Two-Day Trip to Ningguo: A Hidden Mountain and Water Wonderland, the Most Beautiful Weekend in Southern Anhui

Ningguo, Anhui Two-Day Travel Guide
Itinerary Overview:
Ningguo City is located in the southeastern part of Anhui Province. It is a typical Jiangnan water town known as the "Hidden Wonderland of Southern Anhui," boasting magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. This guide focuses on natural landscapes and leisure experiences, suitable for families, couples, or friends traveling together.
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🗓️ Day 1: Qinglong Bay Ecotourism Area + Chujia Beach
🌅 Morning: Depart for Qinglong Bay
- **Recommended Departure Time**: 7:00–8:00 AM
- **Transportation**: Self-driving (about 2.5–3 hours from Hefei/Nanjing/Hangzhou) or take high-speed rail to Ningguo Station followed by taxi/car rental
- **Destination**: Qinglong Bay Ecotourism Area (National 4A Scenic Spot)
🚤 Highlights:
- Qinglong Bay features a wide lake with clear water, known as the "Thousand Islands Lake of Ningguo"
- Take a boat tour to explore the islands in the lake and experience the scenery of "mountains in the lake, lake in the mountains"
- Along the way, there are bamboo forests, tea gardens, and ancient villages, perfect for photo stops
📸 Recommended Photo Spots:
- Dragon Boat Dock
- Bamboo Raft Drift Area
- Lake Center Island Viewing Platform
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🍽️ Lunch: Qinglong Bay Farmhouse Restaurant
Recommended local specialties:
- **Ningguo Mao Tofu**
- **Braised Bamboo Shoots with Pork**
- **Farmhouse Free-Range Chicken Soup**
- **Steamed Small White Fish**
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🌳 Afternoon: Chujia Beach Photography Base
- **Distance from Qinglong Bay**: About 20 minutes by car
- **Features**: Known for "water town + terraced fields + ancient trees," a paradise for photography enthusiasts
- **Suggested Activities**:
- Stroll through the ancient village to appreciate the blend of Huizhou architecture and nature
- Climb up for a panoramic view of the terraced fields (best in spring and autumn)
- Rent Hanfu costumes for photos to enhance the atmosphere
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🏨 Accommodation Suggestions
- **Recommended Areas**: Ningguo city center or homestays near Qinglong Bay
- **Homestay Recommendations**:
- Qinglong Bay Lakeview Homestays (such as "Qinglong Residence," "Shuiyunjian")
- City business hotels (such as GreenTree Inn, Hanting Hotel)
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🗓️ Day 2: Xialin Jiutian Silver Waterfall + Enlong World Wooden Cabin Village
🌄 Morning: Xialin Jiutian Silver Waterfall
- **Departure Time**: 8:30 AM
- **Travel Time**: About 40 minutes from the city center
- **Scenic Features**:
- Famous for "waterfalls, strange rocks, and secluded valleys," known as the "No.1 Waterfall in Southern Anhui"
- The trails inside the park are gentle and suitable for all ages
- Especially cool in summer, a perfect summer resort
🚶‍♀️ Suggested Hiking Route:
- Entrance → Waterfall Pavilion → One Line Sky → Rainbow Pool → Return
- About 2–3 hours total; non-slip shoes recommended
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🍱 Lunch: Farmhouse Cuisine Near the Scenic Area
Recommended dishes:
- **Stir-fried Wild Vegetables with Eggs**
- **Stone Ear Mushroom Free-Range Chicken Soup**
- **Farmhouse Crispy Rice**
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🏡 Afternoon: Enlong World Wooden Cabin Village
- **Distance from Xialin**: About 30 minutes by car
- **Features**:
- A large resort integrating accommodation, dining, and entertainment
- Features original wooden cabins, botanical gardens, lakes, and a children's playground
- Suitable for family trips and couples’ leisure vacations
🎪 Entertainment Options:
- Boating, go-karting, horseback riding, archery
- Bonfire party at night (reservation required)
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🛣️ Return Trip Suggestions
- **Recommended Return Time**: 4:00–5:00 PM
- If time permits, visit Ningguo Museum or the city’s commercial street to buy local specialties (such as hickory nuts, dried bamboo shoots)
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🍜 Food Summary
Ningguo cuisine blends Huizhou and Jiangnan flavors. Must-try dishes include:
- Mao Tofu, Stinky Mandarin Fish
- Mountain delicacies and wild vegetables (bracken, Malantou)
- Farmhouse cured meats, Ningguo pastries
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📌 Practical Tips
- **Best Travel Seasons**: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November)
- **Driving Tips**: Mountain roads have many curves and narrow sections; drive safely
- **Ticket Prices Reference**:
- Qinglong Bay Boat Tour: 80 RMB/person
- Xialin Jiutian Silver Waterfall: 60 RMB/person
- Enlong Wooden Cabin Village: Free entry, entertainment activities charged separately
- **Recommended Gear**: Lightweight sports shoes, sun hat, camera, power bank