Jiangmen is incredibly beautiful, but I honestly don’t recommend going in September because.............

Jiangshan Travel Guide: Exploring the Secret Land Where Western Zhejiang’s Scenery and Culture Intertwine
Jiangshan, located in the southwest of Zhejiang Province at the junction of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces, is known as the "Hometown of Chinese Kiwifruit" and "Hometown of Chinese White Geese." It also attracts countless visitors with its magnificent Danxia landforms, quaint ancient villages of Jiangnan, and rich revolutionary culture. Here you’ll find the majestic Jianglang Mountain, known as "the most magnificent in the world," as well as the thousand-year-old Qingyang Mao Clan Cultural Village. It’s an excellent choice for short self-driving trips or weekend getaways. Below is a practical guide covering classic attractions, food, accommodation, and budget to help you plan a cost-effective trip to Jiangshan.

1. Must-Visit Attractions
Jianglang Mountain Scenic Area (5A)
As Zhejiang’s first World Natural Heritage site, Jianglang Mountain is famous for the "Three Slabs" phenomenon—three giant rocks rising sharply, resembling cuts made by knives and axes. The highest peak, Lang Peak, stands at 824 meters. Key spots to check out include:
- One Line Sky: A natural crevice formed between two peaks, narrowing to just 3.5 meters at its tightest point, with only a sliver of sky visible above. It’s known as "China’s most spectacular Danxia One Line Sky."
- Lang Peak Sky Tour: A challenging steep hiking trail (about 3 hours round trip). From the summit, you can overlook the stunning panorama where three provinces meet. Suitable for physically fit visitors.
- Xunv Lake: A green lake at the mountain’s foot where you can take a boat ride (30 RMB per person) or stroll along the lakeside path to enjoy the peaceful mountain-water scenery.
Tickets: Peak season (April to October) 120 RMB/person (including shuttle bus), off-season (November to March) 90 RMB/person; hiking trails are free but require advance booking.

Nianbadu Ancient Town (5A)
Hidden deep in the Xianxia Ridge, this "Ancient Jiangnan Fortress" preserves 142 surnames and 13 dialects, earning the title of a "cultural enclave." The town’s cobblestone streets wind through well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture. Recommended experiences include:
- Fengxi Street: Stroll the old street and visit the former residences of Dai Li and female spies (30 RMB/person), immersing yourself in the intrigue of the Republican era espionage.
- Dialect Museum: Free entry, with interactive exhibits to learn about Nianbadu’s unique dialect culture.
- Night Tour of the Ancient Town: At dusk, take a rickshaw ride (20 RMB/trip) through the alleys or sample street snacks (15-20 RMB per person).
Tickets: 80 RMB/person (includes some minor attractions), free entry to the town area after 5 PM (but paid venues are closed).

Qingyang Mao Clan Cultural Village
As the origin of the Mao family in Jiangnan, Qingyang Village has produced 8 imperial ministers and 83 successful candidates in the imperial exams. The village is dotted with ancient residences and solemn ancestral halls. Highlights include:
- Mao Clan Ancestral Hall: Exhibits Mao family genealogies and historical artifacts, offering insight into the cultural roots of Mao Zedong’s ancestral home (20 RMB/person).
- Qingyang Academy: A free-to-enter academy converted from an ancient residence, where you can experience traditional cultural activities like calligraphy and tea ceremonies.
Tickets: 50 RMB/person (combo ticket including the ancestral hall and academy); free if only exploring the outer ancient village.

Xianxia Ancient Trail
This ancient post road, built during the Tang Dynasty, once connected Zhejiang and Fujian provinces. It stretches 120 kilometers, with the Jiangshan section being the best preserved. Recommended hiking segment: Longjing Village to Nianbadu (about 6 km).
Along the way, you’ll see ancient passes, stone inscriptions, and bamboo tea gardens—perfect for photography enthusiasts.
The trail ends at Nianbadu Ancient Town, linking to further travel plans. The hike takes about 2-3 hours.
Tickets: Free (some passes require tickets, e.g., Xianxia Pass 20 RMB/person).

