Wenzhou‖Mountain Valleys and Streams, the Hidden Gem of Zeya

Nestled in Ouhai District, Wenzhou, lies a picturesque paradise—Zeya Scenic Area, often referred to as the "Western Yandang." With its rolling peaks, babbling streams, cascading waterfalls, and rustic charm, this place unfolds like a traditional Chinese landscape painting, captivating all who visit. Whether you're looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle or explore the wonders of nature and culture, Zeya has something for everyone. Here's your guide to embarking on a Zeya adventure! Address: Zeya Town, Ouhai District, Wenzhou 🎫 Tickets: Prices vary by attraction. Qipujian Scenic Area is around 50 RMB, Jinkeng Gorge Scenic Area 30-50 RMB, and Silian Dui Scenic Area 10 RMB. Some attractions, like the China Zeya Traditional Papermaking Exhibition Hall, are free. ⏰ Opening Hours: Year-round, 08:00 - 17:00 🚗 Transportation: • By Car: Navigate directly to "Zeya Scenic Area" or specific attractions. It's about a 1-hour drive from downtown Wenzhou. The journey offers beautiful scenery, but the mountain roads have many curves, so drive carefully. Some attractions have parking lots with a fee. • By Bus: Take bus routes 10, 72, or 135 from downtown Wenzhou to Zeya Town, then transfer to a local shuttle or taxi to the scenic area. Buses are infrequent, so check schedules in advance. 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions: • Qipujian Scenic Area: The signature attraction of Zeya, showcasing its most stunning landscapes. Seven unique waterfalls cascade down a single stream, each more magnificent than the last. Highlights include Shenluoji Waterfall, resembling a silver river plunging from the heavens, and the interconnected Longhu Waterfall, Jiutiaoji Waterfall, and Luoxia Waterfall, which soar over 120 meters high. Walking along the trails through gorges and streams feels like stepping into a fairytale forest. The crystal-clear pools beneath each waterfall are perfect for photography. • Jinkeng Gorge Scenic Area: Renowned for its canyon landscapes, it's dubbed the "Grand Canyon of Southern Zhejiang" and "Wenzhou's Top Gorge." The area boasts lush mountains, clear waters, dense bamboo forests, and unique rock formations. Highlights include a series of waterfalls like Yixi Jiupujian, Banling Feipu, Jinkeng Yinpu, and Zhulingpu, as well as striking rock formations like Eagle Rock, Golden Rooster Rock, and Tianzhu Peak. Strolling through the gorge, listening to the sound of waterfalls, and feeling the mountain breeze is a delightful experience, ideal for hiking and nature lovers. • Silian Dui Papermaking Workshop Cluster: A national key cultural relic protection site, hailed as a "living fossil" of China's papermaking history. Built during the Ming Dynasty, these four water-powered paper mills utilize local water resources. Visitors can witness the fascinating transformation of bamboo into paper, experience the charm of ancient papermaking techniques, and even create their own floral paper as a unique cultural keepsake. • Zeya Redwood Road: Located in the Beilinyang and Xian areas of Zeya Town, this 20-kilometer-long mountain road is flanked by redwood forests planted over 30 years ago. In autumn and winter, the redwoods turn from yellow to red, blending with the surrounding greenery and golden leaves to create a stunning oil-painting-like landscape. The best viewing period is mid-November to mid-December, especially on sunny days between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, when the setting sun bathes the redwoods in golden light. Whether driving or cycling, you can stop anytime to take photos. Along the way, you'll find trendy trunk coffee shops where you can grab a hot coffee and savor the warmth and romance of winter. 🍱 Food Recommendations: • Zeya Reservoir Fish Head: A must-try signature dish featuring large, tender fish heads in a rich, flavorful broth. The fish meat is fresh and succulent, offering a burst of happiness with every bite. • Stream Fish: Delicate and delicious, stream fish can be prepared in various ways, such as braised or steamed, each offering a unique taste. • Tofu Dried Fish: A Zeya specialty, this dish involves tofu that's sun-dried and marinated, resulting in a unique texture and aroma. It can be steamed or fried, releasing a mouthwatering fragrance. • Jinfen Noodles: Smooth and chewy noodles served in a savory broth with a variety of toppings, leaving a lasting impression. • Fried Glutinous Rice Balls: Soft and sticky on the outside, sweet and fragrant on the inside, these traditional local snacks are irresistibly delicious. 📅 One-Day Itinerary: Morning: Arrive at Zeya Scenic Area and head to Qipujian Scenic Area to marvel at the breathtaking waterfalls and take photos. Spend 2-3 hours exploring. Noon: Enjoy lunch at a local farmhouse restaurant, savoring Zeya's specialty dishes. Afternoon: Choose between Longxi Rafting (open May 1 - October 1) for a fun water adventure or a leisurely hike in Jinkeng Gorge Scenic Area, which takes about 1.5-2 hours. Then visit the China Zeya Traditional Papermaking Exhibition Hall to learn about ancient papermaking techniques and try making floral paper yourself (1-1.5 hours). Evening: Return home with wonderful memories of your trip.