Trendy Now! A 3-Day, 2-Night Hip Getaway to Unique Autumn Jiande

As the air cools and autumn deepens, every leaf and hue paints a poem—a perfect time to travel!

In autumn, the water and sky share the same crisp coolness. Above, wisps of white clouds drift; on the water, tiny ripples dance. Between heaven and water, all is crystal clarity, the gentle air carrying a faint fragrance of osmanthus blossoms.

The hills stand still, the water murmurs softly. That elegant old town, wrapped in this autumn scene and autumn sound, is Jiande, is poetry.

Jiande is blessed with graceful mountains and enchanting waters. The Fuchun River, Xin'an River, and Qiandao Lake stretch across its entire territory. Since ancient times it has been praised as "brocade peaks and embroidered ridges, a land of mountains and waters." Here you'll find the perennial 17°C Xin'an River, the most beautiful ginkgo at Daciyan, the serene and elegant Xinye Ancient Village, Xinlian Aviation that can take you up to the skies, Dayang in Jiande for crabbing, the pastoral poetry of Baoyuan Farm, and the adorable, fresh Strawberry Industry Demonstration Garden—all unmissable spots.

The beauty of Jiande lies in its green mountains and lucid waters. Its mountains are majestic and free-flowing; its waters are famously secluded and graceful. It is deep autumn now, and with the sky so clear, come explore Jiande with me.

Chasing Autumn: Step into the serene and elegant Xinye Ancient Village

Old trees frame high and low houses, Slanting sun plays on near and far hills,

Mist wreathes the treetops like ribbons, Water encircles the village beyond.

Xinye Ancient Village lies in Dayan Town southwest of Jiande. Due to its age and exceptionally rich variety of architecture, it boasts over 230 well-preserved Ming and Qing structures including pagodas, pavilions, ancestral halls, temples, bridges, halls, and mansions. It is hailed by domestic and international experts as the "Open-Air Museum of Ming and Qing Architecture in China." It was also a filming location for the hit variety show The Last Winner (Episode 8) and one of the settings for Where Are We Going, Dad? 2.

Locals say Xinye Village is also called Yuhua Ye Clan because the village faces Yuhua Mountain behind it. During the Southern Song Dynasty, the ancestors of the Ye family migrated here to escape war, multiplied over generations, and formed today's huge clan. It is one of the best-preserved ancient bloodline settlement complexes in Zhejiang Province, and reportedly the largest Ye clan village in China.

This is an ancient village with a long history, simple folk customs, and incredibly well-preserved old buildings—much like a lost paradise. Tuanyun Pagoda, Wenchang Pavilion, the academy, temples—every meticulously carved old house tells a story spanning 800 years.

Before even entering the village, you are drawn by the surrounding green trees, jade waters, ancient hamlet, and distant mountains. The majestic pagoda, white walls and black tiles, clear ponds, and murmuring streams—it feels as if the next step will carry you into a natural, timeless ink-wash landscape.

By the pond, typical Huizhou-style buildings in simple black and white tones compose a tranquil, natural ink-wash melody.

Once inside Xinye, time-worn stone walls, white walls and black tiles, and iconic horse-head gables of Huizhou architecture greet you in clusters. In the quiet, winding streets and alleys, upturned eaves, black-and-white houses rise and fall in layers, dense and intricate. Every brick, stone, blade of grass, and tree reveals the ancient village's long history.

Moss fills the gaps between bricks, cool and textured under your fingers. The age-old history, simple customs let you feel a rare natural serenity hard to find in modern society. Those years worn into the old village steal into your heart with the warmth on your fingertips, seeming to whisper its long history and time-etched vicissitudes.

Walking on, you reach Tuanyun Pagoda and Wenchang Pavilion, the most prominent landmarks of Xinye Ancient Village. The long-standing farming-and-reading culture here is inseparable from the blessings of this pagoda and pavilion.

Tuanyun Pagoda stands at the southeastern water pass of Xinye Village, built in the Ming Dynasty. Also called the "Literary Pagoda," it is the oldest structure in the village and its cultural treasure. The pagoda has no carvings, exquisitely plain, like an elegant youth graceful as a tree. Its name comes from Zhuangzi's "Free and Easy Wandering": "soaring aloft ninety thousand miles." Elegant yet dignified, towering and antique.

Next to it, Wenchang Pavilion was the only private school in the area. Today it serves as a local traditional Chinese study center. It is a companion building to the Literary Pagoda, also praying for literary fortune.

