A Whirlwind Tour: Southern Anhui, Wuyuan, Kaihua, Qiandao Lake
In the season of warm spring and blooming flowers, vibrant colors arrive as promised. The spring light grows ever brighter, rapeseed flowers burst into bloom across the fields, their golden hues spreading over the mountains and fields. Black-tiled, white-walled houses are scattered among them, creating a unique beauty between heaven and earth. Change into your spring clothes, bring a modest sum of money, and step into the countryside. Along the drizzly lanes of Jiangnan, walk the stone-paved paths, letting the scenery shift with each step, to seek out the whispers of spring and enjoy your own brilliant landscapes.
Main sights to visit: Jixi: Wanzhe Sky Road, Meigangling Rapeseed Flower Viewing Platform, Kantou Ancient Village, Shangcun Scenic Area, Longchuan Scenic Area; Shexian: Shitan Scenic Area, Yangchan Earth Buildings, Xin'an River Landscape Gallery; Xiuning: Qiyun Mountain, Chengcun, Songzhen Highway; Wuyuan: Weirao Ancient Road (Zheling), Zheyuan Township, Lingjiao Village, Hongguan, Shicheng, Lingyan Cave, Dazhang Mountain Wolong Valley, Rainbow Bridge, Yantian Scenic Area, Sixi Yancun, Jiangling, Xiaoqi, Jiangwan, Wangkou, Likeng, Moon Bay, Wengong Mountain, Wuyuan Museum, Zhuzi Pedestrian Street, Huangling; Kaihua: Qicai Changhong Taihuishan, Zui Huang Lijiang, Gen Palace Buddha Kingdom, Xiayu, Yueling; Qiandao Lake North Route: Xiajiang Village, Qinchuan Ancient Village, Zhuli, Xiaojinshan, Mingzhu Sightseeing Park, Cherry Blossom Avenue, Xiushui Square; Jiande: Meicheng Ancient Town.
March 18 (Thursday) morning departure from Ningbo.
D1: Weather: Overcast, turning partly cloudy in the afternoon, late-night thunderstorms.
First stop: Wanzhe Sky Road, free entry, total length 30 km. It is one of the three major self-driving roads in East China and is known as the highest sky road in East China, winding like a jade belt connecting Anhui and Zhejiang provinces. Here you can see stunning mist and sea of clouds. The road clings to cliffs, cuts through dense forests, and sometimes runs alongside babbling springs. Terraced fields and villages are set into the mountainsides on both sides, and every bend reveals breathtaking scenery. The mountain road twists and turns like a coiled dragon, full of twists and turns. Main attractions: Xiaojuhua, Biji Peak, Fanzengjian, Chaigou Langjian.
Second stop: Meigangling Rapeseed Flower Viewing Platform, free, visiting time 0.5 hours. From March 20 to April 10 every year is the Jiapeng Township Rapeseed Flower Cultural Tourism Festival (blossom season), and traffic control is usually in place. The parking lot is large, free parking.
Third stop: Kantou Village, free, visiting time 1 hour. Main attractions: Xianren'an Scenic Area, Millennia-Old Water Street, Chastity Archway, Xu Clan Ancestral Hall, Half-Moon Pond, Tingquan Tower. A water street runs through the center of the ancient village, which is a key provincial historical and cultural reserve. The houses are mostly Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, with intricately carved brackets and eaves. There are also Xu Jiapeng Martyrs' Monument Park and Shanyunling Scenic Area. Surveillance cameras line the street, and illegal parking will be captured.
Shangcun, free, visiting time 1 hour. A typical Huizhou culture millennium ancient village in southern Anhui, famous for its 'Ten Surnames and Nine Ancestral Halls,' 'Number One Village of Hui Craftsmen,' and the saying 'every household has an inkstone, every family has a writing brush.' It has been recognized as a traditional Chinese ancient village, rated as a national 3A-level scenic spot, and listed as one of China's beautiful leisure villages. Just a 10-minute drive from Kantou, Shangcun's rapeseed flowers are planted on terraces, offering more layers and fewer people, making it particularly suitable for photography. Two newly built viewing platforms provide excellent panoramic views. Many old houses are in disrepair, and new buildings are common. Parking is convenient and free.
