Three-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Family Self-Drive Trip in Southern Anhui for Labor Day, Super Detailed Itinerary!

For Labor Day, I planned a lesser-known family route in Southern Anhui, driving for three days. Mountains, waters, food, and amusement parks—all included. Few people, smooth roads, plenty of delicious food, and super fun! Below is the itinerary I’m sharing with everyone, with very practical timing—just copy it directly!

Day 1: Shanghai - Guangde
• 5:15 AM: Depart early from Shanghai, greeting the first ray of morning sunlight, heading west along the G50 Huyu Expressway to start the Southern Anhui journey.
• 8:45 AM: Arrive at Taiji Cave for sightseeing. The stalactites inside take various shapes, and under colorful lights, it feels like stepping into a magical world. Every stone has its own story.
• 11:00 AM: Finish exploring Taiji Cave and head straight to Xinzhuang Restaurant. Call ahead to the restaurant; luckily, we booked the last private room. Enjoy authentic Southern Anhui cuisine—braised pork pot is the best dish, salt and pepper baby potatoes are sweet, spicy, and crispy, the braised duck is tender and flavorful, and the water spinach is crisp and refreshing. Not a single dish was a miss.
• 1:00 PM: Depart for Jishan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area. The road is lined with lush trees and picturesque scenery.
• 2:00 PM: Arrive at Jishan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area and start hiking Jishan Mountain. Stroll along the bamboo forest path, with thick bamboo leaves underfoot and the rustling sound of bamboo leaves in your ears, as if immersed in a natural oxygen bar.
• 4:30 PM: After descending, freshen up a bit and head to Matianli Suoshan Bridge.
• 5:00 PM: Arrive at Matianli Suoshan Bridge to enjoy the surrounding lake and mountain scenery, feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature. The stream flows gently under the bridge, distant green mountains form a beautiful landscape painting. Few people are taking photos here. There is a small parking lot, but the overall water quality of the stream is average. The kids didn’t go into the water but played on the swings nearby for a while.
• 6:00 PM: Head to Lucun Reservoir. The scenery by the reservoir is refreshing and perfect for sunset photos.
• 6:30 PM: Go to Lotus Garden for dinner. Recommended dishes include farmhouse stewed eggs, braised chicken pot, and sesame balls.
• 8:30 PM: Drive to check in at Carmen Ying Hotel. All facilities are smart and economical, ending the day’s trip happily.

Day 2: Guangde - Xuancheng
• 8:00 AM: Check out and head to Xiao Lao San Spicy Vermicelli for breakfast to start a new day.
• 8:50 AM: Depart for Nanyi Lake. The county roads and village scenery are picturesque, but some narrow roads make passing difficult, so beginners should be cautious.
• 10:00 AM: Arrive at the beautiful Nanyi Lake to enjoy water activities and camping. The kids play happily by the lake, laughter echoing along the shore.
• 11:30 AM: Finish activities at Nanyi Lake and head to Xuancheng.
• 12:30 PM: Arrive at Huiwan (Datang Local Flavor Shop) to taste authentic Xuancheng cuisine. The "Shuiyang Three Treasures" surprisingly include cured meat for the first time. The spare ribs with preserved vegetables are tender and crispy, and the signature fathead fish is the best dish—no earthy smell and very flavorful.
• 1:30 PM: After lunch, drive to Xie Tiao Tower to experience the charm of ancient architecture.
• 1:45 PM: Arrive at Xie Tiao Tower and climb up to overlook the panoramic view of Xuancheng, feeling the unique charm of the city.
• 2:15 PM: Finish touring Xie Tiao Tower, head to Xuancheng Qiwu Hotel to park, then take a taxi to the mid-mountain area of Jingtingshan.
• 3:30 PM: Take the shuttle bus to near Taibai Tower and start hiking. Walk slowly along the mountain path, enjoying the natural scenery on both sides.
• 5:30 PM: Reach the mountain top and overlook the beautiful scenery below. The sunset glow on the mountains is especially stunning.
• 6:00 PM: Take a taxi from mid-mountain to Zhang A Po Handmade Sweet Soup Shop to taste sweet soups. The cost performance is excellent, every dessert is delicious, but the sign is not obvious and easy to miss.
• 6:30 PM: Walk along the pedestrian street to Guogou Plaza, snacking along the way and experiencing the lively atmosphere of Xuancheng.
• 8:30 PM: After two days of walking with sore and swollen feet, take a taxi to Wanlingfu near the hotel for a foot bath. Group deals are very affordable, perfectly relieving the day’s fatigue.

Day 3: Xuancheng - Anji - Shanghai
• 7:30 AM: Wake up and start the last day of amusement park fun.
• 7:50 AM: Have breakfast at the hotel to recharge.
• 8:15 AM: Depart for Anji Jiale Bi Amusement Park.
• 10:00 AM: Arrive at Anji Jiale Bi Amusement Park and start the fun time. Various performances, bumper cars, water rafting, roller coasters, and other rides are all available. The kids play freely in the park, and the adults feel like they’ve returned to childhood.
• 9:00 PM: After watching the beautiful iron flower show, end the three-day trip and return to Shanghai full of joy.
• 12:15 AM: Arrive home safely.

This Southern Anhui trip includes mountains, waters, and historical sites, with delicious food and rich culture. The pace is neither rushed nor slow, full of comfort and surprises. Checking in at Southern Anhui for Labor Day is definitely worth it! The Dragon Boat Festival and summer vacation are coming up next, so hurry and go~