Live Your Best Lives
Beautiful mountains and rivers, ancient houses and villages, hiking resorts, camping fun, ... there are too many elements that come together to form this place. When you come here from Shaoxing Shangyu, just let go of your obsessions and enjoy the slow time, the peaceful mountains and the colorful autumn.
This year, the fish-scale-like dam suddenly became an internet celebrity. This is a water conservancy project in the township. It stores water during the dry season and releases water during the flood season. When the weather is good, you can come and experience the charm of the dam~
"The gurgling sound of flowing water expresses the laziness of autumn. The sunlight shines on the lake, stirring up ripples." Shangyu's Dingzhai Longlin Dam is a great place to play in the water between gentle mountains and waters. Walking on it will make you feel relaxed and let you feel the distinct beauty of the mountains.
Both ends of Longlin Dam are high. There are trees in the foreground on the side close to the Cultural and Sports Park, which makes it a great place to take photos of a landscape painting.
Let's take some fun photos on the embankment. Taking photos of people walking and playing, and getting close to the water can capture the joy of people swimming with the water.
The most stunning angle must be the aerial photography! I recommend taking an aerial photography. The whole three-dimensional sense of the landscape comes out, especially the vertical downward angle. The Dragon Scale Dam forms a very beautiful sense of lines. I like this feeling very much.
If possible, come to Longlin Dam. It is recommended to visit on a sunny day. The beautiful scenery here is really enjoyable. In the summer, you can bring water play equipment. The water is clear and refreshing. You can bring some props to take pictures. Don't come empty-handed. However, if it rains continuously, the water in Longlin Dam may be relatively high. Pay attention to safety and don't go into the water blindly!
I used to think of Shaoxing as a place of celebrities and a hometown of poetry. This time I came to Shangyu, and I didn’t expect that Shangyu, even the hometown of celebrities, is so literary. I really like this feeling of relaxing myself.
This time, I visited a place called "Baima Chunhui." While the name sounds quite literary, it actually houses many famous people's former residences, documenting the locals' academic journeys. It's a beautiful place, blessed with outstanding people and a wealth of talent. Remember the train station in Zhu Ziqing's "Back View"? It's right here, a literary pilgrimage.
The Elephant Mountain Trail, visible from the entrance to Chunhui Middle School, exudes a simple, artistic atmosphere, complete with wooden pavilions and signage. While the mountain isn't high, it's easy to hike and perfect for some exercise. Reaching the summit offers a breathtaking view of the entire Baima Chunhui area. The rice paddies in the distance, gleaming yellow in this season, are truly stunning.
One of the most important check-in spots at Baima Chunhui is Chunhui Middle School. However, the monument to the site is now inside the school, so you can’t see it during school hours and can only admire it from a distance.
From here, you can also appreciate the former residences and old houses of various celebrities, including Chunshe - Shanbianyilou - Wanqingshanfang - Xiaoyangliuwu (former residence of Feng Zikai) - Zhu Ziqing's former residence.
"Chunshe" was built in 1922. It is a memorial hall for Chen Chunlan, the principal of Chunhui Middle School who generously donated money to establish it. Mr. Chen's spirit tablet is enshrined here all year round, allowing Chunhui teachers and students to "enjoy the shade without forgetting the people who planted the trees" and express gratitude and inspire ambition.
Built in 1922, the "Mountainside First Building" served as the Chunshe Society's "Members' Club." Chunhui Middle School's first principal, Ching Heng-yi, lived here before his private residence, "Changsong Mountain House," was completed in 1928. It now serves as a display room celebrating Ching Heng-yi's life and deeds.
Walking along the side of Baima Lake, you will find many centuries-old trees, and time seems to slow down.
The Little Willow House is the former residence of Feng Zikai, a renowned modern cartoonist. The house still retains its original furnishings and houses an exhibition of his cartoons. Built in 1923, the "Little Willow House" served as a staff dormitory for Chunhui University. It was named after the willow trees Feng Zikai planted in the corners of his residence while teaching at Chunhui. The house boasts a unique, compact, and elegant structure.
The comic exhibition features Mr. Feng Zikai's classic works and is an artistic feast.
The last building is Zhu Ziqing’s former residence. The autumn scenery here has already taken shape, with green mountains and beautiful waters. It is true that literati love such places.
Zhu Ziqing's former residence mainly displays past exhibits and an introduction to Zhu Ziqing's life. You can also feel that this place has been associated with Zhu Ziqing's life.
After admiring the former residence, don’t turn back. Continue along Baima Lake and cross the lotus pond, then you will see a train station. This is Yiting Station, which was once the most lively place in the town.
