Live Your Best Lives
After exiting the highway in Jingning, we were plunged into a sea of mountains. It was rainy season in Jiangnan, and the "fresh rain in the empty mountains" had cleansed the mountain air with a refreshing sweetness. The winding mountain road was a sight to behold: lush greenery, clusters of tung blossoms in full bloom, and curls of smoke rising from a village in a valley, all guided us deeper and deeper into the mountains.
Taishun is such a "paradise." Located in southern Zhejiang Province, bordering Fujian Province, Taishun boasts an average elevation of over 500 meters, the highest in Zhejiang Province. Its forest coverage rate reaches 76.1%, and its air quality is among the best in the province. "The mountains are as tranquil as ancient times, and the days are as long as a year." Here, embark on a quiet and leisurely journey, detached from the hustle and bustle of life.
Taishuncheck the details
Taishun County, one of the six counties under the jurisdiction of Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, is named after the city's peaceful and prosperous people. It is known as the "Hometown of Ancient Chinese Covered Bridges" and the "Hometown of Chinese Tea." It boasts the Wuyanling National Nature Reserve, known as a "biological provenance bank," and the Chengtian Radon Spring Provincial Nature Reserve, renowned as a "holy water treasure land" and the "world's best radon source." Taishun boasts abundant tourism resources, including Feng'an Sea of Clouds, the Taishun Covered Bridge, Xu'ao Village, the Bao Clan Ancestral Hall, the Hu Clan Courtyard, the Shishui Dingbu (Anchorage Steps), the Chengtian Radon Spring, and China's longest cable-stayed bridge, all offering excellent options for independent travel.
Recommended month: All seasons
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From Zai Jing Tang Collection: Jiangnan Jingshi Poems: A Trip to Wuyan Ridge: "The pheasants call faintly in the tent at Mangshan, and at dawn I ascend the forest to meet the vigorous crowd. Standing on the peak of Baiyun Peak, the clear breeze brings a glimpse of Wenzhou."
Located in Taishun County, the Wuyanling Nature Reserve covers a total area of 18,861.5 hectares (nearly 190 square kilometers). With its alpine forests, rich vegetation, and abundant waterways, the reserve has a distinct "Wizard of Oz" vibe.
Following the signposts, ascending the steps, I saw rivers and waterfalls of varying sizes interlinked. I finally came across a clear pool and heard the roar of water above. It turned out to be the waterfall, pouring its endless stream of fresh water. Following the source of the waterfall upward, I found another clear pool. Repeatedly, the diverse waterfalls and pools of varying depths continuously provide this tranquil mountain with a vibrant beauty. The mist rising from the waterfalls nourishes the lush vegetation on both sides.
The reserve is home to 2,150 plant species and over 50 species of animals under national key protection, earning it the nickname "a natural gene bank of biological provenance" and a "green ecological museum." This is precisely why its environment is exceptional, exceeding national first-class standards and serving as a natural "oxygen bar."
It is said that the negative oxygen ion detector here will directly "explode". The luxurious experience of breathing fresh air without reservation has become a simple and ordinary thing here.
In Taishun, one cannot miss the covered bridges scattered over streams and through valleys. These bridges, often over a century old, are mostly made of wood or stone. Originally built for transportation, they later became places of commerce and even religion.
Today, these covered bridges still embody the lives of locals: whether traveling back and forth or simply chatting a moment, their vitality remains undimmed. For this reason, Taishun is also known as the "Bridge Museum of Southern Zhejiang." Within these mountains and forests, time and history never fade.
The Wuyanling Nature Reserve once housed the Yellow-bellied Tragopan, a first-class protected species known as the "Giant Panda of Birds." This naturally shy bird grows a colorful "collar" around its neck during mating season to attract mates.
The Yellow-bellied Tragopan Theme Pavilion is located at the entrance to the reserve, offering detailed information on the diverse wildlife within the reserve. Near the entrance are the Yellow-bellied Tragopan breeding area and the monkey play area, allowing for close-up viewing of the animals. If you're lucky, you might even spot wild macaques in the mountains!
Wuyanling boasts dozens of scenic spots, including Baiyunjian, Nanjigang, Mixhaitan, and Longjingtan. The main peak, Baiyunjian, stands at 1,611 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in southern Zhejiang. Its summit is often shrouded in mist, and from the summit, one can overlook the vast sea of clouds and the vastness of the world.
