion palace walls, ancient towering trees, nameless greenery clinging to walls, gleaming glazed tiles, and the displays in each hall all exude the scent of history. The past seems right before your eyes, yet people have changed. Standing within the imposing, orderly high walls and deep courtyards, you can truly feel its former glory. A long history has left behind massive, precious architecture and countless artifacts, which are the main highlights when visiting the Forbidden City and other ancient structures.
Nighttime Beijing is incredibly lively, especially Wangfujing. Located east of the Forbidden City with convenient transport, Wangfujing is home to several large shopping malls, a snack street gathering foods from all over, and the historic Wangfujing Church. It's a classic shopping haven and a popular spot for street food. Malls like Oriental Plaza, APM, Intime, and Beijing Department Store house numerous international and domestic brands and restaurants, making shopping and dining very convenient. There are also century-old brands like Ruifuxiang, Neiliansheng, and Shengxifu, adding a rich historical flavor.
The street offers old Beijing-style treats like fried liver, quick-boiled tripe, tofu pudding, and bingtanghulu (candied hawthorn skewers), as well as Tianjin's Goubuli buns, northwest-style lamb offal soup, and other regional foods, plus even 'heavy flavors' like fried scorpions and insects. Weaving through the crowds, following the aromas to find snacks, listening to the vendors' cries—the food scents waft and hearts race with excitement.
A trip to Beijing is exciting but tiring. To maintain ample energy over several days, a comfortable hotel is essential. I recommend Lavande Hotel · Beijing International Information Industry Base. With a prime location and convenient transport, it's only 1.6 km from Zhuxinzhuang Metro Station, a half-hour drive to the Ming Tombs Scenic Area, and just 25 minutes to the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Within 2 km are Aeon International Shopping Center, Zhujiang Moore Fashion Valley, and Baipinshang Shopping Center, easily meeting all dining, clothing, and daily needs. Choosing this hotel is like having a green ecological garden—elegant environment and pleasant scenery. Its thoughtfully designed rooms and humanized spatial planning create a safe, convenient, clean, comfortable, and free resting environment. This new type of 'friend-like service and business travel living experience' recharges you for the journey.
Lingnan Bustle: Zhongshan, Guangdong
The fifth recommended destination is Zhongshan, located in the south-central Pearl River Delta, north of Guangzhou and adjacent to Hong Kong and Macao, destined to be a vibrant city brimming with life.
On the first day, you can wake up naturally, starting your Zhongshan trip in the most lazy and relaxed manner. The first stop is best set at Zhan Garden, using the charming little garden to shake off drowsiness and open the fount of vitality. Zhan Garden, also known as Zhongshan Grand Mansion, is currently the largest classical private garden in the Lingnan region. Its overall design is based on Suzhou-Hangzhou gardens, combined with the layout of Lingnan water towns, integrating natural scenery like Huzhou Mountain and Beixi River with the garden's buildings to achieve a harmonious unity of man and nature. The style is simple yet dignified, ancient yet free-spirited. Every brick, tile, door, and window carries traces of history. 'A mountain, a water, a garden; it's poetry, painting, and leisure.' The views in Zhan Garden are picturesque, and any casual shot yields a beautiful photo. It is not just a garden, but art.
Zhongshan is the hometown of the great man Dr. Sun Yat-sen, with deep historical and cultural heritage; it is also a pioneering place of reform and opening up. The fusion of history and modernity is the charm of this city. Zhongshan Film and TV City combines tourism, patriotic education, and film shooting. Following Dr. Sun's revolutionary footsteps, five zones—China, Japan, the UK, the USA, and an exhibition hall—were built. Strolling through these scenes, you can vividly understand his momentous revolutionary life and feel the rich historical and cultural connotations.