Fourth stop: Longchuan Scenic Area, 5A-level, ticket 75 yuan, visiting time 2 hours. Main attractions: Yishi Shangshu Archway, Hu Clan Ancestral Hall, Hu Zongxian Shaobao Fu, Village Sage Shrine, Longchuan Water Street, and a Xuan paper workshop. The scenic area is not too large, with ancient buildings mostly distributed on both sides of a small stream. The ticket mainly covers three ancient structures: Hu Zongxian Shaobao Fu, Hu Clan Ancestral Hall, and Hu Bingheng Former Residence. If you book a guesthouse, you can ask the owner to buy discounted tickets in advance. If you don't wish to enter these three buildings, you can skip the ticket (but only if you are staying in the village; otherwise, you can't even enter the scenic area gate, though after closing time you can walk around freely). Parking fee 10 yuan.
Stay at Longchuan Misty Rain Jiangnan Guesthouse.
D2: Weather: Overcast, turning to moderate rain at 10 a.m., overcast in the afternoon.
First stop: Shitan Scenic Area, free, visiting time 2 hours. During the peak flower season, self-driving vehicles can only park at Shitan Village, and you need to take a local 6-seater minibus up the mountain. Shared rides cost 15 yuan per person per trip. You can visit various hamlets on the mountain. The more famous ones are four natural villages: Xiatai, Hushan, Beishan, and Shimutai. Shitan Ancient Village is reached by crossing a covered bridge; the ancient buildings inside are not well-preserved and are few in number. If you're short on time, it's not worth visiting.
Second stop: Yangchan Earth Buildings, free, visiting time 1-2 hours. A private guide costs 30 yuan. The shuttle bus into the village covers 4 km round trip for 30 yuan (28 yuan if bought online, usable after 30 minutes). Walking up the ancient path takes about half an hour. The earthen buildings are relatively well-preserved; the tour route is a loop. It's recommended to go up first and then come down for less effort. That is, facing the earthen buildings, take the stairs on the left uphill first, and finally come up from the village below the viewing platform, which covers the entire village. Parking fee 10 yuan.
Third stop: Xin'an River Landscape Gallery, 4A ticket 145 yuan, visiting time 3 hours. Scenic spots along the route include: 'Millennium-Old Camphor Tree,' 'Red Dowry Hall,' 'Three Pools' loquats, 'Three Mouths' tangerines, General's Wharf, Miantan Village Small Theater, Xin'an Fishermen's Customs - Nine Surnames Fishing, Jiusha Ancient Village, Xinyangcun Ancient Houses, traditional workshops, Phoenix Island, and farmhouse stays. The cruise stops at three sites: General's Wharf, Zhangtan, and Miantan. At Zhangtan there is the largest camphor tree in China and a bridal sedan chair; legend links the sedan to Zhu Yuanzhang. Self-driving or cycling ticket costs 50 yuan, along the Xin'an River from Miantan-Zhangtan-Jintan-Nanyuankou Village (Millennium-Old Camphor Tree). Parking fee 20 yuan. In Shendu Town, street parking spaces are available, but shops generally won't let you park without making a purchase.
Stay at Huangshan Xue'er Conference Center Hotel, Xiuning.
D3: Weather: Overcast with occasional light rain.
First stop: Qiyun Mountain, 4A ticket + cable car 163 yuan, visiting time 3 hours. Main scenic areas: Yuehua Street, Loushanglou, Yunyan Lake, and Hengjiang. The ticket check is at the mountain gate. You can skip the cable car and hike up the ancient path (cable car one-way 60 yuan, round trip 90 yuan, can be used interchangeably with scenic shuttle bus). Qiyun Mountain is one of the Four Sacred Daoist Mountains and an imperially designated numinous mountain. Daoist sites are scattered everywhere. Most visitors turn back after Yuehua Heavenly Street and Yuxu Palace. If you have the energy and time, from Yuxu Palace you can go up the Yixiantian (One Line Sky), reach the highest peak, pass the Mysterious Corridor, then climb Fangla Rock, cross the Wulao Peaks, and arrive back at Heavenly Street. Parking free.