It's hard to imagine that this usually unassuming town in southern Zhejiang is home to the Guinness World Record for the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. At 358 meters long and 48 meters high, this China-first suspension cable bridge spans the center of a canyon, connecting the mountains on both sides and creating a truly spectacular sight.
When the weather is fine, any photo taken here will be a masterpiece. Standing on the suspension bridge, there is a clear water system flowing under your feet.
Standing atop the bridge, I found myself in the heart of the canyon, with unobstructed views of the canyon's beauty. Feiyun Lake in the distance, the cruise ship dock beneath my feet, and the winding waterway formed by the verdant mountains on either side all unfolded before my eyes. Even the wind, unimpeded by any obstacles, blew freely, causing the hems of my clothes and the flags on the bridge to dance.
Baihe Villa is nestled against Feiyun Lake, nestled in the heart of a mountain valley. The lake's abundant waters separate the mountains on either side, forming a winding, emerald green ribbon through the canyon's center. Riding a bamboo raft downstream, the mountains recede into the distance, their peaks still shrouded in morning mist. It feels like being in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, but with a less imposing presence and a more picturesque beauty.
The lake water is very clean and has a turquoise green color (unfortunately, when we went there, they were dredging sand a few days ago and it was cloudy, so it looked a little yellowish). If the weather is clear, the water surface will be a very transparent green.
Within the scenic area lies an exquisite mountaintop treehouse tent homestay, Shouxingxiu. Inspired by the twelve zodiac signs, the property comprises twelve mountaintop treehouse tents, each with its own private terrace offering breathtaking mountain and water views. In the morning, admire the mountain mist, and at night, gaze at the starry sky.
As soon as the car exited the Hongyan Tunnel, we heard the unstoppable roar of rushing water. Turning, we saw two waterfalls cascading down from a cliff dozens of meters high, converging into a single stream. The powerful torrent cascaded down from the heights, crashing violently against the cliffs and rocks, sending up countless splashes. Vapor permeated the surrounding rock walls, creating a hazy, almost fairy-like atmosphere.
Over the stream, a century-old stone bridge stands silently. I've watched the landscape transform from secluded forests to occasional pedestrians, then tunnels dug through the mountains, roads built, and cars driven in. More and more people pass by, arrive, and leave. But the constant is the rumbling sound of the water.
From the dozen or so waterfalls of varying sizes at Wuyanling to the spectacular Hongyan Twin Waterfalls beside the highway, waterfalls are always present in the mountains and rivers of Taishun.
I don't know if it's the height of the mountains that nurtures the water, or the spirituality of the water that nourishes the mountains, but in this interplay of mountains and water, countless lives are born, including humanity. In youth, we yearn to escape and conquer nature. As we grow older and mature, we yearn to return to and protect it. We long to return to the mountains, as our ancestors did for generations, to hear "cocks crowing atop mulberry trees, dogs barking in deep alleys," to "pick chrysanthemums beneath the eastern fence, leisurely gazing at the southern mountains." We long to rediscover that instinctive connection with nature. And so, we return to the mountains and forests, to begin a new spiritual journey.
Live by the mountain, eat by the mountain. Nature is never stingy with gifts to the tongue. The abundant products have created rich inspirations, and the diligent and wise gourmets have become the creators of delicious food. The ingredients adapted to local conditions have created extraordinary and delicious food.
The bamboo shoots and wild mushrooms from the mountains are extremely delicious if they are simply stir-fried or cooked into soup with some simple seasonings.
Dyeing rice with the juice of the leaves of the black rice tree will make black rice with great color, aroma and taste.
The flowers can also be used to make scrambled eggs, which leave a refreshing and lingering fragrance in your mouth; local small potatoes and small fish and shrimps from the river have become "regular guests" on local dining tables.
Rather than simply harmonizing the five flavors, the locals are more adept at using local ingredients to achieve a balance between the body and nature. In summer, heat-clearing and detoxifying herbal tea is a staple on the table, replaced by ginger tea in winter. There are always some inventive ingredients or cooking methods on the table, but a closer look reveals the answers to the laws of nature and the universe. In the humid mountains, with extremely cold winters, young ginger is pickled in glutinous rice vinegar and sugar. This can be enjoyed as both a side dish and an appetizer, warming the body and removing dampness.
