Stop crowding the popular check-in spots! The most beautiful terraced fields in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai certified by National Geographic, fewer people and stunning views during National Day


Stop crowding the popular check-in spots! The most beautiful terraced fields in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai certified by National Geographic, fewer people and stunning views during National Day!

Still complaining about "crowds in ancient towns" and "all heads in influencer street photos" during National Day? Don’t waste your holiday standing in line! National Geographic has long secretly certified a hidden gem—Yunhe Terraced Fields in Lishui, Zhejiang. Morning mist wraps the green silk-like ridges climbing toward the clouds; any photo looks like a still from a documentary. The best part is it’s off the beaten path with few people, so you can avoid all the traffic jams!

Think terraced fields are only for "viewing"? Big mistake! Yunhe Terraced Fields perfectly combine "fun" and "sightseeing." In just two days, you can experience both "romance in the clouds" and "rustic charm of ancient villages," ten times better than squeezing into a 5A tourist spot!

First, transportation is not as complicated as you think! Take the high-speed train to Lishui Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus straight to the visitor center—no need to find your own way. Driving is even more flexible; just navigate to "Yunhe Terraced Fields Visitor Center." The whole route is mountain scenery, driving feels like touring a landscape, much more comfortable than being stuck on the highway!

On day one, head straight to "ancient village exploration" and slow down the pace for maximum enjoyment! Take the Cloud Watching Cableway from the visitor center up the mountain. The cable car slowly ascends, with terraced fields layered beneath like a green velvet carpet. At Qixing Dun, the view will amaze you—the entire valley unfolds below, the breeze carries the fresh scent of bamboo forests. When tired, visit the Cloud Café on the second floor of the cableway station, order a coffee, sit by the window, and watch the clouds roll by—100 times more relaxing than taking photos at trendy cafes!

Don’t rush after coffee; the surprise is hiking down the 2,700-meter Wujian Waterfall Trail! Along the way, you’ll hear the tinkling of streams and see waterfalls rushing through bamboo groves, the splashing water cool and refreshing. When tired, rest on a rock and breathe in the negative oxygen ions—much more refreshing than city air filled with exhaust! Finally, arrive at Kenggen Shizhai, an ancient village hidden in the mountains. Stone houses cluster closely, streams circle the village, and during National Day, you can see autumn harvest scenes with corn and chili peppers hanging under eaves, their reds and yellows strikingly beautiful. Chatting with locals, you’ll hear many old stories—this is the true "slow life"!

Day two requires an early start! Get up at 4:30 AM and drive to Jiuqu Yunhuan. Arrive before 5 AM—this is the best spot to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds. Arriving late means missing the best view! Watch as the dawn slowly colors the sky red, clouds surge up from the valley like cotton candy wrapping the terraces. When the sun peeks out, golden light spills over the ridges, alternating bright and dark layers, so beautiful it leaves you speechless! If it rained the night before, the sea of clouds is even thicker, and standing on the viewing platform feels like walking on clouds. This kind of scenery isn’t found at just any terraced fields!

After sunrise, don’t rush away—go down into the terraces for a closer look! Walk slowly along the farming paths, rice ears gently swaying in the wind, you can feel the texture of the rice leaves. Occasionally, you’ll see farmers working in the fields. This "down-to-earth" beauty is much more authentic than just taking photos from the viewing platform!

No worries about accommodation either—just pick the "Straw Meets Wooden Block Hotel" with your eyes closed! It’s right next to the visitor center, just a few minutes’ walk to the cableway, so no need to get up early to rush. The rooms are designed like a fairy tale world, with wooden furniture and warm lighting. At night, lying in bed, you can hear the insects outside the window and sleep better than at home, waking refreshed the next morning!

Stop hesitating about where to go for National Day! Yunhe Terraced Fields have National Geographic-certified beauty, peacefulness without crowds, and the comfort of slowing down. Whether you want to take beautiful photos or relax your mind, this is the place! What are you waiting for? Tell me in the comments who you want to come see this "terrace in the clouds" with during National Day?

Post by madeline3txezkgn | Oct 6, 2025

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