[2025 Yuyao Attraction] Travel Guide for Siming Mountain Viewing Platform (Updated May)

When someone says Ningbo is a "tourism desert", he must not have really appreciated Siming Mountain‼ ️ Siming Mountain has different beauty in each season, especially during November to December every year, when the vegetation and trees on the hills gradually turn from green to yellow and red, with golden ginkgo, orange-brown fir trees, bright red maple leaves... Starting from Shanghai, it takes less than 3️⃣ hours to drive to Yuyao. Heading south, I share my favorite autumn and winter scenery along the 150-kilometer road from Huxi Line to Heliang Line. No need to hike or take tickets, you can easily drive there⬇️ 🧡The Metasequoia forest in Siming Lake begins to change color at the end of November every year. When the weather is good, the lake is as blue as the sea. 💚Siming Mountain Observation Deck, I was initially attracted by the hairpin bend of Siming Mountain. This is a good location for aerial photography, and there are many small reservoirs around it. ❤️Nakamura, a very lively village, the stream is very clean and clear, the most unforgettable thing is that there are several bright red maple trees by the lake 💛Zifeng Village, there are two conjoined thousand-year-old brother ginkgo trees hidden in the ancient village, with fallen leaves scattered all over the ground, very romantic 🧡Maowu Village, in autumn and winter, the hills are a colorful scene, driving on the mountain road is like walking into an oil painting 🌈Tingxia Lake became famous because of a "lonely tree". This year, there are many more pink daisy trees around it. Try not to park your car on the roadside on weekend afternoons, as you may get ticketed. 💛Wenchang Pavilion, free view outside the Chiang's former residence, an ancient bridge outside the Wenchang Pavilion, the perfect embellishment of the ginkgo tree, very three-dimensional against the backdrop of the lake 🩷Xiejieshan Village, a new discovery during this trip to Siming Mountain! Located near Yantou Village, it is still undeveloped and very quiet. You can book a place to take pictures of the autumn scenery.

