11 Reverse Tourism: Budget Travel to Less Popular Cities
Travel Guide to Linhai, Yancheng, Fuzhou, and Jixi
These four cities are located in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Anhui provinces, each with its own distinct character: Linhai is an ancient city with Song Dynasty charm at the foot of the "Great Wall of Jiangnan"; Yancheng is an ecological city where wetlands, deer, and sea salt culture intertwine; Fuzhou is the hometown of Tang Xianzu, known as the "Hometown of Talented Scholars"; and Jixi is a hidden gem of Huizhou culture. Below is a summary of key activities and practical information for each city.
I. Linhai (Taizhou, Zhejiang)
Keywords: Great Wall of Jiangnan, Ziyang Ancient Street, Nuojiji Snacks
Core Attractions
The Taizhou City Wall, certified by National Geographic as the "Great Wall of Jiangnan," is an important blueprint for the Ming Dynasty Great Wall in the north. Recommended Route: Lansheng Gate → Baiyun Tower → Yanxia Pavilion → Chaotian Gate → Wangjiang Gate → Xingshan Gate, approximately 2 hours in total. The section between the No. 3 and No. 2 watchtowers features the "most beautiful S-curve" of the entire city wall. The city wall can be climbed for free from Xingshan Gate before 7:00 AM and after 6:00 PM daily.
Ziyang Street is an ancient street that still retains the lifestyle of the original inhabitants; the further you walk in, the more authentic it becomes. Along the main street, you can connect Longxing Temple, the Zhu Ziqing Memorial Hall, the former site of the People's Bank, Taizhou Confucian Temple, and the Drum Tower. Longxing Temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty, and its Thousand Buddha Brick Pagoda is one of the few remaining Yuan Dynasty pagodas in Zhejiang, with exquisite brick carvings.
Donghu Park is the location where Zhu Ziqing described "viewing the willows and water from the waterside pavilion." The Nine-Bend Bridge and the pavilion in the middle of the lake form a typical Jiangnan garden landscape. Linghu Lake is a "green energy field" for Linhai residents; you can rent a bike to cycle around the lake, perfect for a slower pace.
Suggested Itinerary: 2 days 1 night. Day 1: Ancient City Tour (Xingshan Gate → Longxing Temple → Ziyang Street → Donghu Lake); Day 2: Great Wall Climb (City God Temple to the city wall → Wangtiantai → Yanxia Pavilion → Chaotian Gate → West Street). The city wall is best viewed from the City God Temple and descended through Xingshan Gate, as the entire route is downhill and easier.
Food Recommendations
Linhai is famous for its "glutinous rice balls." Egg white sheep's tail is a signature dessert, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet but not cloying, and was once served at Emperor Qianlong's Thousand Elders Banquet. Other local specialties include seaweed cakes (best eaten fresh out of the oven), black rice cakes, plum blossom cakes, wheat shrimp, wheat cakes, and fermented rice soup. Baitaqiao Hotel's signature dishes include egg white sheep's tail, chilled eight-treasure rice, and seasonal seafood; Wanjun Xiaochu's three-delicacy wheat shrimp and fried rice cakes are also worth trying.
Best Season: April-May and September-November, with pleasant weather. Avoid the typhoon season from June to September.
II. Yancheng (Jiangsu)
Keywords: Wetland deer, sea salt culture, Yancheng water town
Core Attractions
The China Sea Salt Museum is the only sea salt-themed exhibition hall in the country. Learn about Yancheng's thousand-year history of "being born from salt" starting here. The New Fourth Army Memorial Hall and Yancheng City Museum are options to choose from, or you can visit both, depending on your interests.
The Dayangwan Ecological Tourism Area is suitable for an afternoon stroll. In the evening, head to Yanzhen Water Street to see the riverside buildings and night views. The Water Street is better visited at night; the atmosphere is relatively ordinary during the day.
