Legends of Mountains and Seas in Southern Zhejiang | Dongtou Island and Nanxi River: A Love for Mountains, Rivers, Lakes, and Seas

Day 1 Shanghai → Nanxi River → Daruoyan → Twelve Peaks → Lishui Ancient Street

All day

Meet at the designated location of China-TravelNote from 07:00 to 07:15. Depart at 07:15 sharp. The tour leader will lead everyone in interaction and laughter along the way.

The quintessential Yongjia landscape: a thousand-foot-high rainbow on a rock—the Twelve Peaks of White Cloud.

Around 3:30 PM, we arrived at the Nanxi River. Our first stop was Daruoyan. Nestled in the Yandang Mountains, this area boasts majestic mountains and picturesque waters, steep peaks and precipitous cliffs, with the Twelve Stone Pillar Peaks rising from the ground into the clouds. The trail is well-maintained, with numerous viewing platforms offering breathtaking scenery, making it feel like walking among the clouds. We chatted, took photos, and soon reached the summit. Then, descending the mountainside, we arrived at the Thousand-foot Three-Fold Feihong Waterfall, resembling the breath of a giant dragon, a truly breathtaking experience!

Around 5:30 PM, we returned to the foot of the mountain. Nearby, Taogong Cave is said to be very effective! You can ask for fortune telling and pray for good luck! (Taogong Cave is a Taoist sacred site, so admission is optional and costs 10 yuan per person.)

Around 18:30, gather on the bus and head to Lishui Ancient Street.

[Red lights illuminate the riverside, bright moon reflects the south of the Yangtze River - Lishui Ancient Street]

Around 7:00 PM, we arrived at Lishui Ancient Street to check in. Like the Misty Corridor in Xitang, Lishui Street is a long, covered dam built along the water, a typical Jiangnan architectural style. We could stroll through the old street or just relax by the courtyard railings and enjoy a leisurely time.

We will rest early at night, and tomorrow we will go from the mountains to the sea and head to Dongtou Beach!

Driving time: Shanghai to Yongjia, about 5 hours

Hiking: 5km hike, about 400m climb

Day 2 Lishui Ancient Street → Nanxi Bamboo Rafting → West Waterfall of Yandang Mountain → Damen Island Hotel

All day

Around 8:00 am, we stretched, got up, and packed up. Around 8:30 am, we headed to the Nanxi River for bamboo rafting.

[Eternal landscape poetry, beautiful Peach Blossom Spring - Nanxi River bamboo rafting]

Around 9:00 AM, we boarded a bamboo raft with our guide to take in the magnificent Nanxi River. The Nanxi River stretches for 300 miles, with 36 bends and 72 rapids, and is incredibly clear and pure. The vibrant scenery, encompassing beach forests, distant mountains, and ancient villages, nestled within the clear waters, creates a sense of paradise. Floating down the river, we passed scenic spots like Yantou Ancient Town and Lion Rock, occasionally encountering egrets skimming across the water. This wasn't just a simple rafting trip, but a glimpse into the soul of the Nanxi River.

Around 10:30, the rafting ended and we took a bus to Zhongyan Dang. You can also buy some food and drinks at the rafting dock first, and then we will go to Zhongyan Dang Creek Waterfall for a picnic.

[Eightfold waterfall, peaks and rocks painted screen - Central Yandang Mountain]

Around 12:00, we arrived at the West Waterfall Scenic Area of ​​Zhongyan Dang Mountain, where we can see Tianzhu Peak, Shuangshi Rock, and Bazhe Waterfall. The forest is quiet, with strange peaks and rocks, and the mighty Bailian Waterfall cascading down, like the return of wild geese.

We walked along the stream, with waterfalls connecting to each other along the way. Looking up, we saw towering mountains, and ahead, we saw cascading waterfalls. Walking through the forest felt amazing! We also had some great food along the way, so let's share what we found delicious and fun!

At around 16:00, we will gather and set off on the bus to Damen Island. No need to take a boat, the bus will go directly to the secret island!

