Ancient village hidden in the mountains
by Olivia Cox Amelia
Apr 21, 2025
Hey guys, if you want to avoid crowds during holidays and find a cool, off-the-beaten-path spot to beat the heat, Luting Zhongcun Village in Yuyao, Ningbo📍 is an amazing choice! Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai locals have kept this gem well hidden~
🌳 Charm of an Ancient Village: Nestled among mountains with clear waters, Luting Zhongcun retains its original rustic charm. Dating back to the Tang Dynasty, its earthen walls, stone houses, and bluestone bridges create a poetic "small bridges and flowing water" scene.
💧 Water Fun Paradise: The highlight is Xiaolu Stream running through the village! The crystal-clear water varies in depth. On hot afternoons, you can join locals swimming, have water fights, wade, fish, or even catch small fish—super fun😎
• Shallow Area: Ankle-deep water, safe even for 3-year-olds.
• Deep Area: Features a natural "small waterfall" for wild swimming—refreshing and exhilarating!
• Stream Bed: Smooth pebbles make barefoot wading incredibly soothing.
📸 Must-Take Spots:
• Stepping Stone Bridge: Capture cinematic "Summer Stream" shots from the stone steps—every frame is stunning.
• Ancient Tree Play: Play under a 300-year-old camphor tree—dappled light creates a fairy-tale vibe💕
• Covered Bridge Light: At 4 PM, sunlight through wooden rails makes perfect backlit silhouettes—high photo yield📷
🚶 Hiking Route: The 12km loop "Zhongcun → Songming Ancient Trail → Qiudai → Damingshan Ancient Trail" offers picturesque, easy hiking with serene mountain views.
🍱 Food Delights:
• Local Yuyao specialties: bamboo shoots, taro, sweet potato noodles, green tea, Liangnong rice cakes—all must-tries!
• Hidden gems: Granny’s 5-yuan lotus jelly at the village entrance is a heat-beater; "Baiyun Farmhouse"’s stream fish stew is divine; evening farm feasts at "Mountain Girl" are tasty and affordable.
🏡 Stay: Unique Tree Frog Tribe B&B, nestled in bamboo with triangular wooden rooms, offers nature-filled stays. Nearby streams are perfect for water play and camping—plus seasonal sports activities🎉
🚗 Transport & Parking: Easy drive—navigate to Zhongcun Scenic Area. 2.5h from Hangzhou, 3h10 from Shanghai, 1h20 from Ningbo. FREE parking at multiple village spots—no worries!
🎒 Packing List:
• Extra kids’ clothes for post-water play.
• Mosquito spray—forest bugs can ruin the fun.
• Foldable chairs for quick breaks.
• Waterproof phone case for safe aquatic photos.
• Floaties, water guns, fish nets—maximize water fun!
Sip pink, tangy hawthorn non-alcoholic brew with friends and kids, savoring slow weekends—this is the life💕 Come explore this hidden ancient village for a cool summer escape!
Post by OnniKoskinen | Jul 30, 2025