Second stop: Chengcun, free. Located in Banqiao Township, Xiuning County, it's a quaint little village. The Yiyuan River originates from Zheling and rushes down, wrapping around a giant round-peach-shaped sandbank like a jade belt, a masterpiece of nature. On the sandbank, rapeseed and rice are grown; a dozen or so households scatter at the foot of the mountain, with white walls, black tiles, and curling chimney smoke, forming a breathtaking scene of harmony between heaven and humans. Chengcun is also one of the top 100 photography spots in Huangshan City. The clear Zheshui River skillfully encircles the small village into a natural Tai Chi diagram shape; the Tai Chi Flower Field, with its unique Eight Trigrams design, is a marvel in East China. Banqiao Township is the core area of the Xiuning Mountain Spring Flowing Water Fish Farming System, an important Chinese agricultural heritage. Along the road are many cold-water fish restaurants; spring fish costs 50 yuan per jin. Roadside parking available.
Third stop: Weirao Ancient Road, free. Driving along Songzhen Highway, you'll reach Zheling Tou within Jiangxi province. Zheling was the border between the Wu and Chu states during the Spring and Autumn period, an important post road in ancient times. Known as the Wu-Chu Ancient Road or Hui-Rao Ancient Road (because the ancient Raozhou in Jiangxi was a transportation hub for seven provinces), the entire road is paved with blue stone slabs and has been well preserved through the ages. The four vigorous characters 'Wu Chu Fen Yuan' (Origin of Wu and Chu) are carved on a 1.7-meter-tall stele standing at the summit of Zheling.
Fourth stop: Lingjiao Village, free. An ancient village, skillfully laid out according to the mountain terrain, naturally harmonious. The verdant, tranquil village, with white walls, grey tiles, and iconic horse-head walls, is most distinctive. Free roadside parking.
Fifth stop: Hongguan, free. This ancient village was built in the Southern Song Dynasty and is known as the 'Unrivaled Key of Wu and Chu, First Pass on the Hui-Rao Ancient Road.' By the stream at the village entrance stands a towering ancient camphor tree over 1,000 years old, with a majestic presence. A poem describes it: 'Its roots plunge deep into the abyss, its upper branches sway in the clouds.' It's acclaimed as the 'Number One Camphor of Jiangnan.' Hongguan Village sits at the southern foot of Gaohu Mountain, the second highest peak in Wuyuan. It is backed by green hills and faces a clear stream, the entire village nestled among beautiful peaks, embroidered ridges, and clear rivers, blending houses ingeniously with nature. Free roadside parking.
Sixth stop: Zheyuan Township, free. It is the watershed dividing the Poyang Lake-Yangtze River system and the Xin'an River-Qiantang River system. Only here do the waters flow east into Xiuning and then to Zhejiang, hence the name Zheyuan (source of Zhejiang). Zheyuan is a land of abundant resources, outstanding people, and natural beauty. It is renowned as a 'hometown of overseas Chinese,' 'land of scholars,' and 'home of tea,' as well as a cultural and eco-tourism destination. Free roadside parking.
Seventh stop: Shicheng, one of the 12 joint-ticket scenic areas in Wuyuan; during off-season you can enter freely. Shicheng refers to a mountain. Its highlight is in late autumn, when maple leaves turn fiery red, morning mist clings to tree trunks, and the red leaves appear and disappear in the mist, along with morning smoke from villagers' kitchens and burning oil-tea husks, creating a dreamlike fairyland. From mid-to-late November each year, it becomes a paradise for countless photography enthusiasts.
Stay at Shicheng Gufeng Hotel.
Shangrao Wuyuan: One of the six ancient Huizhou counties. Virtually every village is a scenic spot. Wuyuan Scenic Area offers a 5-day combined ticket for 12 attraction spots at 210 yuan, and a 1-day pass at 150 yuan. Eastern route: Likeng, Wangkou, Jiangwan, Xiaoqi, Jiangling. Northern route: Sixi Yancun, Rainbow Bridge (Qinghua Town), Wolong Valley, Lingyan Cave, Shicheng, Yantian Ancient Camphor Tree. Western route: Wengong Mountain. In peak season, it's best to book hotels in Wuyuan early; often hotels are fully booked, with travelers waiting for cancellations, and prices surge significantly.
D4: Weather: Partly cloudy.
First stop: Lingyan Cave, visiting time 1 hour. It's a forest park, but currently only Hanxu Cave is open to visitors (Lianhua Cave is under maintenance). Enter Hanxu Cave by taking the path on the left from the village entrance. Inside are many ancient inscriptions. According to the introduction, it spans 7,200 square meters, with a striking vertical drop; it has seven levels totaling about 90 meters in height, truly spectacular. Visitors enter in groups of 30 every 30 minutes with a guide. Another highlight is exiting the cave via a long underground river aboard a small boat; it's said the river is up to 40 meters deep. Parking 5 yuan.