2. Specialty Food and Spending Guide
Jiangshan cuisine blends the wild flavors of western Zhejiang’s mountains with the refinement of Jiangnan, with authentic dishes costing 30-60 RMB per person:
- Jiangshan White Goose: Famous for the "Three Clear and One White" cooking methods (boiled in clear water, stir-fried in clear oil, stewed in clear soup, with white skin and tender meat). Recommended dish: Clear Stewed White Goose (small portion 60-80 RMB), with fresh and delicious broth.
- Nianbadu Copper Gong Cake: A traditional snack made from glutinous rice, brown sugar, and wood ear fungus, steamed to a soft, sweet texture (5 RMB/piece), great as a souvenir.
- Xunjiang Fish: Wild fish from Xunjiang, mainly steamed or braised (40-50 RMB per person), with tender meat and no muddy taste.
- Kiwifruit: Jiangshan is the hometown of Chinese kiwifruit. Fresh fruit is available from August to October (10-15 RMB per jin), or try kiwifruit wine (30 RMB/bottle).

3. Accommodation Suggestions
Budget: Chain hotels in the city center (e.g., Hanting, Home Inn) cost 150-250 RMB/night; near the ancient town, guesthouses like "Nianbadu Ancient Town Family" offer rooms for 100-180 RMB/night, some including breakfast.
Mid to High-End: Boutique guesthouses like "Hemu Courtyard" at the foot of Jianglang Mountain (400-600 RMB/night) blend Jiangnan garden style with modern design; high-end city hotels such as "Jiangshan International Hotel" (500-800 RMB/night) are suitable for business or family trips.

4. Sample Itineraries
Two-Day Tour (400-600 RMB per person)
Day 1: Morning visit to Jianglang Mountain (120 RMB ticket + 20 RMB transport), afternoon at Qingyang Mao Clan Cultural Village (50 RMB ticket), dinner tasting Jiangshan white goose (60 RMB per person), overnight in city hotel (150 RMB).
Day 2: Drive to Nianbadu Ancient Town (80 RMB ticket), hike Xianxia Ancient Trail (free), return to city in the evening, buy copper gong cakes as souvenirs (20 RMB).

Three-Day Tour (700-900 RMB per person)
Day 1: Deep exploration of Jianglang Mountain including Lang Peak climb, overnight at mountain guesthouse (400 RMB).
Day 2: Qingyang Village + Xunv Lake (boat ticket 30 RMB), afternoon visit to Fugai Mountain (50 RMB ticket, famous for strange rock caves), dinner with Xunjiang fish (50 RMB per person), overnight at Nianbadu Ancient Town guesthouse (300 RMB).
Day 3: Hike Xianxia Ancient Trail, return trip in the afternoon, pick fresh kiwifruit on the way (15 RMB per jin).

5. Practical Tips
Transportation: Jiangshan’s attractions are scattered; self-driving or car rental (200-300 RMB/day) is recommended. Public transport options include direct shuttle buses (e.g., Jianglang Mountain line, 15 RMB one way) but with limited frequency.
Seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November) offer pleasant weather, ideal for hiking and climbing; summer is good for cooling off at Xunv Lake; winter may bring snow to Jianglang Mountain, so watch for slippery conditions.
Money-Saving Tips: Book tickets in advance on travel platforms for a 10% discount; students and seniors get half-price with ID; some guesthouses offer "accommodation + ticket" packages for better value.
Cultural Etiquette: Most residents in Nianbadu Ancient Town are elderly; keep quiet and avoid touching ancient buildings; Qingyang Village is a clan settlement, so respect local customs when visiting ancestral halls.

Jiangshan, a small city blending the spirit of mountains and waters with rich culture, awaits you to discover every surprise on foot. Whether challenging the steepness of Jianglang Mountain or soaking in the slow pace of Nianbadu, here you’ll find a healing journey away from the hustle and bustle!