At the northern end of the village, Youxu Hall is the main ancestral hall of the Yuhua Ye Clan, the structural center of Xinye Village. These ancestral halls bind the ties and rules of the Ye bloodline. For generations, Ye descendants have multiplied and settled under the sanctuary of Xinye Ancient Village, flourishing continuously.

Villagers say the entire cluster of buildings is cleverly ordered, laid out in the Five Elements and Nine Palaces pattern, embodying the philosophy of harmony between heaven and man. The streets range from nearly 3 meters wide to mere 80 centimeters, and there are over a hundred such layered lanes. Visitors easily get lost in the labyrinth without a local guide.

Amusingly, strolling Xinye Ancient Village not only lets you relive highlights of Where Are We Going, Dad? and snap photos of many familiar-looking old buildings or spots, but also experience a slice of idyllic farming-and-reading life across time.

Gather a few friends and shoot hoops at what Yao Ming called "the most rural basketball hoop." It's said every visitor compares their height with his and takes a shot. When tired, walk along the country lanes, savoring the simple, carefree rural life. The mood of "carefree I see the southern hills" can't be far off.

By the largest pond in Xinye Village, visit Shuiyunjian, Yang Yangyang and his father's little nest on the water, dubbed the most pitiful waterside room in history, and sense Yang Yangyang's helplessness. Yet the scenery outside is elegantly peaceful, with vast water and sky like an immortal realm.

Drop by Shuangmei Hall, where Lu Yi and his daughter Belle stayed. With a front courtyard and back garden, little bridges over running water, and koi swimming in a tiny pool, it exudes style and refinement.

Zhenyu and Feynman's Zuixianju is fragrant with wine, tucked away in a winding, secluded path—a world of leisurely grace and romantic poetry. Here you can taste local homemade lotus seed wine, bayberry wine, and other specialties, leaving you yearning for more.

Xinye Ancient Village will soon hold its "Sun-Drying Autumn Festival," creating a poetic autumn. Doorways, rooftops, balconies are more or less covered with colorful crops. Autumn scenes, autumn charm, autumn flavors—a feast for the senses.

Leaving Xinye Ancient Village and walking the still narrow flagstone paths feels like stepping out of another era. On this sweet osmanthus autumn day, this vibrant thousand-year-old Jiangnan village seems to still echo with the sound of children reciting lessons around the school halls, weaving through old houses, ancestral halls, pagodas, and mansions. Such a life of contentment—how can one not be enchanted?

[Xinye Ancient Village] Tips:

1. Address: Xinye Village, Dayan Town

2. Transport: Take a bus to Xinye from Jiande South Bus Station, get off at the Xinye Ancient Village sign. About every half hour, fare ~8 yuan, journey ~1 hour.

3. Tickets: Free to stroll the village; some ancestral halls require a combo ticket at 68 yuan (including Chongren Hall, Youxu Hall, Rongshou Hall, etc.)

4. Opening Hours: All day; ticketed spots inside 8:00-16:00

5. Very close to Zhuge Bagua Village in Lanxi, with direct buses between them; combine if interested.

6. Some lodgings available in the ancient village; or stay in Jiande urban area (~40-min drive) or Shouchang Town (~25-min drive).

Savoring Autumn: Daciyan in a Jiangnan Scroll

Deep autumn at Daciyan has donned magnificent new robes—rich reds, brocaded yellows, layer upon layer, breathtakingly beautiful. On this trip to Jiande, besides Xinye Ancient Village, I also longed to see the most brilliant smile of "the most beautiful ginkgo in Hangzhou."

Daciyan lies 24 km south of Jiande city at 586 meters above sea level. It is a perfect fusion of Buddhist culture and stunning scenery, famed for enshrining Earth Store Bodhisattva and its spiritual presence, earning the title "Little Jiuhua of Western Zhejiang." With cliff-hugging cave architecture, it is also known as the "Jiangnan Hanging Temple." Historical records say that during the Yuan Dynasty's Dade era, founding patriarch Mo Ziyuan came here to cultivate himself, carving Buddha from rock and building temples against the cliffs. Over 700 years of expansion and refinement shaped the magnificent Daciyan Hanging Temple we see today.

The cable car ride takes about 8 minutes, offering views of green mountains, blue sky, and white clouds. The leisurely clouds seem to carry time as they drift by, counting the passing travelers and watching the quiet mountains and waters. Disembarking, one soon reaches Qingyin Pavilion.

Daciyan's structures use caves as chambers, built along the cliff. The mountain path is narrow, steps steep and crowded. Climbing up gives a "one man holding the pass, ten thousand cannot force it" feel. Looking ahead: the exquisite King's Hall seems about to soar into the clouds. Looking outward: the cliff underfoot seems ready to crumble, lake and mountains spread out below. The majesty and magic of the Hanging Temple are fully on display.