This is the setting for Zhu Ziqing's "Back Figure." Even now, trains are still busy on the opposite track. The train station has been renovated and turned into a campsite. There's also a train cafe. The environment is nice, artistic, and great for taking photos. It's a great place to rest after a tiring day.
The other gate of Chunhui Middle School is at this end. You can park on both sides and then take a walk in Baima Chunhui. In addition to the spots I recommended, friends with enough time can also go boating in Baima Lake, which is very pleasant.
Shangyu is the hometown of renowned director Xie Jin, so Xietang Town in Shangyu is now the cultural district of Xie Jin's hometown. During my visit to the former residence of this famous person, I discovered that this place is also a treasure trove of photo opportunities.
Xie Jin's hometown includes Xie Jin's former residence and the Xing Film Studio, but the whole area is made up of old houses. Wandering around, you can feel the Shangyu era. If you want to take photos of cheongsams in the style of the Republic of China, it is really perfect.
"A person is like a kite; no matter how far he flies, there is always a string holding him back." This was a phrase Xie Jin often said during his lifetime. It also reflected his longing for his hometown.
The courtyards of the old houses in the ancient towns of Jiangnan are small and exquisite, with many rockery and ponds.
The corridor is not long and is decorated with lanterns. The exquisiteness of Jiangnan is reflected in every detail of the house. Below the corridor is the inner courtyard of the house. Although the former residence is not large, it is really exquisite.
The study is decorated with a wall of vintage bookcases, giving it a vintage feel and making it a great place for photography. The desk and chair area to one side of the bookcase also has the grandeur of a wealthy family's study. I really like the color of the pure wood.
Xie Jinxing's film set, where most of the scenes are inspired by Xie Jin's films, and are mainly in the style of the Republic of China, with old Shanghai bars, houses, photo studios and other scenes. Every shot here gives you the feeling of being in a movie.
The Xie Jin Film Art Museum is also a good place to take photos. The main purpose of the visit is to learn about the brilliant life of the master director Xie Jin. There are documents, historical photos, film images, artistic settings, etc.
1923 Studios, consisting of six film-themed venues: Paramount, Kung Fu Hall, Photographic Studio, Dongshan Mist, Jinfen Mansion, and Loutaihui, offers a glimpse into modern style, opera creativity, and trendy fashion.
The semi-outdoor space is composed of the Xingfu Town platform, the Xiaoli and Dali Stadiums, and the Zhici Xietang Style Street. Many of the customs of the old Shanghai outdoor space can be photographed here.
The film factory took us to explore and practice the filming and production process. There were explanations, experiences, and interactions. It was fun and educational. There was even a lesson on how to disguise yourself, which was really interesting!
Movies such as "One Step Away", "Heaven's Gate" and "The Wasted Times" are all filled with the atmosphere of old Shanghai.
Inspired by martial arts films such as "The Grandmaster", "Ip Man" and "Shadow", it integrates traditional culture, sportsmanship and film art, and uses light and shadow, ink painting and curtain text to create a traditional Kung Fu atmosphere.
The photo studio is full of memories of the times. We also took a group of photos full of the flavor of the times at the restored photography scene. Various old Shanghai brand cameras are also displayed here, which is very impressive.
Based on the content of the movie "Rock Rock, Rock to Grandma's Bridge", this place perfectly reproduces the movie scenes, with dressing rooms, living rooms, and red carpet check-in areas, allowing you to experience the modern and fashionable mansion space of old Shanghai.
The first color film in New China, "Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai", has scenes that are both traditional Chinese and romantic, and full of opera colors.
Tongxingli, a truly niche attraction in Shangyu, was once thought to be a place where celebrities lived. But when I passed by golden wheat fields and saw the neatly arranged buildings, I finally understood the meaning of "large mansion."
The Tongxingli mansion is the former residence of Chen Chunlan, the founder of Chunhui Middle School. It is located in Hengshanxu Village, a peaceful village with mountains behind and water in front. It is named Tongxingli, which also means "brothers are united and prosper together."
The grandeur of the mansion can be felt from its outer walls. The bamboos planted at the door also have a very good meaning. Every shot you take can show the grandeur of the mansion.
Chen Chunlan is a legend in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. From a "small trick" going from village to village in the countryside to a financial industrialist in Shanghai, his struggle for successful entrepreneurship is worth learning from.
The beauty of Chinese architecture is reflected in the details of the mansion, including the blue-tiled walls and carved wooden beams. It is exquisite and beautiful. The brick carvings are so lifelike that we were all amazed.
