Day 1 Hangzhou → Youfu Ancient Town → Longyou Grottoes → Jiangshan
·morning
Meet at Huanglong Seafood Stall between 7:30-8:00 AM (near: Subway Station - Huanglong Sports Center Station - Exit F) (On the first day of a holiday, the departure time will be one hour earlier, between 6:30-7:00 AM)
Around 11:00, we arrived at Youbu Ancient Town, one of the "Four Millennium Ancient Towns in Zhejiang Province". Since the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Youbu has been a place with many boats, merchants and shops. Because it is connected to the Qianjiang River system, it is known as the "First Port in the Upper Qianjiang River".
At noon, I started with a bowl of authentic beef noodles and was filled with Lanxi delicacies. I also had chicken cakes, tofu skin dumplings, meat dumplings, water noodles, crystal cakes, and ice milk. I couldn't stop eating.
You can also visit the interesting Camera Museum, Sanfu Soy Sauce Garden, and Glass Palace Youbu Art Bookstore, walk across one ancient bridge after another, and see the traditional crafts on the old street.
·afternoon
Around 15:00, we arrived at the mysterious Longyou Grottoes, which is known as the "Ninth Wonder of the World".
Over 50 grottoes are dotted across several square kilometers of the mountainside. Since their discovery in 1992, the mysteries surrounding their formation have ranged from storing troops and grain to sacrificial ceremonies and stone quarrying. They have even been hailed as the "Ninth Wonder of the World." When all mysteries are resolved and the grottoes are restored to their original state, one will marvel at the hardships of the ancient stonecutters. The Longyou Grottoes, while leaving behind a legacy of ancient splendor, hold even more unfathomable mysteries.
Gather at 17:00 and check in to the hotel in Jiangshan city.
After checking in, go explore the delicious food in Jiangshan, Quzhou. The chief director of "Flavorful Origins" once commented on Quzhou cuisine: "Every dish is delicious!"
Recommended Quzhou delicacies: Three Heads and One Palm, Quzhou Fried Vermicelli, Scallion Steamed Buns, Kaihua Qigao, Duze Sausage, Changshan Tribute Noodles, Quzhou Pancakes, Fried Fruit...
Day 2 Jiangshan → Nianbadu Ancient Town → Xianxiaguan Ancient Road → Jiangshan
·morning
After breakfast, head to [Nianbadu Ancient Town]
Erbadu, with its foothold in three provinces, was a strategic location for military strategists. It rose to prominence as a garrison and prospered through commerce. This ancient Jiangnan town boasts relatively well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Scholars call it "a lost dream in the mountains," hidden deep within the mountains, unknown to the world.
After thousands of years of integration, the ancient town's architecture combines Hui-style horse-head walls, Zhejiang-style roof ridges, Gan-style eaves rafters, and Fujian-style brick walls, and is known as the "Architectural Museum."
The Fengxi River flows through the town from north to south. From the reflection of the ancient town, you can see the pink walls and black tiles rippling on the water, which is another charming scene.
This small ancient town has 142 surnames and 13 dialects, and is known as the "common people's ancient town and dialect kingdom". Feel the impact of the "cultural enclave".
Food recommendation: Eight bowls of local specialties in Nianbadu: tofu stew, pig’s trotter with black beans, bacon and dried fish, Fengxi fish, yam and yellow muntjac soup, dendrobium stewed frog, dried bamboo shoots stewed pork ribs, and Nianbadu wild vegetables.
·afternoon
At 14:00, depart from Nianbadu Ancient Town and arrive at the starting point of the Xianxia Ancient Trail.
The Xianxia Ancient Road, known as the "key to the southeast and the throat of Fujian", winds its way through ancient villages and lush green mountains and rivers, passing on legendary stories and folk customs of the past.
The cobblestone road that passes through the mountain forest has different charm in the forest, on the hillside, beside the field ridge, and under the stone pass. We are reluctant to leave. Soon the large group of people we were traveling with have gone far away, but we are still immersed in this beautiful scenery.
[Xianxia Pass] is hidden deep in the bamboo forest. After thousands of years, the foundation stone is still neat and solid. Thinking of the golden weapons and iron horses that existed thousands of years ago, which have now turned to ashes, I suddenly feel insignificant.
After passing the first checkpoint, you can climb up the winding ancient road to the top of the mountain. This section of the ancient road is the best preserved in the scenic area. When you climb up and look into the distance, the continuous peaks in the background are the magnificent Xianxialing Mountains. When you see the second checkpoint, it means you have reached the top of the mountain. Looking around, you will see lush forests and bamboos, and lush greenery, which is soothing to the body and mind. All tiredness will disappear. At the southern end of the mountain, stands the third checkpoint. After passing the third checkpoint, you will see the fourth checkpoint of Xianxia in just a few minutes.
Exit the ancient trail and return to the hotel for accommodation.
Day 3 Jiangshan → Jianglang Mountain → Hangzhou
·morning
After breakfast, we will depart for the famous world natural heritage site [Jianglang Mountain]
Jianglang Mountain has always been known as "the most majestic and beautiful mountain in the world, and the most beautiful mountain in the southeast". It is also known as Lingshi Mountain and Xulang Mountain. It is famous for its majestic and unique "Three Pian Stones" and has become a "landmark" of Jiangshan since the Tang Dynasty.
Around 9:30, we prepared to climb the mountain. We first arrived at the Eighteen Bends, each winding path offering a unique view, like entering a maze. Just beyond the bends stood a thousand-year-old temple. A gentle mountain breeze swept through, and the mists and clouds silently vanished, creating a sudden, open view. The faint sound of the Kaiming Zen Temple bells drifted in. Here, my body and mind were at peace, and the worldly concerns faded away. I wished I could transform into a blade of grass or a tree among the mountains, taking deep root, listening to the whispers of the mountains and following the valley stream, swirling through the long river of time. Nearby were Jianglang Academy and Great Man Peak. After a short rest, we headed towards the "One Line Sky."
The long stone staircase stretches forward, like a dragon with only its end visible. Walking through it brings a chill that chills the spine. Standing tall among the boulders atop the mountains, it is shrouded in ever-changing clouds and mist year-round, earning it the title of China's premier "Line of Sky."
If you have the energy, you can challenge the Langfeng Sky Tour and climb to the top of Langfeng!
·afternoon
Around 14:00, we left the scenic area and started our return journey.
Arrive in Hangzhou around 18:00 and disband. (Due to traffic jams during holidays, the return time is unpredictable. Tourists are advised to make reasonable arrangements for subsequent trips.)
