Quick Mini-Breaks in China - Part 3

Three more interesting and unique quick getaway destinations in China.

Continuing our series of great quick getaway destinations in China, here are three more suggestions to consider for when a short trip is needed to unwind those tight nerves.

Lijiang

At the risk of sounding like a tourist brochure, Lijiang is one of the most picturesque locations in China. Resting in the foothills of the Himalayas, Lijiang's cobblestoned-paved streets wind endlessly through the old town center toward quaint little houses and shops; giving a feeling that time has been turned back 500 years. To be sure, Lijiang is not an undiscovered tourist destination, but immediately upon arrival, the attraction to this little corner of Yunnan is obvious.

It is rare in China to find a location that combines stunningly beautiful scenery, plenty of traditional culture, and amazingly well-preserved architecture in close proximity, let alone with all three being visible at every turn.

Lijiang and its surrounding area look like a movie set for an epic film set during the late Ming Dynasty. In fact, it is hard to imagine that more than a million residents live there, because it feels like a village. Many locals still dress much the same as their Naxi, Tibetan, and Han ancestors did. And while there is certainly a bit too much pandering to the tourists, at least visitors can take solace in the fact that the city is truly old, and that their money supports the local economy which would otherwise collapse.

Plus, Lijiang's natural beauty is clean. The fresh air and cold, clear mountain streams and rivers will revitalize any expat who has been choking on the rest of the country's smog for far too long. A visitor to Lijiang will leave the city wondering why there is such a rushed, stressful focus on industry in other parts of China.

The list of chilled-out things to do and see in and around Lijiang is too long to state here, but do a little research and then go with the flow. Accommodation bookings are advised during high season, and online reservation prices are often lower than simply turning up at a hotel, hostel or B&B front desk, so the ten minutes necessary to book ahead is time well spent.

Getting to Lijiang can be a challenge. Flights are available from nearby Kunming and most other major cities, but many destinations are only connected by bus. Still, the scenery out of the bus window is amazing.

Hongcun

Small, walled cities are not for everyone, but for those with a passion for the medieval, there are few locales better preserved than Hongcun. This ancient village is wrapped around a central pond and Hongcun's whitewashed walls and black tiled roofs just beg to be photographed. Spring and fall are definitely the best times to visit; the weather is most comfortable in these seasons, but avoid Hongcun during national holidays.

Hongcun is small, so it can be easily toured at a leisurely pace in a single day. Fortunately it is also close to Huangshan, so these two destinations can be visited on the same trip. (See our first mini-breaks post for a review of Huangshan). And, if one ancient town is not enough, just about ten kilometers away is Xidi, a village that is similar although not quite as nice.

There are lots of small, cheapish hotels in the newer surrounding town, and a few homestays are also available to stay in the old village. But, because Hongcun can as easily been seen as a day trip from Huangshan, overnighting may not be necessary. Getting to Hongcun is strictly by bus, but there are lots of tour agencies that can arrange seats for cheap.

Shanghai

It might seem a bit counterintuitive to suggest Shanghai as one of the best places in China for a quick low-stress getaway, considering that residents rate it as one of the most stressful places to live in the entire country. But on the other hand, Shanghai also has the highest number of tourists (both domestic and international) of any city in the country - clearly, the city has something special to offer visitors.

In fact, given its massive population, there is literally a site, event or activity for any interest or background, meaning every visitor can personalize their trip to Shanghai. Whether it is leisurely strolling through some of Asia's best-preserved Western architecture in the former concessions and on the Bund; getting completely immersed in modern China through the numerous shopping malls, world-class restaurants and hotels; or just relaxing in a park or cafe, Shanghai is the perfect destination, no matter what sort of getaway you seek.

The only caveat is that Shanghai is also one of the most expensive cities in China, though it's still cheaper than Europe or Japan. For the extra cost, however, visitors are rewarded with easy and convenient public transport, newer taxis, clean streets and a general feeling of organization that is often lacking in many other Chinese cities.

For the visitor with a moderate budget, Shanghai can prove to be an amazing playground for a long weekend, because it boasts some incredible hotels and eateries and frequently hosts touring professional entertainers in world-class venues. It is the perfect sightseeing and event destination combined into one.

Getting to and from Shanghai is a breeze, with hundreds of flights available via two international airports (keep in mind that Hongqiao International Airport is closer to the city center). And thanks to a high-speed train connection with Beijing, trekking down from the nation’s capital is an easy four hour ride.

Check back soon for three more great mini-break destination in China. Don't forget to check out Part 2 and Part 1!

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