In the backyard garden of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai lies a treasure town soaked in hot springs and ancient villages—Wuyi. Known as the "City of Hot Springs in China," it flows with true fluoride springs that soothe fatigue; it is a living fossil of ancient architecture, hiding the celestial mysteries designed by Liu Bowen; and it is a paradise for food lovers, where a bowl of native chicken stew can warm your heart. This super detailed guide will help you unlock Wuyi’s healing secrets.
Must-Do Highlights: Travel Through Time Between Hot Springs and Ancient Villages
1. Hot Spring Resort Area: Soak in the "Skincare Product of the Hot Spring World" to Relieve Fatigue
Wuyi’s hot springs are its signature, deeply ingrained in its identity. As the "Number One Hot Spring Town in East China," its springs are rich in fluoride ions, with silky water that leaves your skin glowing after soaking, truly a "natural skincare product." When choosing hot springs, look for the "Zhejiang Hot Spring" certification mark and avoid unlicensed "wild hot springs" for maximum safety.
- Tangfeng Hot Spring Resort: A cost-effective choice with an overall Tang Dynasty charm, the public hot spring area offers a variety of pools, and some room types come with private hot springs, perfect for those who prefer privacy.
- Qingshui Bay·Qin Hot Spring Resort: A long-established five-star resort with over a hundred indoor and outdoor pools, plus a water park, suitable for families or team-building. Occasionally offers buy-one-get-one-free promotions, boosting value.
- Dielai Wangjing Hotel: A benchmark of Chinese-style aesthetics hidden in Jingyuan, featuring exclusive courtyards with private hot springs. Soaking while overlooking Ming and Qing ancient residences offers a 200% photo-worthy experience, ideal for travelers seeking the ultimate experience.
Soaking Tips: Limit each soak to 15-20 minutes, remember to hydrate; avoid soaking on an empty stomach, after drinking, or when overly full; elderly and children should be accompanied.
2. Jingyuan Ancient Residence Museum: Step into the Jiangnan of Film and TV
This is the "gathering place" of 87 ancient residences from Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, and Fujian provinces, each with a century of history. The exquisite wood, brick, and stone carvings make it a "grand exhibition of ancient architectural art." As a filming location for "The Most Earthly Colors," the empty ancient stage and winding stone paths create naturally story-rich Chinese-style scenes. The garden landscapes and pond edges are especially photogenic; wearing Hanfu or a vacation dress enhances the charm. Open from 8:00 to 17:00, tickets cost 80 RMB. It’s recommended to drive or take a taxi.
3. Yuyuan Taiji Astronomical Village: Decode Liu Bowen’s Layout Mysteries
This Chinese historical and cultural village holds millennia-old secrets. It was designed by Ming Dynasty strategist Liu Bowen based on celestial astronomy, with a clever and mysterious layout. Walking through the ancient cobblestone alleys, the horse-head walls and carved window lattices of old houses tell stories of the past. The ancient bridge and forest at the village entrance are perfect spots for "peaceful time" style photos. The Wanchuntang Hall and Mengxian Bridge in the village are must-visit spots, with Mengxian Bridge recognized as a top photo location. Open 8:00-17:00, tickets 40 RMB, accessible by rural bus from Wuyi West Bus Station.
4. Niutoushan National Forest Park: Breathe in the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Jiangnan"
Want to escape the city noise? Come to Niutoushan, known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Jiangnan." The forest coverage is very high, with streams flowing around strange peaks and rocks, and the air is so fresh it feels like a "lung cleanse." Walking along the plank road, you can encounter waterfalls with great drops. For the brave, there’s a glass plank road and high-altitude cableway to overlook stunning mountain views. The park is open 8:00-17:00, tickets 113 RMB. Driving is recommended; wear comfortable sports shoes and bring rain gear for unpredictable weather.
5. Off-the-Beaten-Path Secrets: Ancient Villages and Temples Hidden Deep in the Mountains
- Guodong Ancient Ecological Village: Known as the "Number One Feng Shui Village in Jiangnan," the village entrance’s Shuikou Park is lush with greenery, clear streams run through the village, and century-old trees and ancient city walls complement each other. Walking here, you can feel the harmony between humans and nature. Open 8:00-17:00, tickets 30 RMB, accessible by county bus.
- Shansxia Bao Village: Called the "Peach Blossom Land on Earth" by the couple Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin, this ancient village built along the mountain preserves Ming and Qing architecture perfectly. Exquisite wood carvings are hidden inside old houses. No entrance fee but full of surprises, ideal for visitors who enjoy tranquility.
