Anji, a Hidden Gem

Anji is a county under Huzhou City in Zhejiang Province, renowned as the "Bamboo Town of China." It boasts vast bamboo forests, fresh air, and abundant eco-tourism resources, making it ideal for family trips, outdoor adventures, and summer getaways. Here’s a detailed Anji travel guide! 🌴**1. Best Time to Visit** - *🍁*Spring & Autumn (Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov): Pleasant weather, perfect for hiking and bamboo forest sightseeing. Dig for bamboo shoots in spring and enjoy the autumn foliage. - *🌴*Summer (Jul-Aug): A great summer retreat for rafting and waterfall fun, but don’t forget sunscreen. - 🌊Winter (Dec-Feb): Ski at Jiangnan Tianchi and enjoy the snowy bamboo forests. ### **2. Transportation** 1. *Getting to Anji* 🚅*High-speed rail*: Hangzhou East Station → Anji Station (~30 mins, ¥32 for second-class), then take a taxi or bus to the town (~20 mins). 🚖*Bus*: Hangzhou North Bus Station/Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Station → Anji Bus Terminal (~1.5-3 hrs). 🚗*Self-drive*: ~1.5 hrs from Hangzhou, ~3 hrs from Shanghai, ~2.5 hrs from Suzhou. Mountain roads require experienced drivers. 2. *Getting Around Anji* 🚌*Bus*: Tourist shuttles connect attractions (e.g., "Anji Tourist Bus"), but schedules are limited. 🚗*Taxi/Chartered car*: Easy in town; chartered cars cost ~¥300-500/day (ideal for remote spots like Longwang Mountain). 🚖*Car rental*: Recommended for flexibility to explore off-the-beaten-path sites. **🌈3. Must-Visit Attractions** *Nature & Scenery* 1. **China Grand Bamboo Sea** - Filming location for *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*. Hike through vast bamboo forests and enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower. - *Tips*: ¥58 entrance, ¥30 one-way cable car; cool in summer. 2. **Jiangnan Tianchi** - A mountaintop reservoir: ski in winter (Dec-Feb), stargaze in summer. ¥80 entrance. - *Highlight*: Drive the "Tianhuangping Mountain Road" (Zhejiang’s version of Mt. Akina) for stunning views. 3. **Canglong Hundred Waterfalls** - Zhejiang’s largest waterfall cluster, great for summer water play. 🎫¥60. - *Note*: Some steep sections—wear anti-slip shoes. 🌴4. **Longwang Mountain** - Northern Zhejiang’s highest peak (1,587m), ~4 hrs hike to the summit. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. - *Hidden route*: Book a local guide for canyon stream trekking. *Family-Friendly* 🌴1. **Hello Kitty Theme Park** - Asia’s first Kitty-themed park, perfect for kids. Tickets from ¥210. - *Heads-up*: Rides are mild, best for under-10s. 🌴2. **Anji Countryside Kalebo** - Petting zoo + rides, ¥120, better value than Hello Kitty. 3. **Zhongnan Hundred Grasslands** - Botanical garden + zoo + amusement park combo. ¥150 for a full day. *Cultural Experiences* 1. **Anji Bamboo Expo Garden** - Pandas and bamboo culture exhibits. ¥80, great for families. - *Highlight*: "Lvshui Garden" panda exhibit. 2. **Yu Village** - Birthplace of the "Two Mountains Theory." Free eco-village with scenic bike paths. 🍀3. **Mantangli Earth Light** - Nighttime light art village. ¥50, perfect for photos. #4. Unique Activities 1. **Rafting** (Summer must!) - **General’s Pass Rafting**: Most thrilling (130m drops), ¥180. - **Xianlong Gorge Rafting**: Scenic, family-friendly, ¥198. - *Tips*: Book early, bring dry clothes and waterproof phone cases. 2. **Bamboo Shoot Digging/Tea Picking** (Seasonal) - 🍁Spring (Mar-Apr) for bamboo shoots, autumn (Oct) for winter shoots. Join local farm tours. 3. **Hot Spring Retreats** (Winter) - Try "Banyan Tree" or "Hanyun Shan She" for private bamboo forest hot springs. *🌈5. Food Recs* 1. **Local Dishes** - **Free-range Chicken Soup**: Hearty and flavorful. - **Bamboo Shoots with Pork**: Tender Anji bamboo + braised pork. - **Boat Head Fish**: Fresh reservoir fish in spicy tofu broth. - *Top spots*: Lao Li’s Farmhouse (town), Maokeng Restaurant (near Canglong). 🌴2. **Snacks & Souvenirs** - **Anji White Tea**: Fragrant and sweet. Try tea-picking in Xilong Village. - **Xiaofang Glutinous Rice Cakes**: Red bean-filled mochi. - **Dried Bamboo Shoots/Mushrooms**: Great gifts—buy at local markets. *💒6. Where to Stay* - **Town (Dipu)**: Convenient, budget-friendly (¥200-400). Try "Anji Narada Resort." - **Bamboo Forest Stays**: Luxury (¥500-1,500), e.g., "Lost Villa" or "Midsummer Dream." - **Camping**: Xiaohangkeng Camp ("Anji’s Little Switzerland")—book ahead. *7. Tips* 🌴1. **Bug/Slip Prevention**: Bamboo forests are humid—pack repellent and grippy shoes. 🌴2. **Weather Check**: Mountain weather changes fast; avoid rafting/hiking in storms. 3. **Avoid Crowds**: Holidays bring crowds (e.g., Hello Kitty Park). 4. **Eco-Travel**: No littering in nature reserves. 8. Sample Itineraries - **2D1N**: Day 1: China Grand Bamboo Sea → Jiangnan Tianchi (scenic drive + night views). Day 2: Canglong rafting → Yu Village biking. 🌃**3D2N**: Add Hello Kitty Park or Longwang Mountain hike. Anji is best enjoyed slow: hike by day, sip tea by a fireside at night. Need custom plans? Ask below! ❗️❗️❗️