Songyang｜Turning Life into Poetry in the Secret Jiangnan Paradise

As stamped by National Geographic, the "Last Secret of Jiangnan" truly lives up to its name! Hidden in the mountains of southwestern Zhejiang, this ancient village even has a relaxed vibe in the air🌿
🌾 Must-Visit Ancient Villages List
• Chenjiapu Village: An artistic village hanging on an 800-meter cliff, where you can open your window to a sea of clouds in the morning. Be sure to sit by the floor-to-ceiling window of the Vanguard Bookstore, watching the mist roll over the bamboo forest—every snapshot is a cinematic masterpiece.
• Yangjiatang Village: The "Golden Potala Palace" at sunset is breathtakingly beautiful! The stepped rammed earth walls are gilded by the sunset, and the 500-year-old couple tree at the village entrance is a perfect photo spot. Encountering an old farmer leading cattle adds even more ancient village charm.
• Songzhuang Village: A stream runs through the village, with a Ming Dynasty stone arch bridge creating a traditional ink painting scene. This place is very low-key commercially; barefoot wading in the stream to catch fish or daydreaming by the bridge offers the most authentic rural experience.
🍜 Taste of Songyang
• Bai Xian Noodle Shop on Songyang Old Street is a must! The hand-pulled noodles with fermented rice wine pork intestines, featured on CCTV, are chewy and flavorful, paired with a preserved vegetable fried egg that's so good you'll lick the plate.
• The intangible cultural heritage Xu Ji Braised Salted Chicken is a must to take away; the chicken is tender to the bone and richly savory.
• Don’t miss the coffee shops in the ancient villages—holding a cup of coffee on the terrace with mountain views, the slow pace is so healing.
✨ Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid
1. The ancient villages are scattered in the mountains; it’s recommended to drive yourself or take the scenic area shuttle bus (10 yuan round trip, can be used as consumption credit). The mountain roads are winding, so be careful.
2. Mosquitoes are very aggressive in summer; mosquito repellent is a must-have!
3. For a relaxing stay, we recommend a homestay in Chenjiapu Village, where you can see the sea of clouds from your window and soak away all fatigue in a bathtub by the window.
No need to squeeze into crowds—between the mist and rammed earth walls of Songyang, you finally find the rhythm life should have.

Post by Grace.Roberts@67 | Oct 19, 2025