May Day Holiday: This is my favorite hiking route I've explored in 2025

This is my favorite hiking route I've explored in 2025‼️||From Ten-Mile Iron Dragon to Mingyan Ancient Temple
Experience the many faces of Tiantai
Ten-Mile Iron Dragon showcases nature's magnificent craftsmanship
Make wishes at the thousand-year-old Mingyan Temple
Explore mysterious caves and hidden forest realms
No wonder the poet-monk Hanshan chose this place as his hermitage
Strange rocks and mysterious caves along the Ten-Mile Iron Dragon

【Ten-Mile Iron Dragon】
Formed by dozens of naturally arranged giant rocks, their iron-black color resembles the scales on a black dragon's body, hence the name "Ten-Mile Iron Dragon." Either hike along cliff walkways to explore various caves, or take ridge paths for panoramic views of villages and farmland below.

【Hou'an Village】
Surrounded by mountains and embraced by water, local residents of Hou'an Village work from sunrise to sunset at a slow pace of life. With few people and peaceful surroundings, it truly feels like a paradise away from the world.

【Hanshan Temple】
Hanyan Cave is the largest cave in Tiantai Mountain and was the hermitage of Tang Dynasty poet-monk Hanshan, one of the "Two Harmonious Immortals." Follow the CCTV program "The Courtyard That Sings" to this filming location. With mountains as the backdrop, take silhouette photos at the cave entrance - every casual shot looks spectacular.

【Mingyan Ancient Temple】
Mingyan Ancient Temple was first built during the Later Zhou Dynasty. This cave temple nestled between steep cliffs was built along the mountainside. The main hall is surrounded by mountain peaks, and winding paths lead deep into the cave temple, making you feel like you've entered a world of immortals. There's also a waterfall cave that stays wonderfully cool in summer.

【Hiking Route】
Hou'an Village - Ten-Mile Iron Dragon - Hanyan Cave - Mingyan Temple
Hiking distance: 6 km
Total ascent: 260 meters
Difficulty level: ★ (1 star)
Route intensity: Light hiking with scenic views, boardwalks throughout scenic areas

【Trip Highlights】
Hike the Ten-Mile Iron Dragon, visit caves and ancient temples
✔ Check out the Hanyan Cave featured in variety shows ✔ Make wishes at Mingyan Ancient Temple
Taste Taizhou flavors, enjoy all kinds of sticky delicious foods
✔ Culinary journey ✔ Sample all Tiantai snacks

【Must-Visit Spots】
⛰️ Ten-Mile Iron Dragon
—Unique karst rock formations, fun passage through cliff caves
🕳️ Hanyan Cave
—Tang Dynasty poet Hanshan's hermitage, popular photo spot featured in variety shows
🌸 Hou'an Village
—Beautiful peach orchards, popular flower-viewing spot
🛕 Mingyan Temple
—Thousand-year-old temple, cliff monastery with a tranquil Zen atmosphere

💯 Route Options:
👉 From Hangzhou, a day trip is possible
8:00 Depart from Hangzhou, visit Mingyan Ancient Temple - Hanshan Scenic Area - Ten-Mile Iron Dragon - Hanshan Cave - return to Hangzhou

👉 From Shanghai, we recommend a two-day trip
Day 1
Morning: Depart from Shanghai
Afternoon: Hike the Ten-Mile Iron Dragon

Day 2
Morning: Visit Guoqing Temple
Noon: Tongbai Palace
Afternoon: Return to Shanghai