- Yanfusi Temple: One of the only three surviving Yuan Dynasty buildings in Jiangnan. The Yuan Dynasty Mahavira Hall inside is included in the "History of Chinese Architecture." Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin once inspected here. The temple entrance offers photo spots that replicate the masters’ classic shots.
Wuyi’s Culinary Delights: Must-Try Warm Dishes After Soaking
Wuyi’s food carries authentic Jiangnan flavors. After soaking in the hot springs, a bowl of hot food instantly boosts happiness.
- Wuyi Native Chicken Stew: The soul signature dish! The farmhouse native chicken is slow-cooked into a milky white, rich broth with tender meat that falls off the bone. Drinking a bowl after soaking instantly "recharges" you. The old shops in the county town offer the most authentic taste.
- Wuyi Vinegar Chicken: The top dish among the "Ten Bowls," cooked with vinegar without adding a drop of water, sour and appetizing, with firm and chewy chicken. The "Hushan Gourmet Restaurant" version is a classic.
- Xuanping Wontons & Xuanlian Soup: Breakfast staples! Xuanping wontons have thin skins and fresh fillings with a clear broth; Xuanlian soup is delicate, soft, sweet, and nourishing. The farmhouse restaurants serve the most authentic flavors.
- Street Snacks: At Nanmen Night Market, the wheat cakes are crispy outside and tender inside, filled with meat; salted and peppered creek fish is crispy and tasty, perfect for drinking or watching shows. Don’t miss these when strolling the ancient town.
2 Days 1 Night Itinerary: Pack Both Hot Springs and Ancient Villages into Your Trip
Day 1: Hot Spring Healing Session to Wash Away Fatigue
1. Afternoon Arrival: Take the high-speed train to Wuyi North Station, then a 15-minute taxi to the hot spring town. Check into a pre-booked hot spring hotel (recommended Tangfeng or Qingshui Bay for cost-effectiveness).
2. Hot Spring Time: After a short rest, head straight to the pools. Experience the variety of public pools first, then soak in a private pool in your room at dusk, enjoying the starry night atmosphere.
3. Dinner Time: Taxi to the county town for native chicken stew, paired with vinegar chicken and Xuanlian soup. After a full meal, stroll Nanmen Night Market and buy a wheat cake for a late-night snack.
4. Night Rest: Return to the hotel, take a walk in the resort’s garden to enjoy the night view, and relax to sleep.
Day 2: Ancient Village Exploration to Understand Jiangnan History
1. Breakfast Wake-Up: Have breakfast at the hotel or grab a bowl of Xuanping wontons at a street shop to start the day energized.
2. Jingyuan Ancient Search: Visit Jingyuan Ancient Residence Museum, wander among Ming and Qing buildings, check out filming locations, and take Chinese-style photos.
3. Astronomical Village Decoding: Take the rural bus to Yuyuan Taiji Astronomical Village, stroll ancient alleys, admire wood carvings, listen to villagers’ stories about Liu Bowen, and enjoy a local farmhouse meal.
4. Return and Wrap-Up: If time allows, visit Shuikou Park in Guodong Ancient Village for fresh air, then return to the county town to buy Xuanlian and tea as souvenirs before taking the high-speed train back.
Practical Tips: Avoid Pitfalls and Prepare Fully
- Transportation: Driving is highly recommended. From Hangzhou/Shanghai, it takes about 3-4 hours. Exit at Wuyi and drive 15 minutes to the hot spring area. For high-speed rail, choose Wuyi North Station for easier taxi access to attractions.
- Accommodation: The hot spring town suits experience seekers; county town lodging offers better value. Private hot spring rooms require booking 3-5 days in advance and sell out quickly on weekends and holidays.
- Pitfall Warnings: Dining in the hot spring area is relatively expensive; it’s better to eat in the county town. Bring swimwear, swim caps (required for public pools), and waterproof phone bags. Soaking in outdoor pools on rainy days is atmospheric but be sure to keep warm to avoid colds.
- Best Time: October to April is peak season; autumn and winter are the most comfortable for soaking. Avoid holidays for a quieter experience.
Wuyi is never a place for rushed sightseeing but a healing destination to slow down. Here, you soak in true hot springs, stroll through living history, and savor authentic local flavors. This autumn and winter, come to this small town in central Zhejiang to warm your body with hot springs and nourish your heart with ancient villages!
Post by sylvara_5366 | Nov 3, 2025