Second stop: Jujing, free. The roundest village in China, an ancient pastoral settlement surrounded by mountains and streams. The creek forms a large semicircle nearly encircling the village, with high mountains all around. From the hillside opposite the village, you can see the perfectly round layout. There are few sights inside Jujing Village; it's best to climb the small slope opposite to overlook the whole village embraced by water and mountains. Free roadside parking.
Third stop: Dazhang Mountain Wolong Valley, visiting time 2 hours. The essence of the northern route. In spring, see blooming mountain flowers; in summer, lush greenery; in autumn, fully red maple leaves; in winter, ice sculptures. The scenic area changes hues with the seasons, and the alpine valley is home to clusters of waterfalls, like flying dragons spitting jade. It's hailed as the 'Number One Unique Valley in Jiangnan.' The hiking route is simple: a single uphill path alongside the stream, going against the current. The slope is gentle, making it easy. Along the way, you'll pass Wolong Pond, a suspension bridge, Qidie Spring, Shuilian Waterfall, Konghou Bridge, and more. Near the summit, there's the Konghou Suspension Bridge, the largest in the area—thrilling for timid visitors. After crossing, a wooden walkway leads to the peak, where Bailong Waterfall, the largest with a drop of over 100 meters, is spectacular. The ascent takes just over an hour; you can return via the same path. If you prefer not to walk, there's a round-trip cable car (50 yuan one-way, about 15 minutes). It's recommended to hike up to fully experience Wolong Valley's essence and take the cable car down for a bird's-eye view. Parking 5 yuan. For cars, it's advised to park at the visitor center lot, as the parking area at the scenic area entrance is uneven. Road repair from Chetian Village to the scenic spot.
Yantian Ancient Camphor Garden: The whole scenic area blends seamlessly with the surrounding idyllic landscape. Features include ancient camphor trees, an old bridge, a tea pavilion, fish ponds, houses, small bridges over flowing streams, and folk cultural displays. The highlight is the 'Number One Camphor Under Heaven,' a millennium-old tree so large it takes ten people linking arms to encircle it. Though the tree looks weathered, its crown is lush and thriving; locals revere it as a tree god. Parking fee 5 yuan.
Fifth stop: Rainbow Bridge: Located in Qinghua Town, built in the Song Dynasty, it's the oldest and longest covered bridge in ancient Huizhou and an icon of Wuyuan, hailed by media as 'China's Most Beautiful Covered Bridge.' Viewed from the riverbank, the bridge and its reflection in the water are even more vivid against the surrounding scenery. The famous film 'Sparkling Red Star' was filmed here. Currently, the scenic area is under maintenance. No parking fee.
Sixth stop: Sixi Yancun, visiting time 2.5 hours. The 1987 TV series 'Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio' and the series 'Blue and White' were filmed here. Near the scenic entrance is Yancun; Sixi Village is farther, about 2 km away. You can take the scenic electric cart from the entrance or drive to Sixi Village, with several parking spots along the way. Typically, visitors stroll and walk back to Yancun slowly. Between the two villages is a large rapeseed field; when the flowers bloom in spring, it's stunning. The main courtyard houses in Yancun are roughly in a loop; walking counterclockwise you'll see Yuqing Hall, Dujing Hall, Xunjing Hall, Congting Hall, Mingxun Study, Liuxiang Boudoir, etc. It takes about half to one hour. The scenery in Sixi Village is better. Cross the covered bridge Tongji Bridge over the river to reach it. Not far inside, pass Zhenyuan Hall to reach Baishou Flower Hall, where 96 different 'shou' (longevity) characters are carved on the lattice of 12 floor-to-ceiling windows—such intricate openwork carving is extremely rare in folk architecture. Adjacent are Jizhi Hall and Chengde Hall, followed by Yin Ku (Silver Treasury), Huayixuan, and Qiyeyangsxiang, several old residences with remarkable carvings. Some owners sell souvenirs inside. After a quick look, finally arrive at the grandest and most famous Jingxu Hall. Beside its gate is a modest study, a large garden in front, and a gourd-shaped niche on the wall inscribed with 'Jing Xi Zi Zhi' (Respect and Cherish Written Paper), reflecting ancient reverence for culture. The second floor features woodcarved opera figures, landscapes, birds, and beasts; unfortunately, most of the figure heads have been destroyed. Parking fee 5 yuan.
