This underrated small town in Jiangnan, Zhejiang, is quiet and full of stories

Afraid of crowds during holidays? Here’s a hidden gem that even Xu Xiake visited three times—Jiangshan City, Quzhou, Zhejiang! National Geographic calls it a "living ancient town." Spend two days and one night wandering slowly—it’s so relaxing~

🚗Must-know before you go (quick guide)

- Location: Jiangshan City, Quzhou, Zhejiang Province
- Transportation: High-speed train direct to Jiangshan Station; easy to grab a taxi or take the scenic area shuttle bus right outside the station
- Accommodation: Prioritize staying in Nianbadu, where the locals in the ancient town are super friendly, and you can stroll the quiet old streets at night
- Food: Must-try Quzhou spicy marinated dishes, freshly baked Quzhou pancakes, and the local specialty Eight Big Bowls—so delicious you’ll lick your plate!

🌟Two-day, one-night itinerary (no detours, no rushing)

Day 1: Nianbadu Ancient Town—immerse yourself in a thousand-year-old village

This ancient town, hidden at the junction of Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces, is free from over-commercialization and full of authentic local life! The original residents still live here, with river water flowing through the ancient waterways, and the architectural styles from four provinces are fascinating to see.

- Must-visit spots:
1. Wenchang Palace: Tall building with exquisite wood carvings inside, a must-see for detail lovers;
2. Fengxi Bridge: A typical Jiangnan stone arch bridge—find the right angle to capture its reflection and easily snap vintage-style photos;
3. Military Official’s Yamen: Built in the Ming Dynasty, walking here lets you feel the ancient times;
- Little surprise: On weekends, there are NPC interactions for a fully immersive experience!

Day 2: Qingyang Village → Jianglang Mountain → Return trip (enjoy two scenic spots on the way)

1. Qingyang Mao Family Cultural Village: A Ming and Qing dynasty ancient village, small enough to explore in an hour, very close to Jianglang Mountain—perfect for a quick stop without wasting time (in summer, you can also see vast lotus flowers);
2. Jianglang Mountain: Choose your route based on your stamina, no need to push yourself!
- Summit route (for the energetic): Weiren Peak → Kaiming Zen Temple → Huixian Rock → Xiake Pavilion → One Line Sky → Dengtianping → Langfeng Tianyou → Wentian Pavilion summit → Langfeng Tianyou North Line → Bell and Drum Cave → Yanxia Pavilion → Ming Zen Temple → Eighteen Bends;
- Non-summit route (for a relaxed hike): Weiren Peak → Hupao Spring → Kaiming Zen Temple → Huixian Rock → Baibu Gorge → Xiake Pavilion → One Line Sky → Dengtianping → Kanke Ridge → Yanxia Pavilion → Kaiming Zen Temple → Eighteen Bends;
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM, don’t miss it);
- Tip: Take the scenic shuttle bus to the mid-mountain first, then start hiking to save energy and be more efficient.

📝Avoid pitfalls tips (super practical)

At the shuttle bus stations going up and down the mountain, there are dining options and supermarkets, so you don’t need to carry too much water and food. Hiking light is more comfortable!