Xinchang·Xiaoquanxi Village·A mysterious place isolated from the world
by TERESA MCDANIEL
May 9, 2024
Xiaoquanxi Village: Waterside Living, Savoring Mountain Time
At dawn, a light mist lingers over the cobblestone paths as the babbling brook plays like a melody. Welcome to Xiaoquanxi Village—a hidden paradise nestled in the gentle embrace of eastern Zhejiang's landscapes. If you're seeking a break from the hustle and a chance to immerse yourself in the slow rhythm of babbling streams, tea aromas, and ancient charm, this guide is for you.
**Core Experiences, Nature as a Painting:**
**Whispers of Time at Guyue Bridge:** The 600-year-old Guyue Bridge at the village entrance is the soul of this place. With its weathered stone steps and trailing vines, leaning against its railings, you can almost hear time murmuring over the stream. Every snapshot captures the essence of ink-wash artistry.
**Bamboo Rafting on Crystal Waters:** Hop onto a bamboo raft, and with a gentle push from the boatman’s pole, glide into the crystal-clear Xiaoquanxi Stream. Marvel at the colorful pebbles and darting fish beneath, while emerald mountains unfold along the banks—a breeze brushing away all worries.
**Tea-Picking in Verdant Hills:** Follow the winding trail up the hillside, where acres of organic tea fields ripple like green waves. Breathe in the fresh herbal fragrance. If you visit during tea-picking season (best around Qingming Festival), try your hand at plucking tender leaves and savor the earthy joy of tea-scented fingertips.
**Rustic Delights by the Hearth:** In riverside farmhouses, wood-fired stoves simmer with must-tries like **Braised Pork with Preserved Vegetables** (rich yet melt-in-your-mouth tender), **Wild Stream Fish** (sweet and delicate), and **Seasonal Mountain Greens**. Pair them with a cup of homemade **rice wine**—a taste of the wild that warms both belly and heart.
**Practical Tips:**
**Getting There:** Drive to "Xiaoquanxi Village, Xinchang County, Zhejiang" (parking available). Public transport: reach Xinchang town first, then transfer to a rural bus.
**Stay:** Opt for boutique riverside lodgings like "Ivy Lodge" or "Mountain View" for window-framed scenery and streamside slumber.
**Slow Travel Notes:**
Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled paths and tea-hill hikes.
Pack mosquito repellent—nature’s tiny guests are inevitable.
Some farmhouses accept only cash; carry small change.
Leave room for idling, tea-sipping, and stream-listening—no rush.
Xiaoquanxi’s beauty lies not in grandeur but in the quiet flow of its streams, the steadfast grace of its ancient bridge, and the vibrant layers of tea terraces. Come, let your soul drift with the waters—steal a half-day of serenity, and it’ll be enough.
Post by Mr. Jameson Ziemann DVM | Jul 15, 2025

