Stay at Wuyuan Hotel.
D5: Weather: Partly cloudy.
First stop: Jiangling, visiting time 3-4 hours. The ace attraction of Wuyuan. If you want to see rapeseed flowers, Jiangling is the best. Wuyuan's rapeseed flowers offer two perspectives: one is terraced fields, layer upon layer at different heights, truly spectacular; the other is combined with Huizhou architecture, where golden blossoms set off white-walled, grey-tiled buildings, forming a natural picture-perfect scene. Jiangling has four viewing platforms; the second has a small boardwalk for photographing terraced flowers and ancient villages from different angles. Platforms One and Two showcase these two classic Wuyuan landscapes. There's a free scenic shuttle bus on the mountain, starting at 7 a.m., taking you to Platform One (the highest point). Walk down to Platform Two. On weekdays, private vehicles with fewer than seven seats are allowed to enter from Platform One and drive down along the designated descent route; you can park by the road and explore as you go. No parking fee.
Second stop: Shangtan Village, free. A quick stop, visiting time 0.5 hours. This village gained fame after being featured in the film 'I Am Not Madame Bovary' and other dramas. It is still an undeveloped ancient village with few tourists, so everything remains in its original state. The 'Jiangwan Stream' flows in front of the village, and a century-old camphor tree stands at the entrance. The whole village is quiet and beautiful, and the scenery and old houses are in no way inferior to those at developed attractions. Free roadside parking.
Third stop: Xiaoqi Village, visiting time 1.5 hours. Explore from Lower Xiaoqi to Upper Xiaoqi, connected by a 500-meter ancient path that takes about ten minutes to walk. Main attractions: Ligeng Hall and Jixu Hall, Bairen Hall, Shuangjing Jinyue (Double Well Reflecting the Moon), and a millennium-old camphor grove. Most buildings date from the Qing dynasty, making it a typical Huizhou ancient eco-folk culture village. It has the small bridges and flowing streams of Zhouzhuang, the serene remoteness of Shangri-La, and honest, simple folkways. Architectural styles vary, and village lanes are paved with bluestone, winding and turning like a labyrinth. Parking fee 5 yuan.
Fourth stop: Jiangwan, visiting time 1.5 hours. Recommended route: Xiaojiang Ancestral Hall, Nanguan Pavilion, Jiang Yong Memorial Hall, Jiangwan Central Primary School, Dunchong Hall, Zhongxian Mansion, Sansheng Hall, Jiangwan Renjia, Jiang Yilin Memorial Hall, Jiang Renqing Merchant Residence, Xiangxian Garden, Centennial Post Office, and the Folk Museum. Additional spots include Peixin Hall, Teng Family Old House, and a whole array of Huizhou ancient architecture, plus the Big Dipper Seven Wells. To showcase Wuyuan's culture, Jiangwan Scenic Area has newly built Baigongfang (Hundred Crafts Workshop), Guchui Hall (Wind and Drum Hall), Commune Canteen, etc., allowing visitors to experience traditional crafts, watch Hui opera, Wuyuan folk songs, and other traditional performances—all of historical and aesthetic value. Parking 5 yuan.
Fifth stop: Wangkou, visiting time 1 hour. Main attractions: besides quaint and elegant historical buildings like Yijing Hall, Maode Hall, Dafu Di (Residence of a High Official), and Yangyuan Study, the not-to-be-missed highlight is the Yu Clan Ancestral Hall near Dongguan Bridge. At the village entrance are two large camphor trees, a water-powered trip-hammer, and a viewing platform. A path inward follows the river; all of Wangkou's main sights are along the road. Walking from one end to the other basically covers everything. Just beyond Yu Clan Ancestral Hall, you'll spot the partly hidden rolling dam; on one side the water is mirror-smooth, on the other it churns wildly—a pleasing sight. Parking 5 yuan.