Tongxingli consists of three buildings, each with five rooms, and two side rooms. The house is truly vast, and it's easy to get lost if you're not familiar with the route. Taking a photo in the courtyard feels like stepping into a grand Republican-era mansion.
The rooms here are still furnished with various furniture according to the appearance of life back then, allowing everyone to experience the daily life of Chen Chunlan after returning to his hometown.
The second hall houses an exhibition depicting Chen Chunlan's life, from Shangyu to Shanghai, telling his story of struggle. As a teenager, Chen Chunlan traveled between Wuhan, Shanghai, and Shangyu, working as an apprentice and street vendor, learning the ropes of business. He later established warehouses and banks, ultimately becoming a business tycoon. In his later years, he returned to his hometown to develop industry, enrich the country and benefit the people, donate to education, and cultivate talent, earning him acclaim from the local community.
Finally, there is the kitchen and dining room. In the middle is where the owner and his family dine, and on both sides are the kitchen and servants' dining areas.
Going up to the second floor is the owner's room, with fine wooden furniture and porcelain on display, the daily life of the former owner seems to be vivid in mind.
At sunset, the last ray of gentle sunlight shines on the house, making people feel the warmth of the house in the past. Walking on the second floor and looking out from the wooden window, I suddenly feel a kind of childhood fun.
Outside the house is the joy of the village's harvest, and next to the house is a warm village. Such a Feng Shui treasure land is the key to outstanding people and beautiful scenery.
If you also like the feeling of speed and passion, then you must come to Shangyu Shunkang International Racing Park to have fun. The karting track here is of international standards. The whole track is over 1,200 meters long and has 19 bends. It is very exciting. It is really fun to experience the feeling of speeding in the wild.
Before the karting experience, the instructor gave us some tips on karting and various safety issues. Then we changed into clothes and chose helmets, and we set off.
This is indeed a cool activity. In addition to the full experience, even taking pictures is so cool, which makes my friends in my circle of friends envious~
The racing park is located in Dingzhai, Shangyu, adjacent to the beautiful and clear Guanxi River. Playing karting in such a beautiful natural environment is also a magical experience.
Late autumn is truly the most beautiful season in Jiangnan. The sun is shining, the temperature is cool, and the mountains are ablaze with color. It's the perfect time for a hike. I love this sense of freedom and comfort. So last weekend, I took my dad to Fuzhi Mountain for a hike.
Fuzhi Mountain is not very high, and the road is relatively easy to walk on. It is quite playful. There are century-old villages, thousand-year-old terraced fields and ten-thousand-year-old stone waves. Friends who like challenges and excitement can also find a sense of belonging in the stone waves.
After driving up the mountain on the winding road, the first stop is the century-old village of Fuzhi Mountain - Dongcheng Ancient Village.
The century-old ancient village in the mountains, you can walk along the stairs and paths in the ancient village, and feel the fireworks of the ancient village. Most of the people here are elderly indigenous people, and staying overnight is also a very comfortable enjoyment.
The ancient village has several layers, with roads and alleys winding along the mountainside, full of fun to explore. Most of the buildings are old, but some have been slightly renovated and modernized. Most of the people are elderly, drying vegetables and making various dried goods!
The village also has some exhibition halls that showcase the villagers' daily livelihoods, such as oil pressing, weaving, rice planting, and some intangible cultural heritage crafts. They also explain how the villagers who lived in the mountains back then were self-sufficient.
The terraced fields are one of the signature features of Fuzhi Mountain. They are very spectacular, and different things are grown in each season. It is recommended to leave enough time to walk into the terraced fields to feel the breath of nature, and they are also great for taking pictures.
The autumn colors are dyeing all the vegetation red, and the lush green terraces also make us feel the happy and ordinary life of the villagers here, which is really enviable.
The road to Fuzhi Mountain has eighteen bends, which is very exciting to drive on.
Starting from the terraced fields, we will advance to discover the "Ten Thousand Years Stone Waves". The mountain road here is very primitive and is used by local people to cross the mountains, but it is not difficult to walk and people of all ages can try it.
The Wannian Stone Waves are a very long stone formation formed naturally on Fuzhi Mountain. It is a glacial relic and very spectacular. If you bring a drone, you can find that there are several stone waves on the entire hillside.
People are really small in front of the stone waves, but climbing the stone waves is a technically difficult mountain climb. Ordinary tourists can take the small path next to the stone waves to go up the mountain, while technical climbers can experience the excitement of the stone waves while paying attention to safety.
