Zhejiang's Hidden Gems Revealed｜The Place Everyone's Asking About on Social Media

Oh my god! I just casually posted a photo, and my social circle exploded! Everyone asked if I had been to Kyoto, Switzerland, or Jiangnan. Actually, I’m right here in Zhejiang! These stunningly beautiful spots are all hidden within the province. Today, let me take you to unlock Zhejiang’s little-known secret places. —————— 📍 Huzhou · Nanxun Ancient Town ✨ This is not Wuzhen, but better than Wuzhen While everyone is crowding Wuzhen and Xitang, I found this permanently free ancient town. In the early morning at Baijian Building, smoke curls up, Elders wash clothes by the river, children run on stone bridges, This is the real Jiangnan! 📸 Must-shoot spots Tongjin Bridge morning mist: 6:00-7:00 Zhang Shiming’s old residence: stunning afternoon light and shadow Yiyuan night view: lights outline the garden’s contours 🍜 Must-try foods Shuangjiao noodles: 20 RMB, crispy pork + fried fish Xiuhua jin: 18 RMB, a vegetable only found in Nanxun Dingsheng cake: 5 RMB, hot and super delicious 💡 Helpful tips Stay at Baijian Building guesthouse, open the window to a watercolor painting. Take a hand-rowed boat at night, more poetic than daytime. —————— 🏮 Shaoxing · Anchang Ancient Town ✨ More authentic than Lu Xun’s hometown No heavy commercial atmosphere, Only cured meats hanging under eaves, And boatmen rowing black-awning boats. Here, time slows down. 🚣 Must experience Ride a black-awning boat: 50 RMB/boat Watch local opera: free, experience water town theater Pulling sugar candy: watch intangible cultural heritage artisans make it live 📸 Photo tips Early morning in the ancient town is the most flavorful. Use cured meats as foreground for photos. Best shots when lanterns light up at dusk. 🍶 Food recommendations Sausage: 10 RMB/skewer Fermented rice buns: 2 RMB/each Yellow wine popsicle: 5 RMB/stick ————------ 🏞️ Lishui · Yunhe Terraces ✨ This is not Yunnan, it’s Zhejiang When morning mist fills the valley, Terraces sparkle under the sun, I feel like I’ve stepped into a fairyland. This place was rated by CNN as China’s most beautiful terraces. 🌅 Best viewing times Sunrise: 5:00-6:00 Sunset: 17:00-18:00 After rain: misty like a fairyland 📸 Photo spots Jiǔqū Yúnhuán (Nine-bend Cloud Ring): best for sunrise shots Baiyin Valley: panoramic terrace views Kenggen Shizhai: cultural and humanistic scenes 🚗 Transportation guide Self-driving recommended, the mountain roads are beautiful. You can also take high-speed rail to Lishui Station and transfer to a bus. ————------ 🗓 Five-day in-depth itinerary Day 1: Huzhou Nanxun Morning: Baijian Building morning mist photography Afternoon: Xiaolian Manor + Jiayetang Evening: Yiyuan light show Day 2: Nanxun → Anchang Morning: Jili Lake silk experience Afternoon: stroll in Anchang Ancient Town Evening: stay in ancient town guesthouse Day 3: Anchang → Lishui Morning: black-awning boat experience Afternoon: head to Yunhe Evening: stay in terrace guesthouse Day 4: Yunhe Terraces Early morning: watch sunrise at Jiǔqū Yúnhuán Morning: hike Baiyin Valley Afternoon: explore Kenggen Shizhai Day 5: Return trip Morning: buy local specialties Afternoon: warm return journey ————------ 💰 Expense details Accommodation: guesthouse 150 RMB/night × 4 = 600 RMB Meals: about 80 RMB/day × 5 = 400 RMB Transportation: car rental 400 RMB + fuel 300 RMB Tickets: mostly free, some attractions total 200 RMB Total: 1900 RMB/person ————------ 🍵 Special experiences In Nanxun Learn to make lake brushes: 80 RMB/person Silk reeling experience: 60 RMB/person Drink three-course tea: 15 RMB/set In Anchang Make sausage by hand: 30 RMB/jin Learn to pull sugar candy: free to watch Take a night tour boat: uniquely charming In Yunhe Terrace photography class: 100 RMB/hour Tea picking experience: 50 RMB/person Stay in cloud guesthouse: open the window to a sea of clouds ————------ 📸 Complete photography guide Equipment preparation Wide-angle lens: for full terrace panoramas Telephoto lens: capture cultural moments Tripod: essential for early morning and evening shots Outfit suggestions Nanxun: Hanfu or plain long dresses Anchang: Republic of China era style clothing Yunhe: outdoor gear, comfort first Best times Morning: 6:00-8:00 Evening: 16:00-18:00 Avoid shooting under harsh midday light ————------ 🚗 Transportation tips Self-driving From Hangzhou: all destinations reachable within 2 hours Good road conditions, beautiful scenery along the way Public transport High-speed rail + bus combo Check schedules in advance Accommodation booking Book at least one week in advance during peak season Choose listings with free cancellation ————------ 🌿 Travel reflections Watching sunrise at Yunhe Terraces, I met a photography uncle from Shanghai. He said, "I come three or four times a year, and every time I discover different beauty." In a teahouse in Anchang Ancient Town, listening to local elders tell stories, I finally understood what "peaceful times" mean. These hidden gems in Zhejiang made me rediscover the beauty of my hometown. Turns out, no need to travel far, the most beautiful scenery is right beside you. ————------ 💡 Practical information Best seasons Spring: everything revives, flowers bloom everywhere Autumn: clear skies, colorful scenery Essentials Sunscreen Comfortable shoes Spare camera batteries Common medicines Notes Protect the environment, take your trash with you Respect local customs Be cautious when buying "antiques" ————------