Ultimate Guide: A 2-Day 1-Night Self-Drive Trip to Jiande, Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Jiangnan
Before the Trip:
After a long pandemic, the National Day holiday is the longest and really the last long break of the year. With only three months left in 2020, make sure to take your family out for a wonderful nearby getaway during this holiday.
Many say the pandemic taught us to cherish.
It also reminded everyone to respect nature and protect it.
For many, this long 2020 has brought
shifts in life's priorities
or changes in many perspectives.
Because of the pandemic, outbound travel became almost impossible,
domestic travel took centre stage this year,
and more and more must-visit destinations are being discovered and gaining fame.
So where will your next stop be?
If you haven't made travel plans yet, why not head to Jiande for an impromptu trip?
DAY 1: Self-drive from Hangzhou to Qili Yangfan Scenic Area – Yaowu Pier – Zixu Ferry – East & West Sources – Hulu Waterfall – Meicheng Ancient Town – Kaiyuan Fangcaodi
DAY 2: Sandu Fishing Village – Nanfeng Pagoda
Getting there:
By car: about 1.5 hours' drive from Hangzhou (the way we did it)
By high-speed train: Hangzhou → Jiande, then taxi or bus (around 60 RMB)
Parking throughout the scenic area is very convenient. If travelling with family, driving is recommended – you can go wherever you like.
Tickets:
1. Hulu Gorge Rafting + Qili Yangfan: 190 RMB/person
2. Qili Yangfan combo ticket: 130 RMB/person, boat departs daily at 10:30
Above are online ticket prices; you can scan the e-ticket to enter.
Private boat hire: under 5 people 1500 RMB; 6–10 people 1800 RMB
Jiande Qili Yangfan Scenic Area
Jiande has always been a longed-for travel destination. Last weekend, we drove from Hangzhou for about an hour and a half just to catch the most beautiful autumn scenery – Jiande Qili Yangfan Scenic Area. It is like a gentle lady, peaceful, lovely and full of poetry.
Many painters and writers have found inspiration here, for its verdant hills and clear waters, deep history and profound atmosphere. Sitting on a cruise boat, the views on both sides grow more stunning the further you go. Rain or shine, it's worth seeing.
Qili Yangfan Scenic Area lies in Jiande City and is the heart of Fuchun River National Forest Park. Perfectly situated at the confluence of three rivers (Fuchun, Xin'an and Lan), it's dubbed the 'Little Three Gorges of Hangzhou'. Idyllic and picturesque, it stretches over 20 kilometres with four distinct seasons. Board a cruise boat from the pier and soak in the poetic charm. The area blends nature, ecology and art. Early autumn here unfolds like a living ink-wash painting before your eyes.
The temperature varies little between seasons: escape summer heat here, or come winter for a healthy hike. Lush greenery, high vegetation coverage and rich oxygen levels are guaranteed. The scenic area also incorporates popular local attractions like Nanfeng Pagoda, Sandu Fishing Village, Zixu Ferry, Jiangnan Valley, East & West Sources and more – an ideal holiday spot. While preserving its natural beauty, Qili Yangfan has creatively added many Instagram-worthy spots: a giant swing, human slingshot, trendy boats, a heart-shaped bird's nest, a mini train, a shouting fountain, and more. It's a favourite photo-taking location.
In early autumn, the leaves gradually change colour. After rain, Qili Yangfan looks like a woman in a brand-new dress – beautiful and moving.
Zixu Ferry
By cruise boat, we arrived at the second stop: Zixu Ferry. The name comes from a story. During the Spring and Autumn period, a man from the state of Chu named Wu Zixu hid in a Jiande village to escape the Chu King. Later, with a kind local's help, he crossed the river here – hence the name.
While protecting its natural ecology, the area has set up many photo spots. The one that impressed me most was the 10-metre-high giant swing.
Normally, roller coasters are my biggest challenge in amusement parks; I've ridden many at home and abroad with my eyes shut the whole time. I thought the swing would be the same. But after fastening the safety belt, it rose slowly. The initial drop wasn't an intense free fall, and by the second or third swing I could keep my eyes open and enjoy the scenery. It's a ride I'd love to try again and again – opposite you are green mountains, clear waters, blue sky and white clouds. Sitting on that swing, all worries seem to vanish; anxiety and troubles are swept away by the beauty.
East & West Sources
Deep within Hulu Bay, the East & West Sources flow down from Hulu Bay Waterfall. The stream runs from east to west, giving the area its name. Also called a 'no-man's land', very few people live here. In the distance, you can see some abandoned houses. Inside the scenic area, dead trees stand in the water, surrounded by hills on all sides – a truly unique atmosphere.
A place undisturbed by others, yet shining with its own light and warmth.
Hulu Waterfall (also home to Hulu Gorge eco-stream)
Layered peaks and gorgeous scenery surround you. Gazing upwards, the waterfall is nearly 100 metres high. It's said that the calabash shape formed naturally from volcanic lava after an eruption. The waterfall's mouth really looks like a gourd. When we visited, the rainy season had just passed, and torrents of water thundered down magnificently.
Standing below, you'll feel a fine mist in the air. The total height is about 100 metres, with a width around 7 metres. After heavy rains, it can reach over 10 metres wide. Besides Hulu Waterfall, there are several others nearby, such as Gaomei Waterfall and Taohua (Peach Blossom) Waterfall.