The China Milu Deer Park is the core attraction of Dafeng. The park is quite large, and you can combine sightseeing with a tour bus tour of the deer's activity area and wetland landscape. Milu deer are wild animals, and whether you can see them up close depends on the season and weather. Do not feed or chase the animals during your visit.
Suggested Itinerary: 2 days and 1 night. A "city + Dafeng" route is recommended. Don't try to cram Tiaozini, Red-crowned Cranes, Milu Deer Park, and Yellow Sea Forest Park all into one itinerary. Go to Dafeng to see Milu deer, Sheyang to see red-crowned cranes, and Tiaozini to see migratory birds on the mudflats. Choose only one highlight for each two days.
Food Recommendations
Yancheng's "Eight Bowls" is a national intangible cultural heritage dish praised by CCTV, including eight classic dishes such as braised pork belly, chicken wrapped in chicken, braised glutinous rice balls, steamed cake, and radish stewed with mussels. Dongtai fish soup noodles have a history of over 200 years; the soup is thick like milk, fresh but not greasy, and won a medal at the Panama International Exposition. Jianhu lotus root starch balls, Wuyou drunken snails, and Funing rice cakes are also local specialties. Drunken snails are a type of pickled seafood; those with sensitive stomachs should not eat too much at once.
Best Season: April-May for tulip viewing in the Dutch-style flower fields; October to February of the following year for observing red-crowned cranes and migratory birds. Yancheng's scenic spots are scattered along the coastline; driving is the most convenient option. Those not driving should confirm direct shuttle bus routes to the scenic areas in advance.
III. Fuzhou (Jiangxi)
Keywords: Hometown of Talented Scholars, Tang Xianzu, Linchuan Beef Offal
Core Attractions
Fuzhou, formerly known as Linchuan, is the hometown of Tang Xianzu, Wang Anshi, and Zeng Gong, boasting a rich cultural heritage. Wenchangli Historical and Cultural District is the birthplace of Tang Xianzu. The ancient streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties hold many surprises, and there's a live performance of "The Peony Pavilion" in the evening. Both the Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall and the Wang Anshi Memorial Hall are free to enter (entry by ID card), and the two are not far apart.
Zhengjue Ancient Temple, originally built in the Tang Dynasty, remains full of Zen spirit despite reconstruction. No entrance fee, and it's less crowded and less-visited. St. Joseph's Catholic Church is tucked away in the ancient streets, a great spot for taking photos.
If time permits, you can extend your trip to Le'an Liukeng Ancient Village (a thousand-year-old village) or Zixi Dajue Mountain Scenic Area (cable car ride through the sea of clouds, visit the thousand-year-old Dajue Temple, entrance fee + sightseeing bus + rafting package approximately 260 yuan).
Suggested Itinerary: A suggested one-day city tour route: Zhengjue Ancient Temple → Wenchangli → St. Joseph's Catholic Church → Yulong Wanshou Palace → Niyantai → Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall → Wang Anshi Memorial Hall → Fuzhou Museum → Sanweng Park. If you have a 3-day itinerary, you can add Liukeng Ancient Village or Dajue Mountain.
Food Recommendations
Linchuan Beef Offal is the most representative food of Fuzhou. It was awarded the title of "China's Famous Snack" in 2018, and its preparation technique was listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage in 2021. Luojia Lane in Shangdun Ferry Town, Linchuan District, is a famous "Beef Offal Street." The beef offal is fresh and spicy, and pairing it with a bowl of rice noodles is a classic Linchuan way of eating. Other specialties include Nanfeng Clear Soup (thin-skinned wontons), Linchuan Beef Tripe, and Le'an Fermented Fish.
Best Season: March-May and September-November are the top choices. Spring offers fields of rapeseed flowers, and autumn's clear skies are perfect for visiting ancient buildings and academies. In summer, you can go rafting at Dajue Mountain to escape the heat.
