This might be the last ancient village left!

I. Core Highlights
Stargazing Paradise
The village has almost zero light pollution, making it a natural dark sky reserve in East China. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye, especially spectacular during meteor showers (such as the Perseid meteor shower).
Dark Sky Observatory: Offers professional astronomical equipment for observation and simulated space capsule experiences, perfect for family science education.

Ancient Village Features
Well-preserved rammed earth houses, bluestone paths, and a thousand-year-old yew tree (over 1,300 years old) showcase the simplicity and historical feel of the original village.
Special experiences: Traditional clear-water fish farming, villagers' market, starry sky café, and scenic reading rooms that blend modern and traditional elements.

Nearby Attractions
Taihui Mountain: Known as the "Potala Palace of Southern China," featuring terraced fields and colorful houses. After rain, it's shrouded in mist like a fairyland, with spectacular rapeseed flower fields in spring.
Gengong Buddha Land: A 5A-level scenic spot featuring root carving art and Tang Dynasty architecture, ideal for traditional-style photography.

II. Recommended Itineraries
One-Day Route
Morning: Stroll through Gaotiankeng Village (Guanyin Corridor Bridge, villagers' market, thousand-year-old yew tree) → Dark Sky Observatory.
Afternoon: Taihui Mountain sightseeing → Afternoon tea at the Starry Sky Café.
Evening: Stargazing at the observation deck or guesthouse terrace.

Two-Day In-depth Tour
Day 1: Arrive at Gaotiankeng Village, check in to guesthouse → Explore the ancient village → Starry dinner → Overnight stargazing.
Day 2: Visit Taihui Mountain → Gengong Buddha Land → Return journey.

III. Accommodation Recommendations
Jinshang Yunshu · Xingsu Gaotian
Guesthouses scattered among fields or on hillsides, built in rammed earth style. Windows frame beautiful mountain views, and the stargazing visibility at night is excellent.

Weichi · Xingsu Gaotian
Renovated from old houses while preserving their original features. The rooftop terrace allows you to lie down and watch the stars directly, perfect for photography.

IV. Food Specialties
Clear-water fish: Raised using thousand-year-old traditional methods, with tender meat. The milky white fish soup is a local specialty.
Kaihua farm cuisine: Green snails, steamed rice cake, earth chicken pot, etc. The flavors tend to be spicy; inform in advance if you prefer less spicy food.
Autumn Drying Food Court: Experience the folk custom of drying autumn harvests and taste wild seasonal vegetables in autumn.

V. Seasons and Tips
Best Seasons:
Spring (March-April): Pear and rapeseed flowers in bloom.
Summer (June-August): A summer retreat with temperatures 5°C lower than the lowlands, ideal for stargazing.
Autumn (September-November): Harvest drying scenes and colorful foliage.
Winter (December-February): Quiet snow scenes with few tourists.

Notes:
The mountain roads are steep; driving or hiring a car is recommended. Beginners should be cautious.
Bring mosquito repellent in summer and warm clothing in winter.
Book accommodations in advance; rooms are in high demand during holidays.

VI. Transportation Guide
Self-driving: About 3.5 hours from Hangzhou. Navigate to "Fanjie · Xingsu Gaotian." Parking lot available at the village entrance.
High-speed rail: Take a taxi for about 40 minutes from "Kaihua Station."

Gaotiankeng Village combines the tranquility of an ancient village with the romance of starry skies, perfect for travelers seeking unique, natural, and cultural experiences. If time permits, you can include nearby attractions like Taihui Mountain and Gengong Buddha Land for an in-depth "escape and exploration" journey.