I. Highlights - Sunrise and Sea of Clouds: Qinghu Wan'gang, at 979m above sea level, is the highest peak in Ningbo. At sunrise, the sea of clouds surges like golden silk. In winter, rime ice hangs all over the golden larch forest. - Light Hiking Challenge: The classic route Shizi Ku - Yangtian Lake Loop (6 km/3 hrs) alternates between stone steps and fire roads, suitable for beginners to advanced players. - Four Seasons Secret Realm: In March and April, the Sakura Ancient Road is filled with pink snow. In October and November, the Maohuo Ancient Tree Group is golden and dazzling. The Water Curtain Cave is cool in summer, and the snow scene of Yangtian Lake is picturesque in winter. - Cultural Relics: Explore the Millennium Ancient Road of Tangtian Village, the Taoist Cave of Sichuangyan, and the Xu Furuyan Waterfall of the Song Dynasty to experience the blend of nature and culture. --- II. Route Planning (2 Days and 1 Night Essential Route) Day 1: Ningbo → Siming Lake → Sakura Ancient Road → Yangtian Lake Camping - Morning: Drive from Ningbo city for 1.5 hrs to Siming Lake (navigate to "Siming Lake Metasequoia Forest"), stroll along the lakeside wooden boardwalk. It is recommended to cycle when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in March (car rental is CNY 30/hr). - Hiking route: - Sakura Ancient Road (Donggang Village, Luting Township → Baiyun Bridge, Zhongcun): 6 km loop, wild cherry blossoms and bamboo forest streams reflect each other, it is recommended to shoot in the direction of the light from 9:00–11:00. - Extension route: Those with plenty of energy can go to Maohuo Ancient Tree Group (centennial golden larch + ginkgo), the golden fallen leaves pave the road like an oil painting in autumn. - Afternoon: Go to Yangtian Lake (40 min drive), the golden larch forest on the lakeside is reflected in the clear water, it is recommended to rent a kayak (CNY 50/30 mins). - Night: Yangtian Lake Starry Sky Camp (tent rental CNY 120/tent), the Milky Way is clearly visible after 20:30, equatorial mount for shooting star trails. Day 2: Sunrise Shooting → Xu Furuyan Waterfall → Return Trip Exploration - Sunrise location: Qinghu Wan'gang viewing platform at 5:30 to shoot a panoramic view of the sea of clouds and sunrise (use an ND filter). - Core attractions: - Boge Rock Water Curtain Cave: Natural cave waterfall, walk through the water curtain to shoot a martial arts blockbuster (the best water volume in the rainy season). - Xu Furuyan Spider Ridge: Cross the primeval forest to explore the Song Dynasty waterfall and cliff stone carvings (guided tour required). - Return trip: Depart from Ningbo before 13:00, you can visit Xikou Ancient Town along the way (40 min drive). --- III. Accommodation Recommendations (Avoid Pitfalls) 1. Camping on the Top of the Mountain - Yundian Camp: Windproof tent + moisture-proof mat (CNY 120/person), including hot water and simple breakfast, must be booked 3 days in advance. - Avoid pitfalls: Reject the "luxury camping package" privately provided by villagers, and be wary of high-priced oxygen cylinders (the camp is more reliable at CNY 25/can). 2. Homestay at the Foot of the Mountain - Tree Frog Tribe, Luting Township: Triangular wooden house + starry sky dome (CNY 400/night), including forest breakfast and nature tour. - Dalezhiye · Gushe: Modern design style, floor-to-ceiling window viewing platform (CNY 600/night), offering mountain delicacies. --- IV. Food Guide (Must-Eat List) - Farmhouse at the Foot of the Mountain: - Liangnong Dagao: Intangible cultural heritage handmade rice cake, red bean paste filling (CNY 10/piece at "Grandma Gao's Cake Workshop" in Zhongcun). - Chicken Stew: Free-range chicken + rock fungus stew (CNY 60 per person at "Shanlirenjia" in Lijia Keng). - Return trip supplies: - Fenghua Beef Noodles: "Laojie Beef Noodles" in Xikou Town (CNY 25 per person), the soup base is made with beef bones. Avoid pitfalls: - Be careful when buying "wild honey" in scenic spots, most of them are blended with syrup; - Avoid "high-priced horse riding services" at the entrance of the scenic spot, the regular riding range is CNY 100/hr. --- V. Photography Guide (90% Film Production Rate) - Location recommendation: - Sakura Ancient Road: Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to shoot the sea of flowers and ancient bridges, it is recommended to shoot with side light from 9:00–11:00. - Water Curtain Cave Light and Shadow: Telephoto compresses the sense of space (70-200mm), capturing waterfalls and light spots in the cave. - Starry Sky Camp: No light pollution from 23:00–2:00, DJI Yu 3 Pro drone low-altitude aerial photography (parameters: f/2.8, 15 seconds, ISO 1600). - Outfit suggestions: Linen shirt + canvas shoes (forest style), straw woven bag adds pastoral atmosphere. --- VI. Practical Tips (Safety First) 1. Traffic: - Self-driving: Ningbo → Shenhai Expressway → Yuliang Line → Siming Mountain (1.5 hrs for the whole journey), parking fee is CNY 10–20/day. - Public transportation: Ningbo South Bus Station → Yuyao → Siming Mountain Bus (3 hrs). 2. Equipment List: - Must-have: Non-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker (large temperature difference on the top of the mountain), trekking poles, headlamp (lighting is required on the sunrise section). - Suggestions: Knee pads (protect knees on long downhill slopes), raincoat (to prevent showers), glucose (to relieve altitude sickness). 3. Safety Precautions: - Weather warning: Prepare raincoats in the rainy season (June–August), and crampons in the snow season (December–February); - Environmental protection tips: Take away the garbage with you, and prohibit open flames (strict control during the forest fire prevention period). --- VII. Itinerary Reference (Flexible Choice) - 1-day Quick View Line: Siming Lake → Sakura Ancient Road → Yangtian Lake Loop (6 hrs), return in the evening. - 3-day Deep Tour Line: D1 Siming Lake light hiking; D2 Maohuo Ancient Tree Group + Xu Furuyan Waterfall; D3 Danshan Chishui Karst Cave Exploration. --- VIII. Best Time to Travel - March–April: Sakura Ancient Road is full of pink snow, the temperature is 10–20℃; - October–November: Maohuo Ancient Tree Group golden ginkgo, colorful forest and sea of clouds intertwined; - Avoid: Slippery roads in the rainy season from July to August, low temperature and foggy weather from December to January require professional equipment. --- Summary: Siming Mountain is the "Hidden Wonderland in the Yangtze River Delta". Spend 2 days crossing the Sakura Ancient Road and the Starry Sky Camp, and feel the gift of nature in the morning mist and twilight. Avoid Internet celebrity traps and measure the unexplored secret realm of Eastern Zhejiang with your footsteps.