IV. Jixi (Xuancheng, Anhui)
Keywords: Huihang Ancient Road, Longchuan Ancient Village, Hu Shi's One-Pot Dish
Core Attractions
Longchuan Scenic Area is a thousand-year-old village shaped like a ship. It produced famous figures such as Hu Zongxian and Hu Xueyan. The wood carvings in the Hu Clan Ancestral Hall are hailed as a "museum of wood carving art." Longchuan Water Street offers a glimpse into the idyllic Huizhou landscape with its bridges, flowing water, and traditional houses. Entrance fee: approximately 75 yuan.
The Huihang Ancient Road is a classic route for hiking enthusiasts. It runs from Fuling Town in Jixi to Yonglai Village, a total of about 18 kilometers, requiring 6-7 hours. It passes through key points such as the First Pass of Jiangnan, Shicha Pavilion, and Lantian'ao (the highest point). If your physical condition is average, you can just hike the essential section from the First Pass of Jiangnan (about 2-3 hours). Entrance fee: approximately 58 yuan.
Zhangshan Grand Canyon is known for its clear pools and unique rocks. Entrance fee: approximately 49 yuan. The streamside trail is about 2.5 kilometers one way and is a great place for water activities in summer. Meiganling Viewpoint is free. In the early morning or after rain, you can see the terraced fields and villages with white walls and black tiles shrouded in mist, like a living ink painting.
Renli Ancient Town differs from the commercialized Longchuan; it's a free and "living" ancient village. Its maze-like "Eighteen Lanes" and the quiet lives of elderly people make it perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Suggested Itinerary: 3 days 2 nights. Day 1: Meiganling Viewpoint → Zhangshan Grand Canyon; Day 2: Huihang Ancient Trail Hiking; Day 3: Longchuan Scenic Area → Renli Ancient Town. If you only have 2 days, you can simplify it to Day 1: Ancient Village Cultural Tour (Jixi Museum → Longchuan → Renli), Day 2: The best section of the Huihang Ancient Trail.
Food Recommendations:
Jixi is known as the "Hometown of Anhui Cuisine". Hu Shi's One-Pot Stew is a famous dish from Jixi, where layers of ingredients are stewed together. The bottom layer consists of shredded radish, bamboo shoots, and other vegetables; the middle layer is filled with pork belly, tofu buns, quail eggs, and meatballs; and the top layer is egg dumplings and pieces of free-range chicken. Slow-cooked over low heat, every bite is infused with the aromas of meat, beans, and vegetables. Stinky Mandarin Fish is a representative of Anhui cuisine's "smells bad, tastes good" characteristic; the fish meat is shaped like garlic cloves and melts in your mouth. Jixi Tart Cake is most classic with a preserved vegetable filling; the outer skin is golden and crispy, making a satisfying "crunch" with every bite. Other local specialties include Jixi Fried Vermicelli, Braised Vermicelli, and Water-filled Buns.
Intercity Travel Suggestions
The four cities are located in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Anhui provinces, and can be connected by high-speed rail. There is a direct high-speed train from Yancheng to Linhai (such as G7472, approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes), and there are also trains from Linhai to Yancheng (approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes). Fuzhou and Jixi are connected by the Xuancheng-Jixi High-Speed Railway, with the fastest journey from Xuancheng to Jixi North Station taking only 39 minutes.
If planning to visit all four cities in one trip, a suggested route is: Linhai → Yancheng → Fuzhou → Jixi (or vice versa), allocating 2-3 days to each city, for a total trip of approximately 10-12 days. If time is limited, you can choose based on seasonal preference: in spring, prioritize Linhai + Jixi (spring flowers in the ancient city and rapeseed flowers in Huizhou); in autumn and winter, prioritize Yancheng (migratory birds) + Fuzhou (autumn colors and ancient architecture).
The best travel windows for all four cities are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is comfortable and each city offers its seasonal scenery, making it the most suitable time to visit them in a combined trip.
