Anji, a Hidden Gem

Anji is a county under Huzhou City in Zhejiang Province, renowned as the "Bamboo Town of China." It boasts vast bamboo forests, fresh air, and abundant eco-tourism resources, making it ideal for family trips, outdoor adventures, and summer getaways. Here’s a detailed Anji travel guide!

🌴**1. Best Time to Visit**
- *🍁*Spring & Autumn (Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov): Pleasant weather, perfect for hiking and bamboo forest sightseeing. Dig for bamboo shoots in spring and enjoy the autumn foliage.
- *🌴*Summer (Jul-Aug): A great summer retreat for rafting and waterfall fun, but don’t forget sunscreen.
- 🌊Winter (Dec-Feb): Ski at Jiangnan Tianchi and enjoy the snowy bamboo forests.

### **2. Transportation**
1. *Getting to Anji*
🚅*High-speed rail*: Hangzhou East Station → Anji Station (~30 mins, ¥32 for second-class), then take a taxi or bus to the town (~20 mins).
🚖*Bus*: Hangzhou North Bus Station/Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Station → Anji Bus Terminal (~1.5-3 hrs).
🚗*Self-drive*: ~1.5 hrs from Hangzhou, ~3 hrs from Shanghai, ~2.5 hrs from Suzhou. Mountain roads require experienced drivers.

2. *Getting Around Anji*
🚌*Bus*: Tourist shuttles connect attractions (e.g., "Anji Tourist Bus"), but schedules are limited.
🚗*Taxi/Chartered car*: Easy in town; chartered cars cost ~¥300-500/day (ideal for remote spots like Longwang Mountain).
🚖*Car rental*: Recommended for flexibility to explore off-the-beaten-path sites.

**🌈3. Must-Visit Attractions**
*Nature & Scenery*
1. **China Grand Bamboo Sea**
- Filming location for *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*. Hike through vast bamboo forests and enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower.
- *Tips*: ¥58 entrance, ¥30 one-way cable car; cool in summer.

2. **Jiangnan Tianchi**
- A mountaintop reservoir: ski in winter (Dec-Feb), stargaze in summer. ¥80 entrance.
- *Highlight*: Drive the "Tianhuangping Mountain Road" (Zhejiang’s version of Mt. Akina) for stunning views.

3. **Canglong Hundred Waterfalls**
- Zhejiang’s largest waterfall cluster, great for summer water play. 🎫¥60.
- *Note*: Some steep sections—wear anti-slip shoes.

🌴4. **Longwang Mountain**
- Northern Zhejiang’s highest peak (1,587m), ~4 hrs hike to the summit. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
- *Hidden route*: Book a local guide for canyon stream trekking.

*Family-Friendly*
🌴1. **Hello Kitty Theme Park**
- Asia’s first Kitty-themed park, perfect for kids. Tickets from ¥210.
- *Heads-up*: Rides are mild, best for under-10s.

🌴2. **Anji Countryside Kalebo**
- Petting zoo + rides, ¥120, better value than Hello Kitty.

3. **Zhongnan Hundred Grasslands**
- Botanical garden + zoo + amusement park combo. ¥150 for a full day.

*Cultural Experiences*
1. **Anji Bamboo Expo Garden**
- Pandas and bamboo culture exhibits. ¥80, great for families.
- *Highlight*: "Lvshui Garden" panda exhibit.

2. **Yu Village**
- Birthplace of the "Two Mountains Theory." Free eco-village with scenic bike paths.

🍀3. **Mantangli Earth Light**
- Nighttime light art village. ¥50, perfect for photos.

#4. Unique Activities
1. **Rafting** (Summer must!)
- **General’s Pass Rafting**: Most thrilling (130m drops), ¥180.
- **Xianlong Gorge Rafting**: Scenic, family-friendly, ¥198.
- *Tips*: Book early, bring dry clothes and waterproof phone cases.

2. **Bamboo Shoot Digging/Tea Picking** (Seasonal)
- 🍁Spring (Mar-Apr) for bamboo shoots, autumn (Oct) for winter shoots. Join local farm tours.

3. **Hot Spring Retreats** (Winter)
- Try "Banyan Tree" or "Hanyun Shan She" for private bamboo forest hot springs.

*🌈5. Food Recs*
1. **Local Dishes**
- **Free-range Chicken Soup**: Hearty and flavorful.
- **Bamboo Shoots with Pork**: Tender Anji bamboo + braised pork.
- **Boat Head Fish**: Fresh reservoir fish in spicy tofu broth.
- *Top spots*: Lao Li’s Farmhouse (town), Maokeng Restaurant (near Canglong).

🌴2. **Snacks & Souvenirs**
- **Anji White Tea**: Fragrant and sweet. Try tea-picking in Xilong Village.
- **Xiaofang Glutinous Rice Cakes**: Red bean-filled mochi.
- **Dried Bamboo Shoots/Mushrooms**: Great gifts—buy at local markets.

*💒6. Where to Stay*
- **Town (Dipu)**: Convenient, budget-friendly (¥200-400). Try "Anji Narada Resort."
- **Bamboo Forest Stays**: Luxury (¥500-1,500), e.g., "Lost Villa" or "Midsummer Dream."
- **Camping**: Xiaohangkeng Camp ("Anji’s Little Switzerland")—book ahead.

*7. Tips*
🌴1. **Bug/Slip Prevention**: Bamboo forests are humid—pack repellent and grippy shoes.
🌴2. **Weather Check**: Mountain weather changes fast; avoid rafting/hiking in storms.
3. **Avoid Crowds**: Holidays bring crowds (e.g., Hello Kitty Park).
4. **Eco-Travel**: No littering in nature reserves.

8. Sample Itineraries
- **2D1N**:
Day 1: China Grand Bamboo Sea → Jiangnan Tianchi (scenic drive + night views).
Day 2: Canglong rafting → Yu Village biking.
🌃**3D2N**: Add Hello Kitty Park or Longwang Mountain hike.

Anji is best enjoyed slow: hike by day, sip tea by a fireside at night. Need custom plans? Ask below! ❗️❗️❗️