Hulu Gorge Eco-Rafting
Known as 'Zhejiang's No.1 eco-rafting', summer is its peak season and a great way to cool off. The route is roughly 3 kilometres long and takes about an hour, with drops up to 4 metres. So Hulu Gorge rafting ranks among the best in Zhejiang.
Since we came in early autumn, rafting was temporarily closed. Still, seeing the rafts was exciting – it had been so long! Rafting is a real stress reliever, especially in such crisp, clean air. It cleanses the soul and releases tension. Outdoor enthusiasts will love it here. Besides rafting, there are plenty of other activities like jungle trekking, perfect for team building or family bonding – outdoor adventures and hidden secrets coexist in the forest.
Meicheng Ancient Town
Not far from Hulu Gorge, we visited Meicheng Ancient Town after our hike. This town has a history of nearly a thousand years. In the saying 'Two-and-a-half plum blossoms under heaven'*, the 'half' refers to Meicheng (Yanzhou). It was once a vital transport hub.
*The saying means there are only two and a half places with a city wall shaped like a plum blossom.
What used to be Yanzhou Prefecture is exactly Meicheng. A scholar once said that besides Beijing and Nanjing, among such ancient towns, there is only this one in Jiande that truly struck him.
Many poets and celebrities have passed through Meicheng, leaving beautiful words behind. With its long history, Meicheng is like a jar of wine that grows more fragrant with age.
Nighttime is especially lively. Besides visitors, locals come for an after-dinner stroll. You can buy all sorts of local specialties and handicrafts. During National Day, folk performances like shrimp lanterns, lion lanterns, horse lanterns, lion dances and bamboo horse dances are held here – don't miss them!
Nanfeng Pagoda & Beifeng Pagoda
Meicheng Ancient Town has two pagodas: Nanfeng Pagoda (the one we visited) and Beifeng Pagoda. They stand facing each other and are called the 'Couple Pagodas'. Nanfeng Pagoda, also known as Xun Pagoda, was first built in the Song Dynasty and is now a protected cultural relic.
Early next morning, we drove to Nanfeng Pagoda. The country road wound past local houses and fields, evoking memories of my own hometown. Trees flourished; the air was moist. Arriving in the early morning, we climbed the steps. In about five minutes we reached the top. Looking down at the ancient town from above had a special charm.
Lush plants grow all around the pagoda's base and top. Truly an auspicious place. Gazing from the summit, the forested hills stretch out, refreshing the heart and mind.
Just before reaching Nanfeng Pagoda, you'll pass Bao'en Zen Temple.
Sandu Fishing Village
Once hailed as the most beautiful village in the area, Sandu Fishing Village is the origin of the legend of the 'Nine Surnames' fishermen. Back then, fishermen lived on boats for years, only allowed ashore to sell fish or pay taxes. They developed unique lifestyles and fishing skills. The custom of water weddings comes from here. Strolling through the village, you can feel the stories and culture of those times.
What impressed me most was the 'Five Don'ts' rule: fishermen could not live on land, could not wear shoes on land, could not take imperial exams, could not marry people on land, and could only go ashore to sell fish and pay taxes.
Under the Starry Sky Lounge
After lunch, we dropped by this lounge. Tucked in a corner of the ancient city, it's a place to forget the noise and worries. In this poetic nook, have a drink and listen to some music.
The lounge is very close to where we stayed. At night, the view under the starry sky must be beautiful – not just stars, but also custom star-shaped lights the owner put up, letting you savour a cosy moment in the old town.
Kaiyuan Fangcaodi
A hotel hidden in a secret realm, nestled between mountains and rivers, like a painting – a countryside resort on the banks of the Fuchun River.
It offers cabins, villas, treehouses, and overwater rooms. Taking your kids here for a relaxing National Day holiday would be wonderful.
Local Flavours
Coming to Jiande, you must sample the specialities: crispy pancakes, tofu buns, mandarins, local honey, savoury tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), thousand-layer cake, and glutinous rice cakes.
This two-day-one-night Jiande trip uncovered the hidden gems of Jiangnan – Qili Yangfan Scenic Area – and let us experience a poetic life.
Travel Tips:
1. Documents & items: ID card, cash, bank card, mobile phone, charger, power bank, camera, umbrella, mosquito repellent, etc.
2. Skincare & cosmetics:
Makeup remover, facial cleanser, toner, face cream, serum, eye cream, sunscreen, primer, foundation, eye shadow, contour, blush, setting powder, eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, lipstick, etc.
Bring travel-sized samples in a cosmetic pouch – they're easy to pack without taking up much space.
3. Clothing & accessories:
Check the weather at your destination first, then pack season-appropriate clothes. Underwear (disposable cotton briefs are very convenient), shoes, socks, slippers (for the shower), safety shorts (slip shorts).
Towel, bath towel, sanitary pads, bed sheet (bringing your own is best; hotels provide disposable toothbrushes and towels, but we advise bringing your own towels and bath towels). Sunglasses, hat, earrings, etc.
4. Electronics:
Curling iron, selfie light, selfie stick, camera charger, iPad, USB drive, laptop.
