Don't just know West Lake in Zhejiang! Complete guide to 6 cities' popular activities + pitfall avoidance tips for hidden gems

Just got back from a whirlwind tour of 6 cities in Zhejiang, and after hitting 10 pitfalls, I painstakingly put together this guide!
Avoid the crowds! Discover hidden gems, authentic local food, and iconic photo spots all in one go. Follow this and you'll blow up your social feed～✨

📸【6 Iconic Photo Spots】(with shooting tips)

1️⃣ Hangzhou · Yuhuangshan Zilai Cave
📍Address: No.1 Yuhuangshan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
⏰Hours: 8:30-16:30
✨Shoot the Tyndall effect when the noon sunlight passes through the cave entrance, creating a misty forest vibe instantly (white long dress recommended)

2️⃣ Taizhou · Shenxianju Ruyi Bridge
📍Address: Baita Town, Xianju County, Taizhou
⏰Hours: 7:30-16:00
🌁Suspended plank road + curved Ruyi Bridge, wear light-colored clothes on foggy days (Hanfu is even better)

3️⃣ Lishui · Guyan Huaxiang
📍Address: Dagangtou Town, Liandu District, Lishui
⏰Boat schedule: 8:00-17:00
🖼️Millennium-old camphor tree + black-awning boat reflections, best to arrive before 8 AM for fewer people

4️⃣ Quzhou · Gengong Foguo
📍Address: No.1 Genbo Road, Kaihua County, Quzhou
⏰Hours: 8:00-17:00
🙏🏻Plain-colored clothes match the root carving light and shadow, must shoot the full view of the main hall (80 RMB ticket is a bit pricey but worth it)

5️⃣ Ningbo · Dongqian Lake
📍Address: Dongqian Lake Town, Yinzhou District, Ningbo
🌅Shoot the "Little Erhai" on the lawn of the Academician Center, the light is best one hour before sunset

6️⃣ Zhoushan · Shengsi Huaniao Island
🚢Transport: Take the ferry from Shengsi Passenger Terminal
🏝️Blue and white guesthouses + orange sea sunset, recommended to stay overnight to see the starry sky

❌【8 Major Pitfall Avoidance Tips】(Lessons learned the hard way!)
⚠️Key tips:
- West Lake bus boat only costs 8 RMB! Navigate to "West Lake Cruise Company" to avoid scalpers
- Quzhou duck head is mildly spicy 🌶️ locals always pair it with crystal cake to ease the heat
- Songyang guesthouse prices double on weekends‼️ Recommend "Feizhaoji," book in advance
- Dongtou Island bus runs once an hour! 🚗 Renting a car is recommended (200 RMB/day)

🍜【Food Hits and Misses】
✔️Must-eat:
Hangzhou Wulin Night Market crispy pork intestine
Taizhou Rong Xiaoguan garlic bean noodles (60 RMB per person, very filling)
Quzhou Xiena spicy hot pot (add duck head + rabbit head, forever favorite)
✖️Avoid:
Hefang Street dragon beard candy (expensive and sticky)
West Lake vinegar fish (locals don’t eat it)

🚗【Lazy Traveler Friendly Tips】
🗺️Itinerary:
D1 Hangzhou - Ningbo
D2 Zhoushan Archipelago
D3 Taizhou Shenxianju
D4 Quzhou + Lishui
D5 Return trip
💳Save money:
Zhejiang Tourism Annual Card 199 RMB (save over 300 RMB on tickets)
Guesthouses are 40% cheaper on weekdays than weekends

💥5 days exploring northern and southern Zhejiang, about 1500 RMB per person, guaranteed to blow up your social feed!
Just save this post～ For more questions, see the comments below 👇