The higher you climb, the more you feel the sky's serene depth. Winding paths like a long dragon, you walk as if strolling in the clouds. Body and mind seem steeped in the lush spiritual energy. Quickening steps, at the end of the winding flagstone path lies the suspended Earth Store King's Hall: half embedded in the rock face, half cantilevered in air. Marvel at its exquisite construction and the ancient wisdom and skill.

Exiting the Hanging Temple and continuing forward, you spot a golden Maitreya Buddha statue standing among distant peaks. To reach it, you must climb the "Nine Heavens Cloud Path," actually 99 steps also called the "Centenarian Cloud Ladder." Climbing these 99 steps in one breath symbolizes longevity.

Further on, Daciyan's main peak itself forms a natural standing Buddha, to the left of the Earth Store Hall, left profile facing visitors. Clearly outlined and vivid, with distinct features, it appears lifelike. The standing Buddha is about 147 meters tall total, head about 41 m, shoulder width 60 m—as high as the mountain. Truly, the mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a mountain. Nature's artistry astounds.

If you have the spirit for adventure, walk the nearly 100-meter suspension bridge over Yuhua Lake, feeling the thrill of dangling swings in the air. Below, crystal-clear emerald waters; before you, magnificent green peaks and water. For 700 years, through wind and sun, earthquakes and storms, this one and only Jiangnan Hanging Temple stands firm, receiving waves of visitors.

Every ancient tree, every peak, every pavilion, every wisp of incense at Daciyan seems to pulse with spirit. Don't miss the millennial King Ginkgo Tree—seemingly overnight, its yellow leaves fall and spread gold across the ground. When golden leaves and shattered gold fill your eyes, autumn's mood turns half into poetry, half into a promise, preserving a whole season.

Daciyan is a tourist destination blending Buddhist culture and scenic beauty, called "Little Jiuhua of Western Zhejiang" for enshrining Earth Store Bodhisattva. The Apricot Fragrance House, named after the ancient ginkgo before its door, was originally a fasting room for monks and pilgrims, built in 1986 following the mountain contours.

This ginkgo stands 39.5 meters tall, girth 1.3 meters, age over 700 years—the king of ginkgos in Jiande. Dense golden leaves, like flakes of gold embedded in the ancient branches, shimmer brilliantly, forming a fairy-tale autumn splendor.

And don't miss the glass skywalk here—suspended above and below with wide-open views. Strata of craggy cliffs, forest beauty unfolding before you. Linger a while on the glass walkway, not only enjoying the thrill of treading on clouds, but also encountering a sea of clouds.

[Daciyan] Tips:

1. Address: Inside Daciyan Scenic Area, Dayan Town, Jiande

2. Transport: From Hangzhou West Long-Distance Bus Station, direct buses to Xin'anjiang (express every hour, regular every 20 min). Self-drive: Hangxinjing Expressway—Shouchang exit—left onto G320—left onto G330 direct (about 20 min); from Xin'anjiang, follow G320 to G330 direct to destination (about 30 min).

3. Tickets: 85 yuan/person, cable car up 50 yuan, down 40 yuan, downhill zip line 30 yuan.

4. Opening hours: 7:30-16:00 (cable car until 15:00)

5. Cable car available up; many take it up and walk down.

6. Some paths and sights are built on cliffs; narrow or protruding rocks. Elderly with mobility issues and those with fear of heights should assess fitness.

Pursuing Autumn: Chase Clouds and Moon at Jiande Aviation Town

Have you ever dreamed of flying, soaring alone into the blue sky, becoming a cool captain, pulling off smooth moves as if in a movie, and experiencing the joy of piloting?

At the Xinlian Flight Base in Jiande Aviation Town, you can realize this dream. Ride the sky with dreams as your steed, chase clouds and moon on a helicopter, enjoy low-altitude sightseeing, view the aviation town from above, and take in all the beauty.

They say once you put something under the label of "a lifetime," it joins the bucket list—skip it, you'll regret; do it, you'll feel amazing. On this lifetime travel list, skydiving absolutely, definitely needs a spot.

At the skydiving base, based on the height and weight you gave when booking, staff issue your exclusive jumpsuit, helmet, goggles, gloves, and oxygen mask, paired with a personal instructor. Once ready, it's go time!

Feel the accelerated drop in the roaring wind, the violent air rushing, your body wrapped in clouds—imagine flying free like a bird. Words can't capture that thrill!

