Day 1 Hangzhou → Yuyao Hongling Ancient Trail → Cicheng → Hangzhou
07:30
Meet and sign in at Exit F of Huanglong Sports Center Subway Station
08:00
We set off by car. The team leader explained the itinerary and precautions of the activity to everyone. We introduced ourselves to each other and shared our outdoor experiences. We laughed and chatted all the way to Yuyao!
10:30
[Chanyue Ancient Temple] The starting point begins at the Chanyue Ancient Temple built during the Three Kingdoms period (238-251 AD). The temple was built by Wu Guotai, the mother of Sun Quan, and has a history of more than 1,700 years. It is a cultural relic protection unit in Yuyao. The treasures of Chanyue Temple are three seals of the original abbot of Chanyue Temple with a history of more than 200 years. The three seals are made of jade, bone and wood respectively.
Shili Hanxi is a ravine nestled in the rugged mountains at the northern foot of Siming Mountain. Flanked by mountains on either side, the stream lies in the valley. A tranquil and ancient path offers a glimpse of the stream, waterfalls, bamboo forests, pine trees, and a variety of flora, creating a breathtaking natural landscape. Because Hanxi lies within the valley, the entire route follows the stream, flanked by dense vegetation. The tranquility and beauty here seem detached from the world, and the deeper you go, the more tranquil it becomes, with the sounds of birdsong, flowers, and gurgling water filling your ears. The essence of Hanxi's scenery lies in the several waterfalls along the way, cascading down from the mountains, splashing white water while the clear, clear, cool pools of water below reveal a clear bottom.
After walking through the Hanxi section, you'll turn onto the ancient trail and ascend the mountain. At the end, you'll find a breathtaking view of the mountaintop, where a vast expanse of tea fields awaits. Hongling, also known as Hongchiling, is built entirely of mountain stone. Here, lush bamboo forests and trees shade the sky, creating a rich historical experience. The upper half of the Hongling Trail consists of stone steps, while the lower half is paved with cobblestones. There are virtually no dirt or off-road paths along the entire route, making the descent along the ancient trail incredibly effortless and easy, allowing you to descend to the foot of the mountain.
Please bring your own lunch for lunch.
2:30 PM
Drive to Cicheng
3:30 PM
Arrive at Cicheng Ancient Town, where the ancient county town retains its original layout and numerous Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. With a thousand years of history, it's truly the "Pingyao Ancient City" of Jiangnan, a Zhejiang version of Chang'an. We'll follow our guide to explore this ancient city, but you can also explore it on your own!
Here, the second episode of "A Bite of China," "The Story of Staple Food," features Ningbo's water-milled rice cakes. Cicheng, a veritable rice cake town, boasts a Cicheng Rice Cake Restaurant. Every day, from New Year's Day to the Lunar New Year, the pedestrian street in front of the restaurant is filled with dried rice cakes and Ningbo's signature yam rice cakes, bubbling over coal stoves. Along the street, a dazzling array of delicious and interesting items are on display, including stinky tofu, yam rice cakes, and delicious glutinous rice cakes—all unique and interesting, showcasing local flavor.
Arriving near Cihu Park, we were greeted by plank roads, ancient bridges, and birds flying by. The ancient metasequoia trees and the scenery resembled a film set in a period drama, creating a breathtaking autumn scene. We meandered along the lake, and those who were interested could even walk along the bridges in the water. It's truly a film-making destination!
Cicheng recommended food (for reference only):
Delicious stir-fries (smoked fish, braised beef, vegetable and chicken gizzard soup, etc.) - Map navigation: Zoumalou, Yonghaoxuan Haoxiang Private Kitchen
Cicheng Youzha Noodles - Map Navigation: Awa Noodle House, Cicheng Noodle House
5:30 PM
As the sunset in Cicheng, we return
8:30 PM
Back to the starting point in Hangzhou, the trip ends here!
