Explore Southwest Zhejiang and the Ancient Town of Nianbadu

**Nianbadu Ancient Town Travel Notes: Discover the Hidden Paradise at the Junction of Three Provinces** **Location** Nianbadu Ancient Town is located in Jiangshan, Quzhou, Zhejiang Province, at the junction of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces. It is known as the "Key to Fengxi". Surrounded by mountains, the ancient buildings here are well-preserved. It is known as a "cultural enclave" and is one of the few ancient towns in Jiangnan that has not been over-commercialized. **Tickets and Opening Hours** - **Tickets**: Adult tickets are CNY 80 (discounts are occasionally available on online platforms). Seniors aged 60–69 and students can purchase half-price tickets with valid ID. Seniors aged 70 and over, military personnel, and others can enter for free. - **Opening hours**: 8:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Ticketed attractions are concentrated on Xunli Street. *Tips: We recommend purchasing tickets in advance on an OTA platform to avoid queuing on-site.* **Transportation Guide** - **Public transportation**: Take a high-speed train from Hangzhou East Railway Station to Jiangshan Railway Station (approx. 1.5 hours), then transfer to Bus 201 to the ancient town (1 hour, CNY 15 per person). Buses run once an hour, with the last bus at 17:00. Be sure to plan your time in advance. - **Self-driving**: From Hangzhou, take the Hangzhou-Jinhua-Quzhou Expressway and transfer to the Beijing-Taipei Expressway. Exit at Nianbadu. The whole journey takes about 3.5 hours. Parking at the scenic area costs CNY 10 per hour. We recommend parking outside and walking to the entrance. **Must-visit Attractions and Routes** 1. **Xunli Street**: The core area of the ancient town. 11 public buildings, including the Confucius Temple, Wenchang Pavilion, and Wanshou Palace, are located here. The wood carvings and paintings are exquisite. We recommend visiting the Guandi Temple, where traditional opera performances are held on weekends. 2. **Ancient Residential Complex**: 36 Ming and Qing dynasty courtyards belonging to the Cao, Jiang, Yang, and Jin families. The carvings are exquisite, especially the doorways and beam paintings, such as the "Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage" painting. 3. **Fengxi Village**: Stroll along the Fengxi River and enjoy the tranquility of the black tiles and white walls against the backdrop of the mountains and rivers. The light is best in the evening, making it a great place for photography. *Recommended visit time: 3 hours. Route: Visitor Center → Xunli Street → Fengxi Village → Ancient Residential Complex.* **Food Recommendations** - **Nianbadu Tofu**: Smoked over charcoal for a unique flavor. Longxingzhai (No. 38 Xunli Street) is a local time-honored brand. - **Copper Gong Cake**: Fragrant and glutinous. Freshly made and sold at street stalls for CNY 5 per piece. - **Fengxi Fish**: Wild fish from the river. Try the steamed fish at Xunli Restaurant (No. 22 Old Street). *Avoid: There are few restaurants in the scenic area. We recommend dining on the main street or bringing your own snacks.* **Accommodation Suggestions** - **Nianbapu Inn**: Located at No. 57 Xunli Street. Converted from an ancient house, the inn offers views of the stone street from the windows. Great value for money (approx. CNY 300 per night). - **Guiye Xianxiayi Cultural Hotel**: Suitable for families. The hotel has a courtyard and offers free maps (Address: No. 19 Xunli Village). **Avoid Pitfalls** 1. **Transportation Issues**: Buses are infrequent. If you miss the last bus, you will need to take a taxi (approx. CNY 150 to Jiangshan City). We recommend driving or hiring a car. 2. **Confusing Routes**: The ancient town has many forks, making it easy to get lost. Be sure to pick up a free map when you enter. 3. **Uneven Roads**: The bluestone roads are uneven. Wear comfortable sneakers and avoid dragging suitcases (you can store them at the visitor center). 4. **Shopping Traps**: We recommend buying local specialties such as chestnuts and yams from farmers outside the town, as they are cheaper. **Itinerary Planning** - **One-day tour**: Visit the ancient town in the morning and the Xianxia Ancient Road in the afternoon (20-minute drive). - **Two-day tour**: Day 1: Nianbadu + Fugai Mountain Rafting; Day 2: Jianglang Mountain (World Natural Heritage Site, 40-minute drive). **Summary** The beauty of Nianbadu lies in its "hidden" and "ancient" qualities. There are no cookie-cutter shops here, only the vibrant culture of three provinces.