Moreover, the film city is a well-known southern-style film and TV shooting base, featuring four major scenic areas that showcase the essence of both Chinese and Western architectural art. There are old Guangzhou streets, shops, and marketplace vibes; New York streets reproducing American city features, scenes of Western American towns, and the famous American Chinatown; and a quaint English scenic area reflecting different styles like Western, European, and religious architecture. Lift your camera, easily capture various cultural scenes—history, art, and culture all gather here.
In the evening, perhaps head to Zhongshan Quanyan Hot Spring for a relaxing soak. Known as 'a private hot spring in the bustling city,' it offers children's area, Chinese medicine pools, moisturizing pools, special fish therapy, etc., catering to all ages. Services like massage, ear cleaning, foot massage, and sauna are all available. The day's fatigue evaporates with the steam.
As for accommodation, I again choose Lavande. Lavande Hotel · Zhongshan Xiaolan Light Rail Station offers convenient transport, and nearby attractions like Xiaolan Chrysanthemum Garden and Jiangbin Park make you linger and forget to leave.
The hotel's overall design is exquisite and simple, yet exudes elegance and nature everywhere. The 300-square-meter lobby, with an 8-meter-high ceiling, is stylish, elegant, spacious, and bright. Staying here instantly gives you a relaxed and free sojourn feeling. The rooms are tastefully simple, carefully ensuring quality sleep. In your leisure time, enjoy a cup of good tea and read a good book in the book bar or public lounge, or have a vigorous workout in the gym. In any space, you can thoroughly enjoy leisurely, comfortable moments.
Fujian Romance: Xiamen, Fujian
Xiamen is a dreamy, romantic city. You can take the Zhonggu Cable Car to overlook the beautiful scenery and admire Gulangyu Island; experience a high-tech cultural theme park at Xiamen Fantawild Dreamland; ride the Tide Eye Ferris Wheel to catch sunrise and sunset, expressing romance in its 13-minute-14-second rotation...
In fact, traveling in Xiamen doesn't require a very detailed plan; just follow your own footsteps, as Xiamen life is carefree and comfortable. Wuyuanwan Beach, known only to locals, is next to Wuyuanwan Wetland Park—enjoy quiet time without the crowds. On days when it's not cold, bring a deck chair, lounge in the sea breeze, admire the seamless dynamic seascape of blue sky and white clouds, and when the mood strikes, snap a sunset photo by the sea. A slow pace can still yield a refined lifestyle.
In Xiamen, for food, you must visit the Eighth Market—a place full of local hustle and bustle. Fun, dazzling food, and great value for money... the Eighth Market is undoubtedly a paradise for foodie travelers! Dishes like taro duck, seaweed spring rolls, hand-shredded chicken, and man jian gao (a type of fried cake) feature plenty of Minnan-style flavors. Here, while your taste buds are fully satisfied, you'll also deeply experience Xiamen's lively local atmosphere.
Riyuegu Hot Spring is a fairly well-known hot spring in Xiamen. If you want to relax, definitely consider this place. It has a strong Southeast Asian atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, plenty of space, and a full range of pools with clean water. There are liquor springs, red wine springs, milk springs, coconut juice springs, ginseng springs, angelica springs, rose springs, mist springs, and many more, plus deep and shallow swimming pools, along with fish therapy and sand therapy options. Slow down time here, just enjoy nourishing your body and mind, trading one expense for multiple times of free-spirited joy.
After a tiring long journey and shuttling between sights, travelers' bodies and minds are exhausted. Choosing a comfortable hotel not only keeps you full of energy but also makes your stay cozy and reassuring. Lavande Hotel · Xiamen Airport Wuyuanwan Metro Station, with lavender elements and fragrance culture as its main themes, upholds the brand's unique value proposition—natural and unrestrained. It is dedicated to creating a pleasant atmosphere with natural elements, offering every traveler who yearns for a free life a casual and comfortable living space. Heartwarming designs everywhere bring the romance of lavender to its fullest.
The shape of a journey is ever-changing. Let's set off, find a place of peace and beauty in these six cities, and freely release the passion long pent up. Wishing you a pleasant trip and a prosperous Year of the Rabbit!