Travel Guide to Linhai, Yancheng, Fuzhou, and Jixi
These four cities are located in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Anhui provinces, each with its own distinct character: Linhai is an ancient city with Song Dynasty charm at the foot of the "Great Wall of Jiangnan"; Yancheng is an ecological city where wetlands, deer, and sea salt culture intertwine; Fuzhou is the hometown of Tang Xianzu, known as the "Hometown of Talented Scholars"; and Jixi is a hidden gem of Huizhou culture. Below is a summary of key activities and practical information for each city.
I. Linhai (Taizhou, Zhejiang)
Keywords: Great Wall of Jiangnan, Ziyang Ancient Street, Nuojiji Snacks
Core Attractions
The Taizhou City Wall, certified by National Geographic as the "Great Wall of Jiangnan," is an important blueprint for the Ming Dynasty Great Wall in the north. Recommended Route: Lansheng Gate → Baiyun Tower → Yanxia Pavilion → Chaotian Gate → Wangjiang Gate → Xingshan Gate, approximately 2 hours in total. The section between the No. 3 and No. 2 watchtowers features the "most beautiful S-curve" of the entire city wall. The city wall can be climbed for free from Xingshan Gate before 7:00 AM and after 6:00 PM daily.
Ziyang Street is an ancient street that still retains the lifestyle of the original inhabitants; the further you walk in, the more authentic it becomes. Along the main street, you can connect Longxing Temple, the Zhu Ziqing Memorial Hall, the former site of the People's Bank, Taizhou Confucian Temple, and the Drum Tower. Longxing Temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty, and its Thousand Buddha Brick Pagoda is one of the few remaining Yuan Dynasty pagodas in Zhejiang, with exquisite brick carvings.
Donghu Park is the location where Zhu Ziqing described "viewing the willows and water from the waterside pavilion." The Nine-Bend Bridge and the pavilion in the middle of the lake form a typical Jiangnan garden landscape. Linghu Lake is a "green energy field" for Linhai residents; you can rent a bike to cycle around the lake, perfect for a slower pace.
Suggested Itinerary: 2 days 1 night. Day 1: Ancient City Tour (Xingshan Gate → Longxing Temple → Ziyang Street → Donghu Lake); Day 2: Great Wall Climb (City God Temple to the city wall → Wangtiantai → Yanxia Pavilion → Chaotian Gate → West Street). The city wall is best viewed from the City God Temple and descended through Xingshan Gate, as the entire route is downhill and easier.
Food Recommendations
Linhai is famous for its "glutinous rice balls." Egg white sheep's tail is a signature dessert, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet but not cloying, and was once served at Emperor Qianlong's Thousand Elders Banquet. Other local specialties include seaweed cakes (best eaten fresh out of the oven), black rice cakes, plum blossom cakes, wheat shrimp, wheat cakes, and fermented rice soup. Baitaqiao Hotel's signature dishes include egg white sheep's tail, chilled eight-treasure rice, and seasonal seafood; Wanjun Xiaochu's three-delicacy wheat shrimp and fried rice cakes are also worth trying.
Best Season: April-May and September-November, with pleasant weather. Avoid the typhoon season from June to September.
II. Yancheng (Jiangsu)
Keywords: Wetland deer, sea salt culture, Yancheng water town
Core Attractions
The China Sea Salt Museum is the only sea salt-themed exhibition hall in the country. Learn about Yancheng's thousand-year history of "being born from salt" starting here. The New Fourth Army Memorial Hall and Yancheng City Museum are options to choose from, or you can visit both, depending on your interests.
The Dayangwan Ecological Tourism Area is suitable for an afternoon stroll. In the evening, head to Yanzhen Water Street to see the riverside buildings and night views. The Water Street is better visited at night; the atmosphere is relatively ordinary during the day.