Hi everyone! Get ready for a fantastic two-day trip to Yuyao! Here's a super practical guide to help you explore the best sights without any missteps. Save it now~ -- 🗓Itinerary: D1: Hemudu Site-South Bank—Wang Yangming's Former Residence—Yangming Ancient Town On the first day, we'll visit the ancient Hemudu Site and experience the profound history of its thousand-year-old culture. Next, we'll tour Wang Yangming's Former Residence and trace the life of this master of the School of Mind. Finally, we'll stroll through Yangming Ancient Town and admire its historical architecture and ambiance. D2: Siming Mountain Viewing Platform—Danshan Chishui Scenic Area On the second day, we'll ascend the Siming Mountain Viewing Platform for a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains and rivers. Afterward, we'll head to the Danshan Chishui Scenic Area to experience the magic and tranquility of nature. This is a rare opportunity to connect with the natural world! -- Must-See Attractions: Wang Yangming's Former Residence ⭐⭐⭐ - Address: No. 36, Yangming West Road, Yuyao City, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province - Opening hours: 09:00-16:30, October 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025 - Visit duration: 1-2 hrs - Relive the glorious life of Wang Yangming. Explore the simple architecture and rich exhibits to appreciate his unique charm. Danshan Chishui Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Shilin Village, Dalan Town, Yuyao City, Ningbo City - Opening hours: 08:30-16:30, December 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025 - Visit duration: 1 d - During autumn and winter, enjoy the unique experience of tasting sweet persimmons against the backdrop of red leaves covering the mountains. -- **Things to Note**: 🚗 Transportation from the airport to Yuyao's city center is convenient. You can take a taxi or the subway. 🎉 Yuyao's customs emphasize etiquette. Please be polite when communicating with locals. 🎁 Yuyao has a wealth of local specialties, such as bayberry wine and preserved mustard tuber. They are worth buying as souvenirs. 💡 Admission fees to attractions are reasonable. It is recommended to book online in advance to avoid queues. -- Yuyao, a city where ancient and modern elements intertwine, awaits your exploration!

Siming Mountain: Located in eastern Zhejiang Province, the mountain range is undulating and hilly, with an altitude of 400–900 meters. ⏰⏰Best time to visit: November to December, when the leaves of maple and ginkgo trees change color and the scenery is colorful. 🚐🚐Transportation: Self-driving is recommended. It takes about 1.5–2 hours to drive from downtown Ningbo. Suggested routes: One-day tour: Siming Mountain National Forest Park - Yantian Lake - Bugu Rock Water Curtain Cave - Siming Mountain Geological Park. Two-day tour: Day 1: Siming Lake - Liangnong Ancient Town - Baishuichong Waterfall - Dalan Town - Colorful Hills - Lizhou Village. Day 2: Beixi Village - Xufu Rock - Xuedou Mountain. Recommended attractions: Siming Mountain National Forest Park: CNY 50. One of the best places to enjoy the autumn leaves. Danshan Chishui Scenic Area: 🎟🎟CNY 65. The branches are full of red persimmons, and the ancient villages and beautiful natural scenery are stunning. Maohuo Ancient Tree Group: Free. The largest and oldest ancient tree group in Ningbo. Siming Lake: Free. The second largest freshwater lake in Zhejiang. The lake is clear, surrounded by mountains, and the scenery is very beautiful. 🥙🥙Recommended food: Liangnong Cake: A local traditional cake with a soft and glutinous texture, sweet but not greasy. Siming Lake Fish Head: Made with fish head from Siming Lake, the fish head soup is delicious. Persimmons: Autumn is the season when persimmons ripen. The persimmons here are sweet and delicious. Tips: There are more tourists during holidays, so it is recommended to travel during off-peak times. Self-driving tourists should be aware that the mountain roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully. Popular attractions and accommodations may be in high demand in autumn, so it is recommended to book in advance. Although the autumn sun is warm, the temperature difference in the mountains is large, so bring sunscreen and warm clothes. Respect the local culture and environment, do not litter, and protect the natural landscape.

I am AJ, who has checked in at 100 lesser-known tourist spots around Hangzhou by self-driving. You can move to my homepage to see the lesser-known spots I have checked in. 🥰 Have you heard of the 'car gods' on the winding roads of Siming Mountain? 🚗 Have you heard of the 'tree gods' of the thousand-year-old trees in Siming Mountain? 🍂 I stumbled upon this ancient tree on the way to Maoliao Village. 🤩 Friends who drive the Siming Mountain loop to Maoliao, 😌 don't miss the green brick roofs and the towering ginkgo tree by the roadside. 📍 Navigation: Navigate to Zifeng Village for parking, or you can park at the village committee of Ziyaxia Village and walk the ancient steps. 💰 Ticket: Free AJ parked the car at the village committee of Ziyaxia Village. 🅿️ I walked through the ancient path full of fallen leaves 🍁 and entered this quiet village in the rain. 🏘️ Collapsed walls, sofas at the door, wildly growing weeds 🌱 It's as if time stopped at the moment when the whole village moved away. 🕰️ The thousand-year-old ginkgo tree is right next to the small shop by the bus stop with only one wall left. 📞 Inside the village, there are also maple trees and persimmon trees, and many people hike the loop from here. 🚶🏻‍♂️ You can see cloth strips hanging on the branches everywhere as markers. AJ is visiting Siming Mountain for the second time; the last visit was in summer, to the regular one-day tour route of Baishuichong Waterfall, Siming Lake Metasequoia, and Siming Mountain Viewing Platform. This time in autumn, to check in the autumn scenery of Siming Mountain. There are many more lesser-known spots in Siming Mountain that AJ will share later. I am AJ, who enjoys the mountains and wilds on weekends, completing 67/100 of the lesser-known self-driving tourist spots around Hangzhou.