Every small intersection offers opportunities to take photos close to the stone waves, so don't worry about not having beautiful photos~
On the way down the mountain, I suddenly found a very beautiful autumn road, and hurried down to take pictures. This is probably the surprise of the trip~
The car twisted and turned along the mountain road, and once again plunged into a world of green. In the center of Chenxi was Shisun Mountain. The town was very quiet, and Shisun Mountain stood on the hill opposite the town, which was quite interesting.
Shisun Mountain, shaped like a stalagmite, rises from the ground. It was formed by long-term erosion by wind and rain, which is quite vivid. Shisun Mountain is located on the bank of Guanxi River, and there are hiking trails on both sides of Guanxi River.
The trail on one side is a fun mountain adventure, while the trail we took leads to a local park with a camping and barbecue area, a pier for boating, and a carp dam that looks like a carp from the air. Of course, the carp dam also serves as a water conservancy project.
Chenxi boasts a number of ancient villages, including Taipingshan Village, a century-old village nestled in the mountains. While some aspects of Taipingshan Village have adopted the appearance of a modern Chinese countryside, it still retains well-preserved historical sites. The "A Man Under the Forest" memorial archway at the village entrance is one such relic, dedicated to Zheng Sanjun, the Minister of Revenue during the Ming Dynasty.
Taipingshan Village is indeed beautiful, with picturesque scenery, nestled beside the mountains and water, with birds singing and insects chirping, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Wandering around the village, you can also feel the happy life of the villagers today.
Chinese-style teahouses have also opened in villages, which is believed to add modern Chinese-style fun to the future new rural life.
The ancient trees in the village are now hung with lanterns, adding vitality to the village.
Qingliang Pavilion is also an old house in Taipingshan Village. The interior is made entirely of wood and creaks when you walk in it, but it is very well preserved and has a taste of history.
The ancient Fenghe Bridge and the thousand-year-old Torreya grandis tree stand side by side on the side of the archway, witnessing the historical changes of the village and the mountains.
Hidden in the mountains, Xuehuatan is an unexpected attraction. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The original mountain steps, the mountain stream rushing down through the dense forest, forming a pool along the way, and the waterfalls along the way, all the fun of mountains and rivers is here.
Snow Flower Pond is a charming and wild attraction in Chenxi, requiring a bit of hiking to discover its little mountain delights. The ravine is lined with a variety of unusually large rocks, with water flowing through the cracks in the rocks, forming waterfalls of various shapes. With recent heavy rains, the water is plentiful.
Sometimes it's a small waterfall, sometimes it's a big waterfall. As the name suggests, it's full of the fun of exploring and the vitality brought by the waterfall. If you come here in the summer, you can still play in the water. I can only come next time~
The most beautiful one is Zimutan. The waterfall is exquisite, but the water in the pond is really amazing. The color and transparency of the water are like emerald, crystal clear.
There are many bamboo pavilions in the mountains where you can rest.
With so many waterfalls dotted among the mountains and forests, there is a lot of fun to explore. Friends who like hiking and playing in the water can leave enough time to visit Xuehuatan. Remember to bring small props for wading!
Shangyu's stunning landscape is truly breathtaking, with magnificent views everywhere. Enjoy a relaxing weekend amidst the scenery. This stop was Zaoli Lake. Surrounded by mountains, the winding road skirts the lake, making it a perfect spot for cycling and camping.
The most famous attraction at Zaoli Lake is the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, which is full of elegant Chinese style. There is a camping site nearby, so if you want to camp, you can go directly to the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. There is also a cruise ship pier where you can take a boat tour of the lake, and there are many activities to experience.
My favorite is the bend on the lakeside road. Here, I have all the scenery. The lake breeze blows on me, and I warmly embrace the sunshine and feel the joy of nature.
The facilities in the lake area are very complete, and it is a good place to stroll around and play, so camping here is also very safe.
We didn't crowd the campground, but instead found a patch of grass by the lake and took out the fruit snacks we'd prepared long ago. The autumn camping weather was just right, and it was so comfortable—every minute was a joy.
Driving from Shanghai to Shangyu takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the distance. The closest area is downtown Shangyu, while the furthest are Fuzhi Mountain and Chenxi Scenic Area. If the journey is too long, you can take the high-speed rail to Shaoxing East Station and then rent a car; the journey takes less than an hour. Shangyu's roads are very easy to drive, and parking is also very convenient.
Shangyu has a wide variety of hotels to choose from, and you can choose one based on your itinerary. The prices are all quite affordable. Our main attractions are concentrated in the east of Shangyu, so we chose the Cao'e River Hotel in the east of the city, which is convenient for getting in and out of the city.
