So beautiful it’s heartbreaking! A full-day, budget-friendly guide to the Hangzhou version of the "Wizard of Oz" for just 50 RMB per person!

Girls! We finally found a real-life fairy tale forest! Just around Hangzhou, less than an hour’s drive to get there! Navigate straight to Qingshan Lake Matcha Forest, and you’ll truly be healed by this sea of green! 🌿

Sunlight filters through the dawn redwood forest, creating stunning light and shadow effects, as if you’ve stepped into a Studio Ghibli summer! We rode bikes around the lake, the breeze on our faces was super refreshing, and all worries just blew away!

And guess what! This place is super friendly for those who hate mosquitoes—there are absolutely no mosquitoes! You can confidently wear your pretty dresses!

🗺️ A direct, no-detour one-day itinerary

Morning (10:00 - 12:00): Forest breathing & photo shoot

Head straight to the core scenic spot, the Water Forest. Walk along the red water boardwalk, flanked by towering dawn redwoods, with dappled light everywhere—every photo turns out amazing!
Be sure to rent a bike 🚲 and ride along the Lakeside Greenway to soak in the lake and mountain views—it’s seriously cool!
Noon (12:30 - 14:00): Farmhouse cuisine tasting

After cycling, drive directly to the nearby Qingshan Fishing Village. We randomly picked a farmhouse restaurant called “Old Place,” with meals around 50 RMB per person, and the taste was incredible!
Afternoon (14:30 - 16:30): Climb high and gaze far

In the afternoon, you can visit the Qingshan Lake Dam or hike up the nearby Gongshan Mountain. From the heights, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire lake!
🥘 Food recommendations (no misses!)

Post by EleanorWilson | Aug 20, 2025