Weekend Escape Plan for Working Professionals! These 4 Mountains Are Must-Visits!

Hey everyone! Been desperately wanting to escape the city for some fresh air lately? I've compiled a list of mountain treasures that are "1-3 hours by high-speed rail, easy to climb but with stunning views." Perfect for beginners, lazy hikers, and photography enthusiasts. Save this guide now 👇 🚄First Stop: Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Area in Nanjing✨ Despite having "mountain" in its name, the entire experience feels like strolling through a park! Just a 20-minute taxi ride from Nanjing South Station to the West Gate, where you'll be immediately impressed by the giant "bull horn" sculpture 📸 ✅ Lazy option: Take the scenic shuttle (¥20) straight to the summit to see the iconic "Buddha Palace" (stunning exterior! no religious content involved), walk around the corridor to enjoy the sea of clouds, and take photos that look like scenes from a fantasy drama 🌫️ ✅ Family-friendly: Large grasslands and lakes at the base where you can fly kites or set up tents with parents or kids. When tired, visit the "Zheng He Cultural Park" to explore ancient architecture (free admission) 🍜 Where to eat after: Try the "Jinling Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup" at the entrance, ¥15 per bowl with rich broth, paired with a meat sandwich for complete satisfaction 💡 Tip: Wear light-colored clothes! White buildings against blue sky make for amazing photos 🚄Second Stop: Baoshi Mountain in Hangzhou🌇 A hidden gem by West Lake! 15-minute walk from Longxiang Bridge subway station to the base of Baochu Pagoda, then climb up the stone steps for about an hour to reach the top ✅ Spectacular night views: Start climbing around 4pm, with "Toad Peak" halfway up offering the best panoramic view of West Lake with golden sunlight shimmering on the water 🌅! Wait for nightfall at the summit to see the city lights framing West Lake—romantically breathtaking ✅ Photo bonus: The rocks around Baochu Pagoda are perfect for photos! Sit on the steps with the pagoda as background for instant vintage Hong Kong-style shots 📷 🍜 Where to eat after: Walk to "Wulin Night Market" for green onion pastries and victory cakes, authentic Hangzhou flavors for under ¥10 💡 Tip: Bring a small blanket! It gets windy at the top, stay warm while enjoying the night view 🚄Third Stop: Qianfo Mountain in Jinan🌿 Jinan locals' secret "urban green lung"! 10-minute taxi ride from Jinan Station to the North Gate, where you'll be immediately refreshed by lush greenery ✅ Recommended gentle route: Take the "winding mountain road" to "Maitreya Victory Garden" to see the huge smiling Maitreya Buddha (super cute! no religious content), with little squirrels scurrying around along the way 🐿️ If you're energetic, challenge yourself to "Panorama Pavilion" for a view of Jinan city with Daming Lake in one frame ✅ Family bonus: There's a "zoo" at the foot of the mountain (¥30 admission) where kids can see giant pandas and giraffes—combining hiking and family fun in one trip 🍜 Where to eat after: Try oil twists and sweet soup at "Kuanhou Li" at the foot of the mountain—crispy outside, soft inside with savory soup that parents will love too 💡 Tip: Fewer people on weekend mornings! Avoid afternoon heat for a more comfortable hike 🚄Fourth Stop: Longquan Mountain Urban Forest Park in Chengdu🌌 Chengdu's "aerial viewing platform"! Take subway Line 2 from Chengdu East Station to Longquanyi, then a 10-minute taxi to the "Peach Blossom Hometown" entrance ✅ Sunset perfection: Recommend the "Highway 318 Checkpoint → Fujiwara Tofu Shop" route with many Instagram-worthy spots—a must for motorcycle enthusiasts 🏍️! Wait for sunset at "Zhongjia Mountain Trail" where orange twilight fills the sky, creating cinematic shots effortlessly ✅ Night view spot: Climb to "Yangtianwo" to see the city lights, with a huge "panda sculpture" looking adorable in the darkness—perfect for couples 🍜 Where to eat after: Try spicy rabbit head (mild option available) at "Old Street Rabbit" in Longquanyi District, with a bowl of iced jelly to cool down—authentic Sichuan flavor 💡 Tip: Wear sneakers! Some sections have gravel, so non-slip footwear is essential 💡Ultimate Hiking Checklist (Screenshot this!) ✅ Outfit: Quick-dry shirt + athletic pants + non-slip shoes (avoid light colors!), bring sun hat and sunglasses 🕶️ ✅ Gear: Small backpack (for water, tissues, power bank), portable mini fan recommended (windy at the top but hot while climbing) ✅ Timing: For day trips, start climbing at 9-10am, allow 3-4 hours for exploration and photos, head down before 4pm ✅ Photography: Turn on your phone's "Live Photo" mode to capture the natural feeling of mountain breezes These places truly offer "high returns for low investment" when it comes to hiking. Grab your friends or family on the weekend and head to the mountains for some deep breaths of fresh air!