Hubei hides a "Peach Blossom Spring"! Explore six hidden gems in Zhushan for 2 days and 1 night, and experience the poetic beauty of nature for just 600 yuan per person.
Who says autumn viewing can only be achieved in popular scenic spots? Zhushan, Shiyan, a small town hidden in northwestern Hubei, boasts a world-class setting of crimson foliage and clear waters, 3,600 years of ancient Yong culture, and a rural landscape described by Tao Yuanming. This hand-tested guide features six must-see spots, including transportation and accommodations, allowing you to immerse yourself in the "Wuling Wonderland" for just 600 yuan per person!
🌟 Itinerary Overview: Core Routes + Budget Details
Route Design: Start in the county town → Explore a hidden gem of nature → Explore a cultural ancient town → Conclude in a rural setting. Each attraction is within an hour's drive, ensuring a stress-free and stress-free journey.
Budget Details (Per Person): 95 yuan for admission + 150 yuan for accommodation + 180 yuan for transportation + 175 yuan for food and beverages, for a total of 600 yuan, all within your budget. Best Time: Late October to mid-November, when Taihe Plum Blossom Valley blankets the mountains in crimson foliage and Nuwa Mountain boasts a sea of clouds with a probability exceeding 70%, making this peak season for beauty.
📅 Daily Itinerary: How to Play + Camera Locations + Pitfall Avoidance Guide
Day 1: First glimpse of autumn in this hidden mountain and water wonderland
Attraction 1: Taihe Plum Blossom Valley (Free, Reservations Required)
In the morning, drive directly from the county seat for a 20-minute drive. Autumn in Plum Blossom Valley hides a "colorful gallery"—flaming crimson leaves in the valley, lush pines and cypresses on the mountainside, and golden ginkgo trees by the stream. Hike to the "Plum Fragrance Trail," where the rustling of fallen leaves and the reflection of an old waterwheel in the stream create captivating photos.
Must-Shot Spots: The red maple corner in front of Beishan Thatched Cottage, close-ups of crimson leaves from the eaves of the academy; and in the evening, backlit silhouettes by the Rainbow Slide for a captivating atmosphere. Hidden Gem: Experience the Shouting Spring (10 yuan/time) and watch the water column rise with the sound, perfect for taking fun short videos.
Attraction 2: Nuwa Mountain Tourist Area (Free, Reservations Required)
A 40-minute drive from Plum Blossom Valley, this "holy place for refining stones to mend the sky" boasts a truly stunning autumn sea of clouds. You can drive directly to the summit (the road is narrow, so be careful when passing cars). From the summit, you'll see 22 peaks blanketed in colorful forests. As the mist drifts over the village, it resembles an ink painting.
Photography Tips: Wear light-colored clothing and stand near the Nuwa statue, with the sea of clouds and colorful forest as your backdrop for ethereal photos. After 4 p.m., capture the sunset, where molten gold casts a shadow over the mountaintops for breathtaking light and shadow.
Avoid Pitfalls: There are no shops at the summit, so bring plenty of water and snacks.
Attraction 3: Nanshan Park (Free)
On the way back to the county seat, stop by to check in. The autumn Koelreuteria trees are the star attraction here—the golden blossoms and pink fruits hang from their branches, resembling tiny lanterns. Climb the trail to the top for panoramic views of the county town, nestled among the Du River. In the evening, the setting sun bathes the town in a warm glow, creating a vibrant atmosphere in every photo.
Time-saving tip: The park is located at a low altitude, and the summit is a 20-minute walk away, so there's no need to exert any extra energy.
Day 2: A Final Feast of Ancient Villages and Lake Charm
Attraction 4: Shangyong Cultural Tourism Area (Free, Reservations Required)
In the morning, drive an hour from the county seat to Shangyong Town, where you'll find the secrets of 3,600 years of Yong culture. First, visit the Sansheng Courtyard to admire the soaring eaves and carved window lattices of the late Qing Dynasty residences. Then, visit the Shangyong Cultural Expo Park to learn about the history of ancient Shangyong. The most surprising attraction is the internet-famous "Sky Realm." During the crisp autumn weather, the sky, clouds, and lake blend together in a mirror-like pattern, creating a stunning photo experience.
Easter Bonus: The park is marked with signs for the filming locations of "Qu Yuan." Follow the signs to find your camera and easily capture stunning photos of ancient times.
Attraction 5: Shengshui Lake (boat cruise, 35 yuan)
Walk five minutes from the cultural area to the lakeside. Take a pleasure boat cruise and marvel at the thousand acres of clear water reflecting the colorful forests on both sides. When you reach the island in the middle of the lake, you'll have a panoramic view of Shangyong Ancient Town. The golden evening light casts a shadow on the lake, and the mountains are reflected in the water like silhouettes, creating a breathtaking beauty.
Money-saving tip: Share a boat with four people to save 10 yuan per person. Choose a boat trip after 3:00 PM to catch the sunset.
Attraction 6: Wuling Gorge Peach Blossom Spring (Free, Reservations Required)
The final stop is a trip to the "real-life Peach Blossom Spring." After crossing a narrow mountain pass by bamboo raft, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking view: golden rice paddies surround a quaint village, a gurgling stream flows under a stone arch bridge, and at the village entrance, you can sit and admire the idyllic scenery beneath the old trees. This perfectly recreates the poetic and picturesque scene of "flat land, solemn houses."
Tips: Call ahead to confirm bamboo rafting availability to avoid wasted trips. There are no shops in the village, so bring your own snacks.
🍜 The Flavors of Autumn in Zhushan
- Breakfast in the county town: Recommend the mutton hot pot (5 yuan/piece) and spicy soup (3 yuan) on East Street. The skin is crispy and the lamb is fragrant.
- Specialty Meals: Wanzhou grilled fish stewed in a village pot (30 yuan per person for group purchase) and scrambled eggs with sour taro stems (20 yuan/portion), both unique local flavors. - Unconventional delicacies: Street-style jiangba pancakes (2 yuan each) and lazy tofu (8 yuan per bowl) are affordable and authentic, allowing you to experience the local life.
🚗 Transportation & Accommodation Guide
- Transportation: Share a ride from Shiyan Station to Zhushan (100 yuan per person, 2 hours); rent an electric bike in the county town (30 yuan/day) or take a taxi (starting price within the city is 6 yuan). Share a ride between scenic spots (20-30 yuan per person).
- Accommodation: Choose a chain hotel in the county town center (150 yuan/night, near the food court) or a B&B in Shangyong Town (120 yuan/night, with a lake view from the window).
- Save on tickets: Five major scenic spots, including Nuwa Mountain and Shangyong Cultural Area, are open free of charge. Reservations can be made one day in advance through the official platform. A one-way boat trip on Shengshui Lake (20 yuan) is a better deal.
💡 Blogger's Secret Tips for Avoiding Pitfalls
1. Reservations are required for most Zhushan scenic spots, all on the official "Zhushan Culture and Tourism" platform, to avoid being locked out.
2. Autumn temperatures fluctuate significantly between morning and evening (8-20°C), so wear a windbreaker and a light sweatshirt for easy on and off. There are many mountain trails, so be sure to wear sneakers.
3. For photography, bring a folding reflector to enhance the quality of your photos when taking photos of Shengshui Lake and the Sky Realm.
Don't fight the crowds or spend a fortune; Zhushan's autumn offers both poetic beauty and cultural heritage. Follow this guide and capture the crimson leaves, sea of clouds, ancient villages, and the charm of the lake for just 600 yuan per person. Grab your friends and go!