Sixth stop: Likeng, visiting time 1.5 hours. Main attractions: The former residence of Li Ruicai and the brick and stone carvings of Dafu Di are worth a careful look. The village features ancient buildings, bridges, pavilions, and trees, creating a classic scene of 'small bridges, flowing water, and homes.' Likeng was founded during the Northern Song Dynasty and is the birthplace of Li Zhicheng, the martial arts top scholar in the third year of Qiandao in the Southern Song. Most dwellings sit on both banks of the stream, forming that idyllic picture. It has the architectural charm of Wuzhen and the strange rock scenery of Tuerling. Tip: Likeng is currently recognized as a highly commercialized scenic spot; many tour groups come on holidays, so independent travelers should try to avoid peak crowds. Parking 5 yuan.
Seventh stop: Moon Bay, free. A small spot along the way, it gets its name from its moon-like shape, paired with elegant Huizhou-style houses across the water and the surrounding beautiful scenery. Occasionally, a few peasant women wash clothes by the lake, often causing passersby to stop and admire. It's so beloved that it has become a favorite photography spot and was also a location for the film 'Sparkling Red Star.' Free roadside parking.
Stay at Wuyuan Hotel.
D6: Weather: Sunny, a rest day.
First stop: Wengong Mountain, visiting time 2 hours. Main attractions: Jiqing Pavilion, Ancient Post Road, Zhu Xi's Ancestral Tomb, Osmanthus Pond, and Imitation Bamboo Pavilion. The mountain isn't high, so it's not too strenuous. Entering through the mountain gate archway at the foot, you follow a millennium-old post road built in the Song Dynasty, which was a vital route from Wuyuan to Raozhou. About 3 km of the ancient road is well preserved, with bluestone steps ascending under the shade of ancient trees. Halfway up stands a Huizhou-style mountain pavilion—Jiqing Pavilion—with inscriptions on both lintels: 'Liu Yin Xian Ling' (Blessings Flow to Ancestors) and 'Ji Qing Hou Kun' (Accumulate Joy for Descendants), written by Zhu Xi himself. If time is tight, you can skip it; Wengong Mountain usually has very few visitors. Parking 5 yuan.
Second stop: Wuyuan Museum, free entry with ID registration, visiting time 1 hour. Known as China's Number One County-Level Museum, a national key museum and a patriotic education base in Jiangxi, it's an important window into Wuyuan's history. Since the mid-Ming Dynasty, antique collecting flourished in the Jiangnan region, and some Wuyuan people spent heavily to acquire a vast collection of ancient paintings, calligraphy, and curios. This legacy became today's Wuyuan Museum. Exhibits originally included 'Fine Works Exhibition Room,' 'Wuyuan Ancient Architecture Exhibition,' and 'Inkstone History Exhibition.' On the ground floor, there's an exhibition of Wuyuan scenery photos, allowing you to recall the places you've visited. Parking 5 yuan.
Third stop: Zhuzi Pedestrian Street, free. A renovated old street in Wuyuan County, characterized by Huizhou-style architecture. Apart from the architectural style, it's no different from pedestrian streets in other cities. Exiting the main gate of Wuyuan Hotel, you'll find yourself at the east gate center area 'Wengong Queli.' Walk west to the 'Taizi Taibao' archway, a distance of about one kilometer. Notable sights include the 'Bell and Drum Tower' at the east gate and 'Wunu Temple' near the west gate.
Stay at Wuyuan Hotel.
D7: Weather: Sunny.
First stop: Huangling, 4A ticket + cable car 145 yuan, visiting time 3 hours. Main attractions: terraced rapeseed flowers, Water Street, Sky Street sun-drying crops, and Woyun Suspension Bridge. Route: first take the terraced field cable car uphill (don't get off at the midway stop), go all the way to Observation Platform One, then slowly walk down. After crossing Woyun Suspension Bridge, you reach Platform Two. Enter Huangling Ancient Village via Water Street—this is the most exquisite part of the scenic area. The core of the village is Sky Street; Platform Three offers the best viewing spot. The ancient village cable car station and sightseeing bus stops are nearby; after exploring, you can ride down. Parking free.
From Huangling Scenic Area, drive across the Dongtou Village hiking trail (road) for 45 minutes to reach Kaihua Taihuishan. There are several viewing platforms along the way, but no notable scenery.
Second stop: Qicai Changhong Taihuishan, free, visiting time 2 hours. There are two ways up: one is a winding path through the rapeseed fields on foot; the other is a mountain road behind. Most people take the small path, as do locals. The terraced rapeseed flowers here are quietly beautiful. Around a hundred households are scattered along the hillside, with rapeseed planted in front and behind. The houses nestled in the flower sea, at varying heights, have earned the nickname 'Little Potala Palace of Jiangnan.' Parking free.
