Day 1 Hangzhou → Digang Ancient Town → Renhuang Mountain → Yishang Street → Hangzhou
07:30
Meet and sign in at the parking lot at Exit F of Huanglong Sports Center Subway Station
08:00
Go to Huzhou
09:30
Arrive at the ancient Digang Village with its quaint charm and simple folk customs
This ancient village, nestled along the Grand Canal, boasts a quaint appearance, yet its architecture reveals a sense of its former prosperity. The village is well-connected, and we're exploring a hidden gem within it called Yiyuan Teahouse. Stepping inside feels like stepping back in time 50 years or even earlier, with a vibrant atmosphere of everyday life. The neighbors are always helpful, creating a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a cup of tea in the teahouse and spend a relaxing weekend there.
Along the way, we explored the village's delicious food, had some brunch, and packed snacks for the hike. We also explored traditional delicacies like "Mian Qianlong," "Mian Shizi," and "Mian Youcai," and sampled local specialties at Awen Rice Cake Shop, Yusang Fish Head Noodles, the 20-year-old Shi's Wonton Shop, and Laodifang Restaurant (for meat pie).
13:00
We left Digang and headed for Renhuang Mountain.
1:50 PM
Starting from Dongdaemun Square, the climb passes the Qin Shi Huang statue and the Shenxian Pavilion. Stone benches are provided for rest every two flights of stairs, and there are also pavilions along the way. The summit is reached in about 30 minutes. Visiting the Renhuang Pavilion at the top requires a 45-yuan entrance fee. Even without ascending the pavilion, you can still overlook Huzhou city from the summit, and on clear days, even see Taihu Lake!
3:00 PM
We walked down the stairs to the south gate of the scenic area. Along the way, we passed by Renhuang Huguo Zen Temple, which is free to visit and feel the tranquility and solemnity.
If you don't want to hike, you can stay at the foot of the mountain and visit the Shenxian Pavilion and Huguo Zen Temple. You can also choose to take the local bus up and down the mountain at your own expense (buses depart every hour. If you need to take a bus, it is recommended to take the 14:00 bus up the mountain and the 15:00 bus down the mountain. The one-way fare is 5 yuan. You can get off at the South Gate on the return trip).
4:00 PM
Arriving at the South Gate, we headed to Huzhou's three must-see pedestrian streets: Xiaoxi Street, Zhuangyuan Street, and Yishang Street. Many people only know Yishang Street, but these three streets are practically all together and within walking distance. Enter Xiaoxi Street from Laodong Road, stroll and take photos. Across the river, cross the bridge next to the Caishen Pavilion Teahouse to Zhuangyuan Street. Walk east and cross the street to Yishang Street for some shopping and dining.
Xiaoxi Street: A gathering place for literary and artistic youth, full of artistic atmosphere. Suitable for those who like literature and photography. Take a leisurely stroll here.
Zhuangyuan Street: Huzhou Niu's Zhuangyuan Hall is a good place to learn about the ancient imperial examination system and culture
Yishang Street: Every city has a food street. It is recommended to walk along the lake first, then turn into the main street to eat.
7:30 PM
After eating and drinking, we returned to Hangzhou.
9:00 PM
Back at the Huanglong Sports Center, everyone was reluctant to leave and kissed goodbye with tears in their eyes.