The China Milu Deer Park is the core attraction of Dafeng. The park is quite large, and you can combine sightseeing with a tour bus tour of the deer's activity area and wetland landscape. Milu deer are wild animals, and whether you can see them up close depends on the season and weather. Do not feed or chase the animals during your visit.
Suggested Itinerary: 2 days and 1 night. A "city + Dafeng" route is recommended. Don't try to cram Tiaozini, Red-crowned Cranes, Milu Deer Park, and Yellow Sea Forest Park all into one itinerary. Go to Dafeng to see Milu deer, Sheyang to see red-crowned cranes, and Tiaozini to see migratory birds on the mudflats. Choose only one highlight for each two days.
Food Recommendations
Yancheng's "Eight Bowls" is a national intangible cultural heritage dish praised by CCTV, including eight classic dishes such as braised pork belly, chicken wrapped in chicken, braised glutinous rice balls, steamed cake, and radish stewed with mussels. Dongtai fish soup noodles have a history of over 200 years; the soup is thick like milk, fresh but not greasy, and won a medal at the Panama International Exposition. Jianhu lotus root starch balls, Wuyou drunken snails, and Funing rice cakes are also local specialties. Drunken snails are a type of pickled seafood; those with sensitive stomachs should not eat too much at once.
Best Season: April-May for tulip viewing in the Dutch-style flower fields; October to February of the following year for observing red-crowned cranes and migratory birds. Yancheng's scenic spots are scattered along the coastline; driving is the most convenient option. Those not driving should confirm direct shuttle bus routes to the scenic areas in advance.
III. Fuzhou (Jiangxi)
Keywords: Hometown of Talented Scholars, Tang Xianzu, Linchuan Beef Offal
Core Attractions
Fuzhou, formerly known as Linchuan, is the hometown of Tang Xianzu, Wang Anshi, and Zeng Gong, boasting a rich cultural heritage. Wenchangli Historical and Cultural District is the birthplace of Tang Xianzu. The ancient streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties hold many surprises, and there's a live performance of "The Peony Pavilion" in the evening. Both the Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall and the Wang Anshi Memorial Hall are free to enter (entry by ID card), and the two are not far apart.
Zhengjue Ancient Temple, originally built in the Tang Dynasty, remains full of Zen spirit despite reconstruction. No entrance fee, and it's less crowded and less-visited. St. Joseph's Catholic Church is tucked away in the ancient streets, a great spot for taking photos.
If time permits, you can extend your trip to Le'an Liukeng Ancient Village (a thousand-year-old village) or Zixi Dajue Mountain Scenic Area (cable car ride through the sea of clouds, visit the thousand-year-old Dajue Temple, entrance fee + sightseeing bus + rafting package approximately 260 yuan).
Suggested Itinerary: A suggested one-day city tour route: Zhengjue Ancient Temple → Wenchangli → St. Joseph's Catholic Church → Yulong Wanshou Palace → Niyantai → Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall → Wang Anshi Memorial Hall → Fuzhou Museum → Sanweng Park. If you have a 3-day itinerary, you can add Liukeng Ancient Village or Dajue Mountain.
Food Recommendations
Linchuan Beef Offal is the most representative food of Fuzhou. It was awarded the title of "China's Famous Snack" in 2018, and its preparation technique was listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage in 2021. Luojia Lane in Shangdun Ferry Town, Linchuan District, is a famous "Beef Offal Street." The beef offal is fresh and spicy, and pairing it with a bowl of rice noodles is a classic Linchuan way of eating. Other specialties include Nanfeng Clear Soup (thin-skinned wontons), Linchuan Beef Tripe, and Le'an Fermented Fish.
Best Season: March-May and September-November are the top choices. Spring offers fields of rapeseed flowers, and autumn's clear skies are perfect for visiting ancient buildings and academies. In summer, you can go rafting at Dajue Mountain to escape the heat.
