MAY is normally the last chance to enjoy the late spring in other parts of China. Why not take a few days off to explore some major tourist sites and seek the beauty of traditional China.

    Shaoxing

    Zhejiang Province

    Lying to the south of the Yangtze Delta and in the north of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing is a pearl, a simple but elegant light standing between Hangzhou and Ningbo.

    It is one of the most famous historical cities in China. With thousands of years of history, Shaoxing is famous for its deep cultural connections to bridges, calligraphy, tea and scholars.

    Numerous accomplished scholars and cultural figures were born or lived in Shaoxing. For example, well-known Chinese scholar and writer Lu Xun was born in the city and wrote many articles about his childhood there.

    The city has many historical sites. On the top of the list are places such as Lanting Pavilion, Shen’s Garden, Yuewangtai and Shunwang Temple.

    Yellow wine is the most representative delicacy of Shaoxing. Other must-try delicacies include Shaoxing-style duck, fish and pig heads seasoned with soy sauce. There are several restaurants in Shaoxing with a 100-year history, such as Xianheng Restaurant, Lanxiang Restaurant, Tongxinlou, and Juleyuan Restaurant.

    Transport: Fly to Hangzhou from Shenzhen airport and take a coach to Shaoxing.

    Luoping

    Yunnan Province

    Located about 240 kilometers away from Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, Luoping is home to one of the largest plantations of canola flowers in Southwest China.

    The county is noted for its beautiful scenery in the spring, when its canola flower farms are in full blossom, surrounding the area’s mountains with a sea of golden flowers.

    The county was also included on CNN’s list of 15 of the world’s most colorful landscapes last year.

    The best place to appreciate the flowers is at Jingji Peak, north of Luoping’s county seat. From the peak, you can see the flowers stretching to the horizon like a golden blanket with villages dotting the landscape.

    Niujie Village is also a must-go area. It’s famous for its terraced fields on which canola flowers, winter wheat and vegetables of various kinds are all planted. The rich colors of the large patches of plants are a sight for sore eyes.

    Transport: Fly to Kunming from Shenzhen airport and take a coach to the county.

    Wuyuan

    Jiangxi Province

    Tucked between scenic Huangshan Mountain and Sanqing Mountain, Wuyuan has been dubbed the “most beautiful countryside in China.” Although the most popular season in Wuyuan is March and April, when the golden canola flowers are in full bloom, it is still fun to explore the ancient town during the relatively quieter May.

    Wuyuan has at least 50 well-preserved, century-old villages. The area is dotted with Huizhou-style houses with white walls, black roofs, elegant eaves and green paving stones — all relics of the area’s glorious past. There are also many local delicacies such as dried fish, mashed tofu, sweet and sour gooseneck and fruits to try.

    Transport: Fly to Jingdezhen from Shenzhen airport and take a coach to Wuyuan.

    (Wang Yuanyuan)