My social media is blowing up with questions
by DancingQueen$
Jul 28, 2025
Here's a travel guide to Zhejiang's "Buddha Hand Bridge" lookalike spots:
Important Clarification
Zhejiang doesn't have a real Buddha Hand Bridge. The viral "Zhejiang Buddha Hand Bridge" actually refers to:
1. The high-altitude Buddha Hand sculpture at Wenzhou Yongjia Academy
2. The cliffside plank walk at Taizhou Xianju Mountain (resembling a Buddha hand)
These are small viewing installations, not Vietnam's famous bridge.
Comparison of Two Similar Attractions
Yongjia Academy Buddha Hand
Location: Yongjia County, Wenzhou
Highlights: Golden Buddha Hand sculpture (5m tall)
Downside: Only allows standing on palm for photos, no bridge structure
Ticket: ¥50
Xianju Mountain Plank Walk
Location: Xianju County, Taizhou
Highlights: Cliffside walkway resembles Buddha hand holding mountains (requires imagination)
Downside: Needs telephoto lens for best shots
Ticket: ¥169 (combo ticket)
Recommendation:
For Buddha hand close-ups: Yongjia Academy
For landscape aesthetics: Xianju Mountain
Yongjia Academy Photography Tips
Best angles:
Front low-angle shot: Use 0.5x phone wide-angle, feet at frame edge
Side aerial view: Drone allowed (with registration), overhead shot of standing on palm
Creative framing: At 3pm when sunlight slants, stand east for "holding sun" effect
Outfit advice:
Avoid yellow/gold (clashes with sculpture)
White dress with red shawl recommended
Best timing:
1 hour after sunrise: Morning mist creates ethereal vibe
Weekday afternoons: Fewer crowds than weekends
Xianju Mountain Shooting Guide
Location: "South Sea Crossing" plank walk (15min walk from South Sky Cable Car)
Techniques:
Use 200mm+ lens to frame railings as "palm lines"
Shoot during fog for "celestial mountain holding" effect
Transportation
Yongjia Academy:
High-speed rail to Wenzhou South Station, ~¥100 taxi (50min)
Drive to "Yongjia Academy Golden Pearl Waterfall", ¥10/day parking
Xianju Mountain:
High-speed rail to Xianju South Station, ~¥30 taxi to visitor center, then shuttle
Alternatively: Join 2-day tours from Hangzhou/Shanghai (~¥800 including accommodation)
Itinerary Suggestions
Yongjia Academy Day Trip:
8am: Head straight to Buddha Hand
9:30am: Golden Pearl Waterfall photos
11am: Nanxi River bamboo rafting (extra fee)
2pm: Rest at academy café to edit photos
Xianju Mountain 2-Day Trip:
Day 1: South Cable Car up, visit Lotus Platform & South Sea Walkway, stay at Narada Resort
Day 2: Try via ferrata climbing (reservation needed), descend via North Cable Car, visit ancient villages
Important Notes
Yongjia's Buddha Hand is only 3m wide - viral photos use wide-angle tricks
Xianju walkway isn't truly hand-shaped - requires specific angles
Overcast weather significantly reduces Xianju's appeal
Extra fees:
Yongjia bamboo raft: ¥80/person
Xianju South Sky Glass Walkway: ¥99
Local Food Recommendations
Near Yongjia Academy:
Lingshang Village roast lamb (¥150/person, reservation needed)
Near Xianju Mountain:
Xianju Eight Bowls (local dishes like paoxiang & qiaorou geng, ¥60/person)
Preparation Checklist
Yongjia Academy: Bring portable reflector (Buddha Hand is backlit)
Xianju Mountain: Wear anti-slip shoes (damp walkways)
General reminder:
Avoid rainy days - ruins the views
Don't believe "Vietnam alternative" marketing photos
Final Thoughts:
Zhejiang's "Buddha Hand Bridge" is actually creative photo spots, not grand attractions. Best for photography enthusiasts or nearby visitors making side trips. May disappoint as primary destination. Please tag actual locations when sharing on social media.
Post by DancingQueen$ | Jul 28, 2025












