May Day Travel Cheat Sheet... Spring Wandering Spots Recommended by National Geographic

I've been to Yunhe Rice Terraces for three consecutive years! Each time, I wake up at 4 AM and rush straight to the mountain, all for a sea of clouds at sunrise that even National Geographic praises. Layer upon layer of spring-plowed terraces, poetic rolling clouds, and every second of the radiant sunrise proves: The early wake-up was totally worth it! 🤩 May Day holiday is coming soon, so here's my 2️⃣-day 1️⃣-night Yunhe Rice Terraces travel guide! 🧭 Route Reference Day 1️⃣ Hangzhou ➠ Yunhe Rice Terraces Scenic Area ➠ Qixing Dun Viewing Platform ➠ Cloud Café Day 2️⃣ Nine Curves Cloud Ring 👀 sunrise ➠ Farming Trail ➠ Kenggen Stone Village ➠ Return journey 🚦 Transportation 🚘 Self-driving: Hangzhou to Yunhe Rice Terraces Scenic Area, 4-hour drive 🚄 High-speed rail + bus: Hangzhou to Lishui Station, then take the direct shuttle to the scenic area What to do in the scenic area❓ Cloud Cable Car 🚠 ➡️ The longest in East China, with two sections that take you to Seven Star Dun, the highest point, in 20 minutes. Nine Curves Cloud Ring 🌥 ➡️ "Sunrise over sea of clouds" is a must-see! Watch the rolling clouds between mountains while the terraces are in their water-filling period, reflecting the distant green mountains. Even morning grumpiness will be cured! Silver Valley ⛰ ➡️ Qixing Dun Viewing Platform: Surrounded by seven hills resembling the Big Dipper constellation. Order a cup of ☕️ at Cloud Café and watch the clouds roll by through the large floor-to-ceiling windows. ➡️ Kenggen Stone Village: A secluded ancient village with 800 years of history. Features many ancient residences, waterfalls, and mining relics. 🏡 Where to stay❓ We stayed at "Straw Meets Building Blocks" near the visitor center. It has a playful, childlike decor, offers a variety of breakfast options, and is convenient for morning sunrise trips up the mountain. ✨ Travel tips ✅ For the sea of clouds at sunrise, check the weather forecast carefully. A rainy day followed by a clear day is ideal. After watching the sunrise, stroll along the farming trail, and by 8 AM you can head back to the hotel to rest. ✅ During the May Day holiday, there will be special spring activities like cattle herding performances, She ethnic bamboo pole dances, and rice field fish-catching competitions. 🎉 ✅ The cloud cable car isn't operating at sunrise, so self-driving or hiring a car is more convenient if you want to see the sunrise. Following for more great travel spots across China, from your dedicated travel specialist!