Jiande 17°C Summer Escape Guide: Embrace the Cool and Discover the Hidden Gems of This Scenic City

Jiande, a charming town in western Zhejiang cradled by the gentle Xin'an River, has become a top summer retreat in the Yangtze River Delta with its "constant 17°C coolness" reputation. The river, karst caves, canyons, and ancient villages form a natural "air-conditioning network," paired with spicy and authentic river delicacies, making it the perfect summer getaway. Here’s your ultimate guide to Jiande!

❄️ 1. 17°C Cool Experiences: Must-Visit Attractions

Xin'an River Water Adventures

Dragon Boat Drifting: Glide through the morning mist on a dragon boat, with 17°C river water splashing to instantly cool you down—like "riding through clouds and mist."

Dreamy Night Cruise: Board a boat for the "Moon Over the River" live performance, where river mist and a 100-meter-high fountain create a poetic light show.

Cave Explorations · Nature’s Icebox

Lingqi Cave: A 17°C "underground art palace" and filming site for *Journey to the West*. The three caves—Lingquan, Qingfeng, and Aiyun—each have unique charm, with 3D light shows and jungle slides adding fun.

Jiangnan Great Ice Cave: A -8°C winter wonderland with crystal-clear ice waterfalls and pillars, transporting you to a frosty fantasy.

Canyon Rafting · Thrills & Chills

Hulu Canyon Rafting (Qili Yangfan Scenic Area): Known as the "most thrilling rafting in East China," this 3km route with a 200m drop will get your adrenaline pumping.

Qilong Canyon/Wolong Canyon Rafting: Navigate clear streams surrounded by pristine forests for a "water rollercoaster" experience.

🍲 2. Jiande’s Culinary Delights: Must-Try Flavors

River Feast:
- Nine-Surname Fish Head King (slow-cooked bighead carp)
- Stickfish (braised or salted-pepper style)
- Xin'an River rainbow trout sashimi (a cold-water specialty)
Spicy and savory flavors will dazzle your taste buds.

Song Dynasty Snacks:
- Jiande Tofu Buns: Praised by poet Lu You as "Yanzhou’s No. 1 Bun," with tender tofu and spicy fillings.
- Yanzhou Crispy Cake and Liye Lotus Chicken (steamed with tribute-quality lotus seeds) offer light, nourishing flavors.

Night Market Bites:
- Shouchang 909 Night Market: Savor grilled cakes, stir-fried rice noodles, and sticky rice balls in this ancient town’s lively food scene.

🏮 3. Cultural Immersion: Slow Living Across Time

Yanzhou Ancient City: Climb the Ming Dynasty city walls for a panoramic view of three rivers converging, dress in Hanfu for photos in Southern Song-era alleys, and try handmade Meicheng noodles.

Xinye Ancient Village: Stroll through this "open-air museum of Ming-Qing architecture," try tofu-making, arrow-throwing, or grass Kunqu opera, and snap Hanfu photos by lotus ponds (best in June-July).

Sandu Fishing Village: Witness the intangible cultural heritage "Nine-Surname Water Wedding" performance, stay in a fisherman’s homestay, and feast on whole-fish banquets.

🚗 4. Transportation & Accommodation Guide

Getting There
- High-speed rail: Hangzhou East Station → Jiande Station (~40 min); Shanghai Hongqiao → Jiande (~1.5 hrs).
- Driving: From Hangzhou via Hangxinjing Expressway (~1.5 hrs). Recommended itinerary:
*Day 1*: Nine-Surname Fishing Village → Yanzhou Ancient City → Xiaya Flower Field → Xin'an River Night Cruise.
*Day 2*: Lingqi Cave → Daci Rock Hanging Temple → Xinye Ancient Village → Shouchang Night Market.

Where to Stay
- River views: Jiande Peninsula Kaijun Hotel (Xin'an East Road) with floor-to-ceiling windows and family-friendly rooms.
- Ancient town charm: Jiande Mango Hot Spring Resort (near Yanzhou Ancient City), featuring courtyard pools and easy access to the old town.
- Nature retreat: Jiande Daman Yunqi Resort (Qiantan Town), nestled in bamboo forests with mountain views and morning clouds.

💡 Travel Tips
- Discount: On the 17th of each month, Lingqi Cave, Daci Rock, and six other attractions offer free entry to Shanghai residents!
- Pack: Light jackets for caves, spare clothes for rafting, plus sun hats and mosquito repellent.
- Best time: July-August (peak summer), but weekdays are less crowded.

🌟 Jiande’s summer is 17°C breezes carrying lotus fragrance, icy fairy tales in caves, and a symphony of spicy flavors and ancient village charm. Escape the 40°C heat—just a high-speed train ride away—and dive into this riverside paradise’s cool dreamland!