In the hot summer, people take the juice of a wild shrub and make "green tofu", which has the function of clearing away heat and detoxifying. It is an excellent ingredient for preventing heatstroke and cooling down in midsummer.
Old duck soup is a favorite summertime soup, known for its cooling properties, cooling down internal heat, and nourishing yin. Simmered with red yeast rice wine, it offers a rich, fragrant flavor with a lasting aftertaste. Snails, known for their cooling properties, are cooked with perilla, a flavorful and refreshing option, offering a satisfying and relaxing experience.
There are also nine-layer cakes, cured rabbit, peanut sprouts, wild vegetable soup dumplings and other delicacies that are hard to find in other places. The Taishun cuisine alone is worth lingering and making a fuss about.
The most memorable experience was a home-cooked meal at a local guesthouse in the village: small dried fish stir-fried with seasonings turned out crispy, fragrant, and flavorful, so delicious you could eat even the bones. Dried bamboo shoots, homegrown amaranth, green beans, and pickled vegetables made up a simple, mountain-climbing family feast.
Zuoxi Village, named for the "Zuoxi River" along which it was built, flows into Feiyun Lake, a vital water source for Wenzhou. This gives the village a particularly spiritual aura. The majority of residents are She ethnic minority, and the buildings reflect the distinctive She architectural style, characterized by white walls, gray tiles, and blue belts. These distinctive architectural styles appear particularly refreshing against the backdrop of verdant mountains and clear waters.
Every household maintains a neat courtyard, tending to its small plot of land. Succulent cultivation has become a trend, perhaps due to Taishun's ideal climate, and everywhere is vibrant. The "Phoenix" symbol of the She ethnic group, carved or painted on the eaves and exterior walls, serves as a spiritual totem for everyone living here. Zuoxi Village offers a unique opportunity to transform our traditional concept of "rural life."
Today, most of the village's residences operate as "She Family Courtyard" B&Bs. While each home's interior decor may differ, the overall hardware and service levels remain largely consistent. A village-established B&B association oversees all B&Bs, ensuring transparent pricing and fair competition. The owners of these She Family Courtyards often live with their guests, sharing their daily meals and accommodations, and even acting as guides. Over time, those who stay here become friends and even family with the owners.
Although the She ethnic group has its own language, it lacks a written language, relying only on simple ideographic symbols. Therefore, cultural heritage from generation to generation relies solely on word of mouth, a process that can only be traced back to the hardships it endured. The She ethnic group originated in Fenghuang Mountain, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, and today is mostly scattered across mountainous areas of Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Anhui. While most are virtually indistinguishable from the Han Chinese, in Zuoxi Village, the She still retain their own language, clothing, and lifestyle. They sing She songs, perform She rituals, and drink She tea—all of which can be experienced in this "Most Beautiful She Village in China."
In the evening, I saw smoke rising from houses in the distance, and I suddenly felt the urge to go inside to see what they were having for dinner. Dried bamboo shoots waiting to be soaked, freshly picked baby potatoes... The rural evening slowly descended, accompanied by the aroma of food cooking in the kitchen.
Amidst rolling hills, a pure wooden house blends seamlessly into the vast landscape. Succulents fill the walls and even the cracks in the walls, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Sprawling lawns and lush trees extend the greenery of the mountains right to your doorstep. As soon as you step inside, the fresh scent of wood, blending with the refreshing aroma of the plants outside, hits you. The whole house seems to "breathe," as if it has come to life.
Chujian Yuelanshe, a popular online B&B, has become a representative of Taishun B&Bs. Its solid wood styling, expansive lawn, infinity pool, and tranquil mountain setting are all captivating. In the spring, visitors can experience tea picking in the tea fields behind the house. They can also dress in traditional She clothing and experience a day filled with the flavors of the She people.
Each room is named after the moon—"Seeking the Moon," "Inviting the Moon," "Neighboring the Moon," "Looking at the Moon," "Hidden Moon"—and the owner recounts the unforgettable moments of peace and warmth he felt as a child, sitting in the courtyard gazing at the moon. Today, this mountain cabin has become a spiritual haven for many urbanites returning home.
Breathe freely in the mountains and forests, sail through the canyons, watch waterfalls cascade down, stroll and chat by the streamside in the village, feast on the gifts of nature, and sleep peacefully in a beautiful mountain lodge. It is a spiritual journey and also a rebirth.
