Zhejiang is a noted tourist destination in China, known for its bewitching natural sceneries entwined with age-long history and profound culture. It enjoys many honors, such as “The Home of Fish and Rice”, “The Capital of Silk and Tea” and “The Province of Relics.” It is also the location of seventeen national scenic areas, the largest concentration in a single province in the country. To fully appreciate the beauty of Zhejiang, the following seven places are ideal spot to start.
Tianmu Mountain, Hangzhou
Tianmu Mountain owns a unique status amongst the numerous famous mountains in China. If Mount Huang is renowned for its wondrous sights, Mount Hua for its precipitousness, Mount Tai for its magnificence and Mount Lu for its grace, the Tianmu Mountain is famous for its enchanting foliage. With distinct geological conditions and numerous varieties of vegetations, it’s not only a well-known national natural reserve but also the only natural reserve which is listed in the International Biosphere Reserve Network. Boasting plenty of national and world records, it’s also the only forest where the Ostrya rehderiana grows. In the vibrant spring, magnolia and cherry blossoms can be found blooming in a riot of color which provides a gorgeous view. In summer, the expansive and fresh greenery, cool breeze, plunging waterfalls and limpid ponds together compose a tranquil and pleasing landscape.
Xiazhu Lake, Deqing
As the biggest natural wetland in Jiangnan District, Xiazhu Lake has a miraculous feature-the azure sky is mirrored by the blue lake, forming one integrated mass. There are a total of about 600 islands spreading all over the narrow streams and wide lake. When the soft breeze blows, the rippling surface thus created definitely leaves an unforgettable impression. Among the old reeds hide winding creeks and islands of various forms and shapes. The combination of crisscrossing rivers and scattered islands seems like a giant water maze. On the diverse islands are fresh bamboos, wild reeds, and luxuriant trees. Moreover, you can admire the flying egrets and beautiful kites in the sky.
Nanxun Ancient Town, Huzhou
Nanxun Ancient Town has been listed as one of the top ten little-known wonderlands in China. With crystal-clear water flowing under bridges, the tranquil and elegant landscapes reveal its prosperous past. It can be said that the place provides a perfect sense of seclusion where one can truly experience living at a slow and pleasant pace. The ancient town is also renowned for its elegant and exquisite gardens which harmoniously combine elements of western and Chinese cultures. Being less influenced by modern commercialism, it features the cobblestone roads and zigzagging rivers reminiscent of a bygone era. The local residents have held on to their original way of life since childhood, washing up and drinking by the river. With a conviction that the sea refuses no river and one should draw on others’ successful experience, the ancient town harmoniously combines elements of western and Chinese cultures to build places such as Granite Step and Grotto Gate, etc. which fully showcase the graceful charms of the Jiangnan ancient towns.
Shenxianju, Taizhou
The largest volcanic rhyolite landform, Shenxianju Scenic Spot is blessed with multiple eye-catching landscapes such as steep cliffs and lofty peaks, with an average elevation of a hundred meters. In addition, the bedrock and rock-falls that occurred over the course of time have composed numerous landscapes like roaring waterfalls and gurgling streams. The fascinating peaks, caves, rivers and mountains which are different from others are indescribably beautiful and breathtaking.
April to June is the rainy season when low-hanging clouds can be seen meandering over the landscapes. Spreading over the valley, these ethereal clouds quickly change their shapes, one moment giving the appearance of sea waves, and looking like dotted duckweeds the next. The hanging rope bridge, suspension cable car and skyway will make you feel like that you are floating in a dreamland.
Shenyuan Garden, Shaoxing
Shenyuan Garden served as the private garden of the rich Shen in the Southern Song Dynasty. Covering an area of over seventy mu (one mu equals 666.67 m2), it is dotted with pavilions, terraces, open halls, lush trees and small bridges running over gently flowing streams. As the only garden in Shaoxing dating back to the Song Dynasty, it is also a significant historical relics area, with the east and south parts of the garden including landscapes such as Guhe, Banbi Pavilion, Shuanggui Hall, Bayong Tower, Songjin Well, etc.
Nanxi River, Yongjia
Praised as the promised land on earth, Yongjia’s landform includes a long and beautiful river. With a length of three hundred miles, Nanxi River’s natural sceneries come together beautifully with man-made landscapes. It is also a rare national scenic spot which is famed for its idyllic features such as graceful rivers, fantastic rocks, plunging waterfalls, beautiful forests and ancient villages.
It is also the cradle of the poems paying homage to sceneries in Chinese culture. Besides the pioneer of the Chinese scenery poems- Xielingyun in the Southern Dynasties, lots of poets have romanticized the Nanxi River. It is their compliments and beautiful words which have shone a light on the rustic countryside culture and plain nature of Yongjia’s residents.
Longyou Grottoes, Quzhou
The Longyou Grottoes are located in a small mountain village which is in the central area of Zhejiang. Reputed as the geomantic treasure land, this village faces south and is surrounded by water and mountains. It is a historic, marvelous and rare ancient underground world, considered “the ninth wonder of the ancient world”. Besides these distinctions, it is also the subject of an unsolved thousand-year mystery because to this day its buildings’ time of construction, size, function and architectural technology baffle experts.