Further on in Aviation Town, Fulin Mountain Auto Park is a multi-functional auto-themed park integrating racing, leisure, entertainment, cultural creativity, and tech innovation. The Bumblebee model at the entrance is eye-catchingly cool.

Most popular with young and old alike is the Xinlian Aviation Science Center, combining education and fun. Here is the aviation world kids love most, an edutainment research base, a tech-heavy aviation exhibition hall, and a model aircraft museum with various aircraft models. You can not only see different models up close, but also learn aviation history through immersive surround screens, explore stories you never knew, and experience cool flight simulators!

As soon as you enter, aircraft models hang overhead. The exhibition area has many models—ancient, modern, contemporary—almost any domestic military or civilian aviation model can be seen! Besides planes, there are fighter jet models—rich and colorful!

Another area is interactive, such as a simulated cockpit with dials and yoke. Under staff guidance, you can try your hand at flying!

This experiential and distinctive Aviation Town is a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts and military fans alike!

Tasting Autumn: Crab Catching at Dayang, Jiande

Autumn winds blow, crabs' legs tingle! Golden autumn is perfect for crab roe!

It's deep autumn, prime crab season!

At the crabbing spot in Dayang, Jiande, near the floats is the harvest point. Haul up a cage on a whim and dozens of crabs scuttle in the net—always a satisfying bounty. Have the staff pack them on return, and you have a plump, fresh, tasty drinking snack.

Locals say: "Our crabs here are firmer, more delicate, and more flavorful than those from elsewhere." They aren't afraid to compare even with Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs.

These large crabs have green shells, white bellies, golden claws, and yellow hair. Tie each tightly, fire up the stove, steam them... even the waiting becomes delicious anticipation.

It's said there's a ritual to eating crab: first break off the "lucky hand" claws—curved slightly inward, each a money hook.

Wave it under your nose—from now on life will be worry-free. Lift the shell: luscious roe, tender, sweet meat, rich and creamy, earning endless praise.

Baoyuan Farm | Birth of Fresh Goat Milk

Our first stop in the morning: Baoyuan Farm! Located in Hutang Village by the scenic Daci Rock东风 reservoir area, it's an ancient village with a long history.

Ming and Qing Huizhou-style buildings look elegant and relaxing; everywhere you go, the rich flavor of an old village wafts around.

Today's Baoyuan Farm has adult goat areas, fresh milk production, staff living quarters, offices, testing center, breeding center, quarantine center, environmental management center, etc. The farm is neat and attractive, with clear signs and boards for each functional zone, regulations posted properly.

In such a beautiful setting, a herd of adorable Saanen dairy goats is raised! Milk from Saanen goats is high in protein, 3-4 times that of cow milk, and drinking goat milk won't cause allergies or easy weight gain!

Look closely: these goats even have their own "villas"! Their living environment and feeding methods are modeled on Switzerland's Saanen Valley—excellent conditions.

If you have the chance, take a little stroll in this pastoral poetry, see how the Saanen goats live, feed them, and chase the cute kids around!

Jiande Strawberry Industry Demonstration Garden | Fresh Strawberry Picking

Reddening cherries, greening plantains—unnoticed, deep autumn arrives. White strawberry blossoms already give off a faint fragrance.

Jiande's long farming culture, varied geography, and suitable climate have produced a rich variety of high-quality regional specialties, especially Jiande strawberries. With over 30 years of cultivation history, it's one of the earliest counties in Zhejiang to grow strawberries.

Strawberry season is here again! Strawberries are called the "queen of fruits," and Jiande's are especially delicious! The happiest thing in Jiande is picking fresh strawberries at the Strawberry Industry Demonstration Garden!

Strawberry Town, rooted in green mountains and clear waters, takes the strawberry industry as its foundation, strawberry culture as its symbol, "Jiande Strawberry" as its brand, and strawberry leisure tourism as its direction. It aims to become a national-level agricultural industrialization demonstration base integrating primary, secondary, and tertiary industries, an eco-leisure resort town in the Yangtze River Delta, and a creative agriculture theme park.

Many strawberry varieties are cultivated here: Hongjia, Zhangji, Yuexin, Xiangye, Snow White, Xiaobai... Look closely: these little strawberries are dainty, fragrant, packed with vitamin C, softening the whole winter.

If interested, spend some time hand-picking the freshest strawberries. New season berries are a bit pricey, but the taste is top-notch!