Third stop: Zui Huang Lijiang, free, visiting time 1 hour. Here there's more primitive rural charm and pastoral scenery. Breathe the fresh air filled with floral fragrance, feel the gentle breath of spring, admire the uniquely beautiful fields, and appreciate the return-to-nature farming culture.
Fourth stop: Gen Palace Buddha Kingdom, 5A ticket 100 yuan (free on weekdays), visiting time 2 hours. 'World root carving looks to China, China's root carving is in Kaihua.' The park features bonsai, rare stones, root art, and classical garden architecture, forming a serene and harmonious picture of man and nature. It gathers over 160 varieties of plants and precious tree species. Root carvings mainly depict Buddhist figures. Over twenty attractions include Fumen Xiangguang, China Root Carving Buddha Kingdom, China Root Carving Museum, and China Root Carving Historical Figures Museum. Parking free.
Stay at Kaihua Mante Intercontinental Hotel.
D8: First stop: Xiayu, free, visiting time 1 hour. The trickling headwaters of the Qiantang River converge to form the first proper river—the Majin Creek—and the scenic Xiayu Village sits right on its banks. Yinkeng Xiayu Village owes its beauty to the mountains and its vitality to the water, a tourist spot created by Kaihua's water management efforts. Parking free.
Second stop: Yueling, free, visiting time 1 hour. Follow the Kaima Road to Shangdiben Village, then turn onto the Chengdi Road. Both sides of the road are covered with rapeseed flowers; you can stop anytime. Drive up the winding road to the Yueling rapeseed flower photography spot, where large terraced fields of rapeseed await. Parking free.
Third stop: Xiajiang Village, free, visiting time 1 hour. A guesthouse village located on the Chun-Yang self-driving cycling route in southwestern Chun'an. The roadside scenery is beautiful and pleasant. Tourism features include a covered bridge, visiting points, and exhibition halls. Free parking for cars.
Fourth stop: Qinchuan Ancient Village, free, visiting time 1.5 hours. Qinchuan is a classic Huizhou-style ancient village, characterized by small bridges, flowing streams, and old residences. The carved beams and painted rafters on some buildings are exquisite examples of ancient residential architecture. It's well worth a visit. Parking: 4 yuan per hour, 8 yuan per hour on holidays.
Fifth stop: Qiandao Lake North Route: Along the way, there are viewing platforms such as Zhuli and Xiaojinshan where you can stop and enjoy the lake scenery.
Sixth stop: Mingzhu Sightseeing Park, free, visiting time 1 hour. Located at the east end of Qiandao Lake Bridge, Tianyu Mountain Mingzhu Sightseeing Park is the highest peak near the lake. It features an impressive steel-structure sky bridge. Three sections of magnificent elevated steel walkways and three rest platforms are provided. The park is based on the original ecological beauty of Qiandao Lake, with platforms perched high on the hill offering panoramic views. It's an excellent spot to photograph the bridge, sunsets, and more. You can drive up or hike. Parking free.
Seventh stop: Qiandao Lake Cherry Blossom Avenue, on Sunshine Road, 3 km long. The cherry blossoms in full bloom are like clouds or snow, merging with the lake scenery in breathtaking beauty.
Stay at Qiandao Lake Dinghe Holiday Apartment Hotel.
D9: Meicheng Ancient Town, free, visiting time 2 hours. Situated at the confluence of the Fuchun, Xin'an, and Lan rivers. With over 1,700 years of history, it has been the seat of Muzhou and Yanzhou prefectures and Jiande County, boasting deep historical and cultural heritage. Famous classical novels like 'Water Margin,' 'The Scholars,' 'Officialdom Unmasked,' and 'The Plum in the Golden Vase' have all described Meicheng's culture and scenery. Notable literati like Du Mu, Fan Zhongyan, Lu You, and Liu Changqing once held official posts here. Poets Xie Lingyun, Li Bai, and Meng Haoran traveled through Meicheng's natural beauty. Many small free parking lots are available in the ancient town.
Returned to Ningbo on the afternoon of March 26. Total distance driven: 1,556 km. Total expenses for two: 5,599 yuan, including: 95-octane fuel 951 yuan, parking and highway tolls 387 yuan, admission and scenic transport 1,352 yuan.
