Zhejiang's Hidden Gems Revealed｜The Place Everyone's Asking About on Social Media

Oh my god! I just casually posted a photo, and my social circle exploded! Everyone asked if I had been to Kyoto, Switzerland, or Jiangnan. Actually, I’m right here in Zhejiang! These stunningly beautiful spots are all hidden within the province. Today, let me take you to unlock Zhejiang’s little-known secret places.

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📍 Huzhou · Nanxun Ancient Town
✨ This is not Wuzhen, but better than Wuzhen
While everyone is crowding Wuzhen and Xitang,
I found this permanently free ancient town.
In the early morning at Baijian Building, smoke curls up,
Elders wash clothes by the river, children run on stone bridges,
This is the real Jiangnan!

📸 Must-shoot spots
Tongjin Bridge morning mist: 6:00-7:00
Zhang Shiming’s old residence: stunning afternoon light and shadow
Yiyuan night view: lights outline the garden’s contours

🍜 Must-try foods
Shuangjiao noodles: 20 RMB, crispy pork + fried fish
Xiuhua jin: 18 RMB, a vegetable only found in Nanxun
Dingsheng cake: 5 RMB, hot and super delicious

💡 Helpful tips
Stay at Baijian Building guesthouse, open the window to a watercolor painting.
Take a hand-rowed boat at night, more poetic than daytime.

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🏮 Shaoxing · Anchang Ancient Town
✨ More authentic than Lu Xun’s hometown
No heavy commercial atmosphere,
Only cured meats hanging under eaves,
And boatmen rowing black-awning boats.
Here, time slows down.

🚣 Must experience
Ride a black-awning boat: 50 RMB/boat
Watch local opera: free, experience water town theater
Pulling sugar candy: watch intangible cultural heritage artisans make it live

📸 Photo tips
Early morning in the ancient town is the most flavorful.
Use cured meats as foreground for photos.
Best shots when lanterns light up at dusk.

🍶 Food recommendations
Sausage: 10 RMB/skewer
Fermented rice buns: 2 RMB/each
Yellow wine popsicle: 5 RMB/stick

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🏞️ Lishui · Yunhe Terraces
✨ This is not Yunnan, it’s Zhejiang
When morning mist fills the valley,
Terraces sparkle under the sun,
I feel like I’ve stepped into a fairyland.
This place was rated by CNN as China’s most beautiful terraces.

🌅 Best viewing times
Sunrise: 5:00-6:00
Sunset: 17:00-18:00
After rain: misty like a fairyland

📸 Photo spots
Jiǔqū Yúnhuán (Nine-bend Cloud Ring): best for sunrise shots
Baiyin Valley: panoramic terrace views
Kenggen Shizhai: cultural and humanistic scenes

🚗 Transportation guide
Self-driving recommended, the mountain roads are beautiful.
You can also take high-speed rail to Lishui Station and transfer to a bus.

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🗓 Five-day in-depth itinerary

Day 1: Huzhou Nanxun
Morning: Baijian Building morning mist photography
Afternoon: Xiaolian Manor + Jiayetang
Evening: Yiyuan light show

Day 2: Nanxun → Anchang
Morning: Jili Lake silk experience
Afternoon: stroll in Anchang Ancient Town
Evening: stay in ancient town guesthouse

Day 3: Anchang → Lishui
Morning: black-awning boat experience
Afternoon: head to Yunhe
Evening: stay in terrace guesthouse

Day 4: Yunhe Terraces
Early morning: watch sunrise at Jiǔqū Yúnhuán
Morning: hike Baiyin Valley
Afternoon: explore Kenggen Shizhai

Day 5: Return trip
Morning: buy local specialties
Afternoon: warm return journey

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💰 Expense details

Accommodation: guesthouse 150 RMB/night × 4 = 600 RMB
Meals: about 80 RMB/day × 5 = 400 RMB
Transportation: car rental 400 RMB + fuel 300 RMB
Tickets: mostly free, some attractions total 200 RMB
Total: 1900 RMB/person

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🍵 Special experiences

In Nanxun
Learn to make lake brushes: 80 RMB/person
Silk reeling experience: 60 RMB/person
Drink three-course tea: 15 RMB/set

In Anchang
Make sausage by hand: 30 RMB/jin
Learn to pull sugar candy: free to watch
Take a night tour boat: uniquely charming

In Yunhe
Terrace photography class: 100 RMB/hour
Tea picking experience: 50 RMB/person
Stay in cloud guesthouse: open the window to a sea of clouds

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📸 Complete photography guide

Equipment preparation
Wide-angle lens: for full terrace panoramas
Telephoto lens: capture cultural moments
Tripod: essential for early morning and evening shots

Outfit suggestions
Nanxun: Hanfu or plain long dresses
Anchang: Republic of China era style clothing
Yunhe: outdoor gear, comfort first

Best times
Morning: 6:00-8:00
Evening: 16:00-18:00
Avoid shooting under harsh midday light

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🚗 Transportation tips

Self-driving
From Hangzhou: all destinations reachable within 2 hours
Good road conditions, beautiful scenery along the way

Public transport
High-speed rail + bus combo
Check schedules in advance

Accommodation booking
Book at least one week in advance during peak season
Choose listings with free cancellation

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🌿 Travel reflections

Watching sunrise at Yunhe Terraces,
I met a photography uncle from Shanghai.
He said, "I come three or four times a year,
and every time I discover different beauty."

In a teahouse in Anchang Ancient Town,
listening to local elders tell stories,
I finally understood what "peaceful times" mean.

These hidden gems in Zhejiang
made me rediscover the beauty of my hometown.
Turns out, no need to travel far,
the most beautiful scenery is right beside you.

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💡 Practical information

Best seasons
Spring: everything revives, flowers bloom everywhere
Autumn: clear skies, colorful scenery

Essentials
Sunscreen
Comfortable shoes
Spare camera batteries
Common medicines

Notes
Protect the environment, take your trash with you
Respect local customs
Be cautious when buying "antiques"

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