Travel Tips

1. About Jiande

Jiande lies in central-western Zhejiang Province, located in Hangzhou, at the heart of the golden tourist route linking Fuchun River, Xin'an River, Qiandao Lake, and Huangshan. It is a famous beautiful livable city and leisure destination, encompassing the "Two Rivers, One Lake" (Fuchun River, Xin'an River, Qiandao Lake). Known for its charming "peculiar peaks and jade waters" and cultural sites, it has been called "brocade peaks and embroidered ridges, a land of mountains and waters" since ancient times. Past highlights were the "Eight Views of Yanling"; now there are the "Ten Views of Xin'an."

The eastern route features the Fuchun River Little Three Gorges.

The southern route features Lingqi Wonderland and Daciyan.

The western route features Xin'an River Hydropower Station, Qiandao Lake.

2. About 17°C

The 17°C river water comes from the 70-meter dam drop of the Xin'an River Hydropower Station. Jiande carries the languid ease of a Jiangnan city and the youthful vitality of a new-generation city.

In downtown Jiande, the Xin'an River flows through the city, with green hills undulating on both banks, creating a natural climate of cool summers and warm winters. The Xin'an River maintains a constant 17°C all year round, crystal clear and crisp—known as a unique 17-degree legend on Earth.

3. Attractions

Today's Jiande has formed a "1+2+X" tourism structure:

"1" refers to Xin'an River, covering the Cool World, Zhejiang Corner, and Meicheng-Qililong tourism complexes.

"2" refers to special routes like Aviation Town and Greater Xinye Scenic Area.

"X" refers to emerging new tourism formats.

Tourism revolves around three routes centered on Xin'an River:

East route: Fuchun River Qililong area's "Seven-Mile Sail" scenic spot, like a breathtaking landscape gallery.

South route: Lingqi Caves, "Jiangnan No.1 Hanging Temple" Daciyan.

West route: Xin'an River Hydropower Station, Qiandao Lake, plus Turtle Cave, Lover's Valley, Ten-Li Lotus Scenic Area, Xinye Ancient Village.

If you're lucky, you can catch special folk performances: the Nine-Surname Fishermen’s Water Wedding, Xinye's Third-Month Third Temple Fair, Dragon Boat Races during Dragon Boat Festival, etc.

Top recommendations: Daciyan, Lingqi Cave, Seven-Mile Sail, Xinye Ancient Village, Xin'an River.

4. Transportation

(1) Air: Jiande has Qiandao Lake General Airport. Nearby airports: Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Quzhou, Wenzhou, Shanghai Pudong—flying is convenient.

(2) Road: National Highways 320 and 330 cross Jiande. Expressways Hang-Jin-Quzhou, Hang-Xinjing, Hang-Huizhou provide coverage. Hang-Xinjing Expressway has multiple exits within Jiande: Anren, Qiantan, Yangcunqiao, Xin'anjiang, Shouchang, Hangtou, Dadakou. The Xin'anjiang exit leads directly to the city.

(3) Self-drive routes

From Hangzhou: Hang-Xinjing Expressway → Xin'anjiang exit.

From Shanghai: Hu-Hang Expressway → Hangzhou Ring Expressway → Hang-Xinjing Expressway → Xin'anjiang exit.

From Nanjing: Hang-Ning Expressway → Hangzhou Ring → Hang-Xinjing → Xin'anjiang exit.

From Wenzhou: Jin-Li-Wen Expressway → Hang-Jin-Qu Expressway → Hang-Xinjing → Xin'anjiang exit.

From Fujian: Fu-Wen Expressway → Jin-Li-Wen → Hang-Jin-Qu → Hang-Xinjing → Xin'anjiang exit.

From Ningbo: Yong-Jin Expressway → Hang-Jin-Qu → Hang-Xinjing → Xin'anjiang exit.

From Jiangxi: Li-Wen Expressway → Hu-Kun Expressway → Hang-Jin-Qu → Hang-Xinjing → Xin'anjiang exit.

5. Accommodation

Most star-rated hotels in Jiande are 3-4 star, high quality, well-equipped, convenient transport. Choose as you prefer.

6. Cuisine

Jiande cuisine traces back to ancient Yanzhou. Even today, its dishes delight surrounding foodies—a true Jiande on the tongue: Qiandao Lake organic fish, delicious Yanzhou dry-cooked duck, farm-style meatballs, tofu buns, fragrant glutinous sesame cake and savory tangyuan, golden crispy oil-fried rice cake, and Yanzhou flaky pastry.

If you love local snacks, don't miss the top ten specialties: Jiande tofu pot, Shouchang stir-fried rice noodles, Yanzhou flaky pastry, Datong meatballs, Sandu sesame cake, Xinye water rice cakes, Lotus corn dumplings, Meicheng hand-pulled noodles, Xiaobiao dumplings, Jiande oil-fried rice cake.