Around 5:30 PM, we arrived at Wuxiantou Pier. Here, we waited for a stunning sunset over the sea. The lighthouse, the sea, the setting sun – this is the secluded beauty of a small island! (Subject to availability, if there is no sunset, we will go directly back to the hotel to check in)

Driving time: Nanxi River to Dongtou Island, about 2.5 hours

Hiking: West Rock of Middle Yandang: 5km of leisure hiking in the scenic area, with an elevation gain of about 200m

Day 3: Damen Island → Xiaojing Mountain → Banping Mountain → Mountain and Sea Plank Road → Hotel

All day

I slept in this morning, got up around 8:30, packed up, and checked out. Around 9:00, we set off for our hike!

[Road to the Sky, Where Mountains and Seas Meet—Xiaojing Mountain]

Around 9:00 AM, we set out on Xiaojing Mountain, a hidden gem of a time-honored hiking destination. Here, grotesque rocks crisscross the landscape, and the sound of pine trees echoes like a song. A ridgeline trail connects Xiaojing Mountain to Turtle Rock, offering a delightful and ever-changing scenery with every step. This is a touch of elegance amidst the peaks of southern Zhejiang's islands. The trail winds upward, passing through peculiar rock formations like Yuanbao Peak and Immortal's Footprints, like stepping into a natural island labyrinth. In early summer, crimson leaves adorn the pines in the mountains, and the sea breeze, carrying a salty fragrance, caresses our faces. From the summit, the view reveals Turtle Rock Peak, like a giant tortoise crouching in the East China Sea, a striking contrast against the azure blue.

Around 1:00 PM, we'll descend the mountain and head straight to the center of Damen Island for a delicious seafood feast! Then, we'll board the bus for a relaxing lunch break. In the afternoon, we'll head to Dongtou, the Hundred Island Paradise!

[Half Mainland, Half Taiwan - Banping Mountain]

Around 3:00 PM, we arrived near the Banping Mountain Scenic Area in Dongtou. We walked through the woods and along the cliffside plank road, enjoying the sea breeze, the sound of the waves, and the endless blue sea. It was a truly relaxing experience. Banping Mountain, half in mainland China, half in Taiwan. It serves as a maritime connection between the overseas Chinese of southern Zhejiang and Taiwan. We took a leisurely stroll, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and time stood still.

Around 18:00, as the sun sets, we take a car to the hotel, check in, go out to enjoy the sea breeze, and have a seafood dinner. Nights at the seaside are meant to be a party!

Driving time: Damen Island - Dongtou, about 2 hours.

Hiking: The Xiaojing Mountain hike is about 8 km, with an elevation gain of about 400 m. The Banping Mountain hike is about 2 km, with an elevation gain of 100 m.

Note: Today's itinerary ends at sunset at the Sea Moon Causeway. Evening activities are free to arrange.

Day 4 Hotel → Dongtou Xiaoerhai Lake → Wutian Old Street → Shanghai

All day

Around 8:00, a beautiful day begins. Open your eyes and embrace the sunshine. Today is a lazy day and the itinerary is very relaxing. You just need to be beautiful. We are going to take a blockbuster movie together.

[Wenzhou's Little Kenting, Dongtou's Little Erhai Lake - Zhongyu Coast]

Around 9:00 AM, we arrived at Xiao'er Lake in Dongtou. We strolled around and took some photos. If you research Dongtou Island online, most guides will definitely mention this spot: music, love, a white piano, and romantic steps. This is the romantic and dreamy Dongtou coastline, filled with tenderness and creativity. The blue sky, white clouds, and ocean create a stunning backdrop, complemented by small props along the way. Every photo is a masterpiece, guaranteed to go viral on your social media!

[Human fireworks, artistic collision - Wutian Old Street]

Around 10:30 AM, we'll gather and head to Wutian Old Street in downtown Wenzhou. This area boasts a collection of traditional Wenzhou dwellings, centered around the Tanghe River, and boasts arcade-style waterside streets, banyan pavilions, and authentic local snacks. Enough said, let's explore! Don't forget to check out the internet-famous Wenzhou Wall! Stroll along the streets and enjoy Wenzhou specialties like fish ball soup, almond tofu, lantern cakes, fried vermicelli noodles, fish soup, pig's intestine noodles, and glutinous rice. Grab your friends and let's try them all!

