Anji Escape Guide: Bamboo Seas, Tea Plantations, and a Healing Mountain Journey
Anji, the small city in northern Zhejiang that served as the filming location for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," is renowned for its sprawling bamboo forests, fresh air, and slow-paced lifestyle. A popular destination for travelers from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, it's perfect for a relaxing weekend or a three- to four-day retreat. Here's a practical guide I've personally tested:
🌿 Itinerary Suggestions
▎2-Day, 1-Night Highlights
Day 1: Arrive in the morning → China Bamboo Sea (filming location) → Afternoon at the White Tea Observation Deck (tea sip and sunset view) → Accommodation in a mountain B&B
Day 2: Visit Yunshang Grassland (cliff swing/rainbow grass slide) or Hello Kitty Paradise (a must-do for families) → Return
▎3-Day, 2-Night In-Depth Tour
Day 1: Jiangnan Tianchi (stunning winding mountain road) → Check-in at Fujiwara Tofu Shop → Accommodation in Tianhuangping Town
Day 2: Canglong Hundred Waterfalls (summer escape) → Yu Village (home to lush green mountains and clear waters) → Evening at Pastoral Jialebi Paradise (nighttime light show)
Day 3: Deep Blue Plan (influenced mining cafe) → Return
🎋 Top 5 Must-Experiences
Bamboo Sea Rafting | China's Great Bamboo Sea
Take a bamboo raft through the bamboo forest, reminiscent of the one in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Go in the morning for the softer light and fewer crowds. Tickets are 58 yuan.
Cliff Heartbeat | Cloud Grassland
A thrilling adventure at 1,168 meters above sea level. Recommended activities include Rainbow Grassland and Skywalk. Tickets are 320 yuan, including a cable car.
White Tea Picking | Xilong Township
Tea picking is available from March to April. During the week, visit the White Tea Observation Deck for a free view of the vast tea plantations. Enjoy a cup of Golden Bud for a truly relaxing experience.
Mine Café | Deep Blue Project
An industrial-style cafe in an abandoned mine. Tickets are 68 yuan, including a drink. On cloudy days, it feels like Iceland.
Starry Sky Camping | Tianhuangping
Home to Asia's largest observatory, stay in a tent and watch the Milky Way (recommended at the "Camping World" base).
🏡 Accommodation Guide
Design B&Bs:
"Hanyun·Shanshe": A pure white building nestled in a bamboo forest, with a pool overlooking the mountains
"Yuzizai·Anji": A wabi-sabi-inspired courtyard with butler-style service
Value-for-money:
"Dalezhiye·Green Gables": Family-friendly, with its own children's playground
"Anji Junlan Resort Hotel": Hot springs and forest views
🍵 Local Cuisine
Must-Try List:
Free-range Chicken Soup (using free-range chicken from the bamboo forest)
Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoots (fresh bamboo shoots are available from March to May)
Anji Dry Noodles (Lao Huilong Noodle House is the most famous)
White Tea Pastry (a great souvenir)
Recommended Restaurants:
Lao Li's Local Cuisine Restaurant (specializing in boathead fish)
Alujia·Anji Cuisine on the Tip of the Tongue (specializing in pepper and salt mulberry leaf dishes)
💡 Practical Tips
Transportation: 1.5-hour self-drive from Hangzhou. After arriving at Anji Station via high-speed rail, chartering a car is recommended (scenic spots are scattered).
Season: Tea picking season in April and May / Autumn colors are at their peak in September and October. Sun protection is recommended for summer water activities.
Hidden Activities:
Lingfeng Temple Scripture Copying (a tranquil experience)
Xiaohangkeng Campground ("Little Switzerland of Anji")
Mantangli Earth Light (nighttime light and shadow art village)
Finally, a reminder: Anji's beauty lies in its slow pace. Choosing one or two core areas for in-depth exploration is more important than rushing. Remember to bring mosquito repellent and Hanfu (Chinese traditional clothing) or light-colored dresses; they're perfect for taking photos in the Bamboo Sea! #PhotoGuide #SuperBeautifulPopularB&Bs #SecretBambooSea #WhereToWalkWeekend #AnjiTravelRecommendations