4 Great Getaways for the Qingming Holiday: 3-Day, 2-Night Trip Plans

Last-Minute Qingming Trips! Short Trip Guide to Four Cities: Unlocking Spring Outings and Flower Viewing 🌸 The Qingming holiday is just around the corner, and three days is the perfect time for a short trip! Whether you're looking for hidden mountain and water paradises, ancient spring scenery, or immersive cultural experiences, these four cities can fulfill all your springtime expectations. No need for complicated guides—set off now! --- **1. Jinan: Spring in the City of Springs and Poetic Rambles** **Keywords:** Gurgling Springs, Flower Viewing at Chao Ran Lou, Cultural Vibe **Why visit:** Ranked among the top three most popular weekend getaways in China, Jinan in spring offers a blend of springs and flowers, combining urban convenience with natural wildness. **Must-sees:** - **Daming Lake - Chao Ran Lou:** Climb the tower for a panoramic view of the shimmering lake, with weeping willows along the shore and cherry blossoms and crabapples in full bloom. Every shot is a classic ancient-style scene. - **Jiu Ru Mountain Scenic Area:** Waterfalls and mountains complement each other. Hike the wooden boardwalk to breathe in the fresh air, and experience handmade DIY activities to feel the healing power of the mountains. - **Qushuiting Street:** Experience the authentic vibe of old Jinan, with spring water flowing beside the bluestone paths. Enjoy a bowl of spring tea and savor authentic Bazirou (braised pork). **Travel Tips:** High-speed trains go directly to Jinan West Station. Most of the city's attractions are concentrated in the Lixia District, easily connected by bus or shared bicycle. --- **2. Yangzhou: Down to Jiangnan in March** **Keywords:** Slender West Lake Boating, Elegant Gardens, Huaiyang Cuisine **Why visit:** Li Bai's "March" is now, and Yangzhou is awash with peach blossoms and green willows, like a traditional ink painting. **Highlights:** - **Slender West Lake:** Take a boat trip on the lake and watch the Five Pavilion Bridge reflected in the clear water. The weeping willows on the long dike sway gently in the breeze, and you might even encounter the limited-time romance of blooming Qionghua. - **Ge Garden/He Garden:** Two of China's four famous gardens are here. Experience the exquisite aesthetics of Ming and Qing dynasty gardens among the rockeries and bamboo paths. - **Dongguan Street Night Tour:** Taste crab roe soup dumplings and dried shredded tofu, browse intangible cultural heritage craft shops, and touch the pulse of the ancient city in the dim light. **Must-Eat Food:** The morning tea experience is a must! Try the jade siu mai and Sanding bao from Fuchun Teahouse, and the shrimp roe wonton noodles from Gonghechun to awaken your spring taste buds. --- **3. Guilin: Li River Scenery and Karst Wonders** **Keywords:** Bamboo Raft, Peak Reflections, Pastoral Idyll **Why visit:** Qingming is the peak water season for the Li River, with picturesque scenery and pleasant temperatures. A short trip is enough to immerse yourself in the "best in the world" wonderland. **Highlights:** - **Li River Bamboo Raft (Xingping-Jiuma Section):** Check out the scenery on the back of the CNY 20 note, watch fishermen with cormorants and the reflections of green peaks, and feel the leisure of "boating on the green waves". - **Yulong River Cycling:** Cycle along the riverside path through rice paddies and karst peaks, encounter rapeseed flower fields, and discover pastoral poetry. - **Elephant Trunk Hill Night Tour:** The illuminated Elephant Trunk Hill is even more magical. Nearby Zhengyang Pedestrian Street is a great place to slurp a bowl of authentic Guilin rice noodles. **Short Trip Tips:** High-speed trains from Chongqing, Guangzhou, and other places go directly to Guilin. Three days is enough to explore the highlights of the city and Yangshuo. For those on a budget, choose a "hotel + attraction" package. --- **4. Enshi: Secret Canyon and Tujia Customs** **Keywords:** Geological Wonders, Niche Seclusion, Ethnic Customs **Why visit:** A "fairyland on earth" that is a 3-hour high-speed train ride from Chongqing. With fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, it is suitable for travelers seeking natural wildness. **Don't miss:** - **Enshi Grand Canyon:** Hike the Yunlong Ground Crevice, "the most beautiful scar on Earth", look up at the "A Pillar of Incense" stone pillar piercing the sky, and be surrounded by clouds and mist like a fairyland. - **Pingshan Canyon:** Take a suspended boat through the "China Seapan", with clear turquoise water like jade and steep cliffs. The photo opportunities are endless. - **Tusi City:** Explore the Tujia culture, see the stilted buildings of the Jiujintang, participate in the Baishou Dance, and experience the boldness of "smashing bowl wine". **Recommended food:** Zhangguan Hezha (bean curd hot pot), bacon stewed potatoes, and Diaozha pancakes to experience the spicy and sour flavors of Tujia. --- ### **Travel Tips** - **Transportation:** Book high-speed train tickets in advance (such as the frequent trains from Chongqing to Enshi). Some cities offer car rentals for flexible exploration of the countryside. - **Accommodation:** Prioritize hotels with free cancellation to cope with weather changes. It is recommended to stay near scenic spots in Guilin and Yangzhou to save time. - **Equipment:** Lightweight spring clothing + a jacket to cope with temperature differences, hiking shoes suitable for hiking in Enshi and Guilin, and Hanfu/Qipao for more photogenic shots in Yangzhou and Jinan! This Qingming, escape the hustle and bustle, take a deep breath in the mountains and rivers, and find the spring in the ancient city. Four cities, four kinds of spring—there's sure to be one that touches your heart! 🌿