Around 1:30 PM, our joyful trip to southern Zhejiang ended and we returned to Shanghai. (If you have other plans, you can sign the departure agreement and say goodbye at Wutian Old Street. Wutian Old Street is about 3.5 km from Wenzhou Station, a 15-minute drive; it's about 13 km from Wenzhou South Station and about 22 km from Wenzhou Airport, both about 30 minutes by car.)

Around 8:00 PM, we returned to Shanghai. The sea is forever young, and I hope we will stay young too. We were reluctant to leave, and we kissed goodbye with tears in our eyes.

Driving time: Dongtou to Wenzhou, about 1 hour; Wenzhou to Shanghai, about 6.5 hours

Hiking: leisurely stroll

Note: If you have other plans, you can sign the departure agreement and say goodbye at Wutian Old Street. Wutian Old Street is approximately 3.5km from Wenzhou Station, a 15-minute drive; 13km from Wenzhou South Station; and 22km from Wenzhou Airport, both approximately 30 minutes. We recommend booking your train ticket after 2:00 PM and your flight ticket after 4:00 PM.

1. What if it rains during the event?

2-3 days before the event, we will decide whether the event will proceed as scheduled based on the weather forecast and route conditions. Please pay attention to our notifications. Most activities can proceed as usual even if there is light rain. There is still fun to be had on rainy days. If heavy rain is forecast, the event will be cancelled and a full refund will be given to everyone.

2. Is this route crowded?

Most of our routes are natural and niche, with relatively small traffic. Of course, it also depends on the registration situation for each period. Generally, ordinary models are 37-seat buses, and a few large models are 53-seat. Each car has a certain proportion of tour leaders to ensure the quality of the event.

The Twelve Peaks of Yongjia, located in the Daluoyan Scenic Area in the Xiaonanxi River basin of Yongjia County, are a group of rhyolite peaks formed by joint weathering, water erosion, and crustal uplift. These peaks are staggered and each has its own unique appearance. They rise like pillars, overlapping and arranged in a staggered pattern around a semicircular, rice-steamer-shaped mountain. The peaks are majestic and imposing, each with its own unique appearance and lifelike imagery. They have been given names such as Treasure Crown Peak, Incense Burner Peak, Immortal Palm Peak, Heavenly Pillar Peak, Lotus Peak, Flag-Spreading Peak, Stone Bamboo Peak, Hengqin Peak, Zhuobi Peak, Rhino Horn Peak, Stone Stele Peak, and Boy Peak. The twelve peaks are so towering that their summits are often shrouded in clouds and mist.

Dongtou Island, located 33 nautical miles off the mouth of the Oujiang River in Wenzhou, is one of China's 12 island counties, comprising 103 islands. Known as the "Hundred Island County," Dongtou boasts a privileged geographical environment, with picturesque scenery and a pleasant climate, offering year-round spring-like weather. The island boasts enchanting scenery, including unique rocks, stunning beaches, beautiful reefs, secluded caves, abundant fish, and numerous birds. It is a coastal tourist destination, combining stunning cliffs and reefs, marine sports, and the charm of a fishing village. Dongtou Island boasts a long history, with human activity dating back as far as 4,000 years. According to historical records, Dongtou Island was known as "Zhongjie Mountain" in ancient times. During the Liu Song Dynasty of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Dongtou was part of Yongjia County within Yongjia Commandery. Dongtou Island boasts a rich cultural heritage, with nationally renowned figures such as the "Dongtou Pioneer Women's Militia Company."

Dongtou Island's main attractions include Banping Mountain, Xiandieyan Rock, Daqu Island, Zhuyu Island, Damen Island, West Lake on the Sea, and Dongsha Island. Xiandieyan Rock, with its towering boulders and bizarre shapes, attracts a large number of tourists. Dongtou Island is also known for its Hakka culture: 55% of the population speaks Hakka, 45% speaks Wenzhou dialect, and 25% speaks both. The local cuisine is primarily seafood, so visitors can enjoy a delicious seafood feast.