Discover Jiangnan's Last Hidden Gem - Songyang with Trip.com

1. Best Time to Visit

Spring & Autumn (March-May, September-November): Pleasant weather with stunning scenery—spring blooms of rapeseed and peach flowers, autumn foliage.
Summer (June-August): Ideal mountain retreat, but beware of high temperatures and drought.
Winter (December-February): Experience unique New Year traditions, though cold—pack warm clothing.

2. Must-Visit Attractions

Songyang Old Town

Address: ~70m west of Jiangbin Community-2, Changsong Road, Songyang County, Lishui
Highlights: Open 24/7. Stroll ancient alleys to feel the charm of a "living Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival," exploring traditional shops like blacksmiths and teahouses.

Damushan Tea Plantation Scenic Area

Address: Hengxi Village, Xinxing Town, Songyang County, Lishui, Zhejiang
Highlights: AAAA-rated, China's largest cycling tea garden (over 500 acres), free entry. Enjoy cycling, tea tasting, and photography.

Shuangtong Mountain Scenic Area

Address: 150m west of Shuiyan Highway, Songyang County, Lishui
Highlights: Features glass walkways, slides, and suspended bridges—Zhejiang's first high-altitude adventure site blending thrills and views.

Ruoliao Primeval Forest

Address: Likeng Village, Anmin Township, Songyang County, Lishui
Highlights: AAAA-rated mountain area with "Ten-Mile Azalea Sea" and Songyang's highest peak, perfect for hiking and wilderness exploration.

Yanqing Temple Pagoda

Address: No. 177, Changhong West Road, Tasi Xia Village, Xiping Subdistrict
Highlights: Original Northern Song relic, one of Jiangnan's best-preserved ancient pagodas, offering serenity and deep historical roots.

3. Local Food Experiences

Salt-Baked Chicken: Songyang Old Street's signature—free-range chicken roasted in coarse salt for 4 hours, crispy skin with tender meat.
Xieli Tea Pork Knuckle: Herbal stew with pork and medicinal herbs, rich yet non-greasy, infused with tea aroma.
Lantern Tray: Songyang-style "tempura"—fried radish strips in rice batter, crispy and affordable.
Fermented Rice Wine Large Intestine Noodles: Clean intestines paired with rich wine lees, chewy texture—featured on CCTV's "A Bite of China."
Songyang Sausage: Air-dried pork with spices, a festive must-have and perfect with drinks.

4. Transportation Guide

External Transport:

High-Speed Rail: To Lishui Station, then transfer by bus/ride-hailing to Songyang Bus Center (~1h10min, ~¥30).
Self-Drive: Convenient from nearby cities with well-maintained roads.
Flights: Fly to Wenzhou, Quzhou, or Yiwu airports, then transfer to Songyang.

Internal Transport:

Buses: Cover major attractions (Routes 1, 2, 13, etc.), fares ¥1-4.
Ride-Hailing/Taxis: Book via official apps for efficiency.
Scenic Area Shuttles: Holiday-exclusive routes (e.g., Songyang Railway Station to Damushan Tea Plantation/Shuangtong Mountain).

5. Accommodation Picks

Luxury Hotels:

Songyang Tianyuan International Hotel: On Changhong Middle Road, full amenities, premium service.
Hanting Express Lishui Songyang Building: Free Wi-Fi/parking, great value.

6. Itinerary Suggestions

Two-Day Trip:

Day 1: Morning at Yangjiatang Village (ancient charm), lunch at local farmhouse; afternoon cycling/tea at Damushan; stay in Old Town B&B for nightlife.
Day 2: Morning hike at Shuangtong Mountain (adventure activities); afternoon visit Yanqing Pagoda (history); depart by evening.

Three-Day Trip:

Extend with a day at Ruoliao Primeval Forest for wilderness trekking.

7. Tips

Sun & Bug Protection: Essential in summer.
Advance Bookings: Recommended for holidays to avoid crowds.
Respect Local Culture: Preserve heritage sites and follow customs.