IV. Jixi (Xuancheng, Anhui)
Keywords: Huihang Ancient Road, Longchuan Ancient Village, Hu Shi's One-Pot Dish
Core Attractions
Longchuan Scenic Area is a thousand-year-old village shaped like a ship. It produced famous figures such as Hu Zongxian and Hu Xueyan. The wood carvings in the Hu Clan Ancestral Hall are hailed as a "museum of wood carving art." Longchuan Water Street offers a glimpse into the idyllic Huizhou landscape with its bridges, flowing water, and traditional houses. Entrance fee: approximately 75 yuan.
The Huihang Ancient Road is a classic route for hiking enthusiasts. It runs from Fuling Town in Jixi to Yonglai Village, a total of about 18 kilometers, requiring 6-7 hours. It passes through key points such as the First Pass of Jiangnan, Shicha Pavilion, and Lantian'ao (the highest point). If your physical condition is average, you can just hike the essential section from the First Pass of Jiangnan (about 2-3 hours). Entrance fee: approximately 58 yuan.
Zhangshan Grand Canyon is known for its clear pools and unique rocks. Entrance fee: approximately 49 yuan. The streamside trail is about 2.5 kilometers one way and is a great place for water activities in summer. Meiganling Viewpoint is free. In the early morning or after rain, you can see the terraced fields and villages with white walls and black tiles shrouded in mist, like a living ink painting.
Renli Ancient Town differs from the commercialized Longchuan; it's a free and "living" ancient village. Its maze-like "Eighteen Lanes" and the quiet lives of elderly people make it perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Suggested Itinerary: 3 days 2 nights. Day 1: Meiganling Viewpoint → Zhangshan Grand Canyon; Day 2: Huihang Ancient Trail Hiking; Day 3: Longchuan Scenic Area → Renli Ancient Town. If you only have 2 days, you can simplify it to Day 1: Ancient Village Cultural Tour (Jixi Museum → Longchuan → Renli), Day 2: The best section of the Huihang Ancient Trail.
Food Recommendations:
Jixi is known as the "Hometown of Anhui Cuisine". Hu Shi's One-Pot Stew is a famous dish from Jixi, where layers of ingredients are stewed together. The bottom layer consists of shredded radish, bamboo shoots, and other vegetables; the middle layer is filled with pork belly, tofu buns, quail eggs, and meatballs; and the top layer is egg dumplings and pieces of free-range chicken. Slow-cooked over low heat, every bite is infused with the aromas of meat, beans, and vegetables. Stinky Mandarin Fish is a representative of Anhui cuisine's "smells bad, tastes good" characteristic; the fish meat is shaped like garlic cloves and melts in your mouth. Jixi Tart Cake is most classic with a preserved vegetable filling; the outer skin is golden and crispy, making a satisfying "crunch" with every bite. Other local specialties include Jixi Fried Vermicelli, Braised Vermicelli, and Water-filled Buns.
Intercity Travel Suggestions
The four cities are located in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Anhui provinces, and can be connected by high-speed rail. There is a direct high-speed train from Yancheng to Linhai (such as G7472, approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes), and there are also trains from Linhai to Yancheng (approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes). Fuzhou and Jixi are connected by the Xuancheng-Jixi High-Speed Railway, with the fastest journey from Xuancheng to Jixi North Station taking only 39 minutes.
If planning to visit all four cities in one trip, the recommended route is: Linhai → Yancheng → Fuzhou → Jixi (or vice versa), allocating 2-3 days to each city, for a total trip of approximately 10-12 days. If time is limited, you can choose based on seasonal preference: in spring, prioritize Linhai + Jixi (spring flowers in the ancient city and rapeseed flowers in Huizhou); in autumn and winter, prioritize Yancheng (migratory birds) + Fuzhou (autumn colors and ancient architecture).
The best travel windows for all four cities are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is comfortable and each city offers its seasonal scenery, making it the most suitable time to visit them in a combined trip.