Three-Day Tour Guide to the Hidden Gems of Southern Zhejiang

✨ Highlights of the Itinerary · Stroll through a "Natural Photography Studio": Capture the classic scene of an old farmer leading cattle at Xiandu Scenic Area, and explore Yandang Study Room to experience the magnificent transformation of an industrial site. · Encounter the "Golden Potala Palace": Visit the ancient village of Songyang and admire the magnificent golden glow enveloping Yangjiatang Village at dusk. · Immerse yourself in the "Last Secret of Jiangnan": Venture deep into Lishui’s heartland to enjoy a three-dimensional landscape painting composed of terraced fields, ancient dams, and the Ou River all at once. 🧳 Preparation Before the Trip Best Season: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit southern Zhejiang, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Recommended Apps: · Transportation: The "Chuzhou Xing" app allows you to purchase local scenic bus tickets. · Accommodation: Book homestays in advance on major platforms, especially one week ahead during holidays. Essential Items: · Large temperature differences in mountainous areas, be sure to bring a windproof jacket and comfortable hiking shoes. · Bring an umbrella during the rainy season; quick-dry clothes are recommended for summer. · Camera, power bank, and some cash (some villages have weak signal). 🗓️ Itinerary Overview Here is the overall arrangement for the three-day trip for your easy reference: ```mermaid gantt title Three-Day Tour Itinerary to the Hidden Gems of Southern Zhejiang dateFormat HH:mm axisFormat %H:%M section Day 1: Xiandu Peaks and Ancient Village Sunset Arrive at Jinyun West Station :d1_1, 09:00, 15m Xiandu Scenic Area (Yandang Study Room/Dinghu Peak/Zhutan Mountain) :d1_2, after d1_1, 4h Farmer’s Lunch :d1_3, after d1_2, 1h Heyang Ancient Residences :d1_4, after d1_3, 2h Travel to Songyang :d1_5, after d1_4, 1h Check-in at Songyang Homestay :d1_6, after d1_5, 30m Dinner (Songyang Specialty Dishes) :d1_7, after d1_6, 1.5h section Day 2: Ancient Dam Painting Village and Terraced Field Sunset Travel to Ancient Dam Painting Village :d2_1, 08:00, 1h Ancient Dam Painting Village (Tongji Weir/Thousand-Year Camphor Tree Group) :d2_2, after d2_1, 3h Lunch (Stream Fish Feast) :d2_3, after d2_2, 1h Travel to Yunhe Terraced Fields :d2_4, after d2_3, 1.5h Terraced Field Hiking (Nine-Bend Cloud Ring/Baiyin Valley) :d2_5, after d2_4, 2h Terraced Field Sunset Viewing :d2_6, after d2_5, 1h Farmer’s Dinner at Kenggen Shizhai :d2_7, after d2_6, 1.5h Return to Homestay for Rest :d2_8, after d2_7, 30m section Day 3: Cliffside Bookstore and Return Terraced Field Sea of Clouds Viewing :d3_1, 05:30, 1.5h Homestay Breakfast :d3_2, after d3_1, 1h Travel to Chenjiapu Village :d3_3, after d3_2, 1h Vanguard Bookstore (Chenjiapu Commoner Book Bureau) :d3_4, after d3_3, 1.5h Lunch on Songyang Old Street :d3_5, after d3_4, 1.5h Free Time on Old Street :d3_6, after d3_5, 1.5h Return Trip :d3_7, after d3_6, 1h ``` 🗺️ Detailed Itinerary 🏞️ Day 1: Xiandu Peaks and Ancient Village Sunset · Morning: After arriving at Jinyun West Station, head straight to Xiandu Scenic Area. Known as a "natural photography studio," start at Yandang Study Room, a renovated abandoned quarry, and take some stunning photos blending exposed rock walls with scholarly ambiance. Then visit Dinghu Peak, the 170-meter-high "Number One Peak Under Heaven" standing in the lake’s center, featured in TV dramas like "The Journey of Flower." · Noon: Enjoy local farmhouse dishes near the scenic area. Jinyun sesame seed cake is a must-try delicacy, with association-certified shops being the most authentic. · Afternoon: Visit Heyang Ancient Residences, untouched by commercialization. Stroll along smooth stone paths and admire old buildings adorned with horse-head walls and exquisite wood carvings. · Evening: Travel to Songyang County and check into a local homestay. Dinner features Songyang specialties such as rice noodles with fermented pork intestines or Songyang yellow rice cakes. 🖌️ Day 2: Ancient Dam Painting Village and Terraced Field Sunset · Morning: Head to the Ancient Dam Painting Village, resembling a long oil painting gallery. Take a traditional wooden boat on the Ou River, visit the thousand-year-old Tongji Weir water conservancy project, and marvel at the canopy of ancient camphor trees shading the area like umbrellas. · Noon: Dine at a riverside restaurant in the Ancient Dam Painting Village with a stream fish feast. Steamed fish head, salt and pepper fish bones, and fish ball soup are excellent choices. · Afternoon to Evening: Travel to Yunhe Terraced Fields. From the Nine-Bend Cloud Ring viewing platform, overlook the terraced fields layered like waves. Then hike along Baiyin Valley to admire volcanic lava landscapes. At sunset, enjoy the breathtaking view of the terraced fields. · Evening: Have a farmhouse dinner at Kenggen Shizhai, savoring Ou River mandarin fish cooked over a wood stove, paired with terraced field red rice wine to remove fishy taste. Stay overnight at a nearby homestay, recommended is the cliffside homestay at Kenggen Shizhai, where you can see the lush terraced fields from your window. ☁️ Day 3: Cliffside Bookstore and Return · Early Morning: If weather permits, get up at 5:30 AM to photograph the sea of clouds over the terraced fields, a fairyland-like scene if lucky. · Morning: Visit Chenjiapu Village to explore the Vanguard Bookstore (Chenjiapu Commoner Book Bureau). This bookstore, transformed from a century-old granary, is embedded in a cliff with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking rolling clouds. · Noon: Have lunch and free time on Songyang Old Street. Try green rice cakes and Dengzhan pancakes (mugwort green rice cakes are fragrant and soft, Dengzhan pancakes are crispy and flaky), or sample the local specialty bitter zhudou tofu, which has a slightly bitter yet sweet aftertaste and is delicious dipped in chili sauce. · Afternoon: Depending on your return schedule, head to Lishui Station or Jinyun West Station to conclude this journey to the hidden gems of southern Zhejiang. 💰 Budget Details (Per Person) Item Economy (CNY) Comfortable (CNY) Accommodation (2 nights) 200 400 Meals (3 days) 150 300 Local Transportation 200 300 Entrance Fees 150 200 Total 700 1200 💡 Helpful Tips 1. Transportation Advice: Southern Zhejiang’s mountain roads are winding; if driving, an SUV is recommended. Alternatively, you can choose chartered or shared rides and use the "Chuzhou Xing" app to buy local scenic bus tickets. 2. Photography Guide: Early morning mist at Xiandu and the terraced fields during irrigation season are prime times for great photos. The old farmer leading cattle scene at Zhutan Mountain is performed daily at 7:00 AM and 4:30 PM. 3. Alternative Plans: In case of rain, adjust your itinerary to spend more time indoors at places like the Qingtian Stone Carving Museum or various cultural bookstores and cafes. The beauty of the hidden gems in southern Zhejiang lies not only in its landscapes but also in the tranquility and simplicity cherished by time. Take this guide and go experience your own poetry and distant places!