Crazy hidden spots around Hangzhou unlocked for 150 RMB per person to visit 3 "less crowded and beautiful" secret places
Hey guys! Tired of the crowds at West Lake’s Broken Bridge and Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou? Actually, within 1-2 hours’ drive around the city, there are many hidden gems! So few people you can enjoy the entire landscape alone, with a 200% photo success rate. You can also dig for bamboo shoots, pick tea, and play in the streams. Save this detailed guide now and head out this weekend!
1. Huzhou · Anji White Tea Viewing Platform (Healing Tea Mountain Secret Spot)
✨ Why recommend?
Ten times quieter than Meijiawu! The thousand-acre white tea garden looks like a green velvet carpet. The mountaintop viewing platform overlooks the entire tea mountain and bamboo sea. The wind rustling through the tea trees and the air itself is sweet and fresh~ Best of all, it’s free! Parking only costs 10 RMB, perfect for zoning out and shooting forest-style photos.
📍 Detailed address
Huangdu Village, Xilong Township, Anji County, Huzhou City (Navigate directly to "Anji White Tea Viewing Platform," 1.5 hours drive from Hangzhou, highway toll about 50 RMB)
📝 Precise 1-day itinerary
- 09:00-10:30 Departure + Tea Mountain Walk
Leave early to avoid weekend rush. Upon arrival, stroll the trail beside the viewing platform through the tea mountain (wear light-colored dress + white sneakers, the wooden plank path in the tea garden is very photogenic). Every snap looks like "Little Switzerland" 📸
- 11:00-12:30 Eat local dishes
Go down the mountain to the "White Tea Family" farmhouse restaurant at the village entrance. Must-try dishes: white tea scrambled eggs (strong tea aroma), bamboo shoot and braised pork (spring bamboo shoots are very tender), stone pot fish. About 50 RMB per person to eat until full, and the owner offers free white tea to drink~
- 13:30-15:30 Tea picking experience + Bamboo sea visit
For interactive fun, book tea picking with the farmhouse owner in advance (50 RMB/person, includes tea picking tools + tea frying lesson). You can take home the tea you pick. If you don’t want to pick tea, visit the nearby "China Bamboo Sea" (ticket 58 RMB), walk the bamboo forest trail and listen to the wind—super healing!
- 16:00 Return trip
Buy a bag of white tea at the village entrance (200-300 RMB per jin, cheaper than scenic spots). No traffic in the evening, 1.5 hours back to Hangzhou.
⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls
- Don’t wear high heels! The tea mountain trail has small stones; sneakers are more comfortable;
- April-May is peak tea picking season. Book one day in advance if you want to experience it. Weekends are busier, weekdays recommended;
- No convenience stores near the viewing platform, remember to bring a bottle of water.
2. Shaoxing · Keqiao Ancient Thread Road (Thousand-year-old Water Stone Slab Road)
✨ Why recommend?
80% fewer people than Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang! The ancient thread road stretches over the canal, with bluestone slabs just above the water. On both sides are rapeseed flowers (March-April) or reeds (October-November). Riding a black-awning boat here feels like stepping into an ancient poem. Plus, the boat ride costs half the price of Wuzhen!
📍 Detailed address
Ancient Thread Road Scenic Area, Keyan Street, Keqiao District, Shaoxing City (1 hour drive from Hangzhou, or take high-speed train to Shaoxing North Station then taxi 30 minutes, about 40 RMB)
📝 Precise 1-day itinerary
- 09:30-11:00 Walk the ancient thread road + take photos
Enter from the scenic area entrance, walk along the ancient thread road (bluestone slabs can be slippery, wear non-slip shoes). Focus on the "water stone bridge" section. When sunny, the water reflects the stone slabs, creating a great atmosphere. If you don’t want to walk, take the black-awning boat (80 RMB/boat, seats 2, 20 minutes ride, the boatman rows slowly).
- 11:30-13:00 Eat Shaoxing cuisine
Must-eat at the nearby "Old Shaoxing Restaurant"! Recommended dishes: braised pork with preserved vegetables (fatty but not greasy), drunken chicken (strong wine aroma), yellow wine pudding (sweet but not cloying). About 60 RMB per person. You can also order a pot of yellow wine (15 RMB/pot) to taste local flavor~
- 13:30-15:30 Visit Keqiao Ancient Town
Taxi 10 minutes from the thread road to Keqiao Ancient Town (free entry). Less crowded than Shaoxing Old Town. Explore Ming and Qing architecture, see the canal wharf, and buy Shaoxing fermented bean curd and fennel beans as souvenirs (10-20 RMB per pack). For quiet time, find a riverside teahouse to sit for a while (30 RMB per cup of tea, can sit all afternoon).
- 16:30 Return trip
High-speed train from Shaoxing North Station to Hangzhou takes only 20 minutes, ticket 19 RMB, more convenient than driving.
⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls
- Don’t get lured by boatmen at the scenic area entrance. Go directly to the official dock inside the scenic area to avoid being overcharged;
- March-April rapeseed flower season is busier, arrive an hour early; October-November reed season is least crowded and best for photos;
- No shade along the thread road, bring an umbrella and sunscreen in summer.
3. Lin’an · Taihu Source (Cool Water Paradise)
✨ Why recommend?
The "Little Jiuzhaigou" near Hangzhou! The stream water is so clear you can see small fish. Steep cliffs and bamboo forests line both sides. Summer average temperature is 25°C. You can step in the water, touch fish, play with water guns—super fun. There’s also a suspended glass bridge (exciting but not scary), perfect for kids or friends to have fun together~
📍 Detailed address
Taihu Source Scenic Area, Taihu Source Town, Lin’an District, Hangzhou City (2 hours drive from Hangzhou, highway toll about 70 RMB; or take Metro Line 16 to Lin’an Square Station, then taxi 1 hour, about 80 RMB)
📝 Precise 1-day itinerary
- 08:30 Departure (leave early to avoid traffic)
Weekend traffic to Taihu Source can be heavy. Recommend leaving before 8 AM and arriving before 10 AM.
- 10:00-12:00 Play in the stream + walk glass bridge
Enter the scenic area and walk along the stream trail. When you see shallow water, you can step in (bring slippers, 20 RMB/pair sold in the scenic area). The water is very cool and refreshing in summer. Walk halfway up the mountain to the suspended glass bridge (ticket included in scenic area admission, no extra cost). Standing on the bridge, you can see the whole canyon—great for photos~
- 12:30-13:30 Eat farmhouse dishes
At the scenic area entrance, the "Taihu Source Farmhouse" is a must-try. Recommended dishes: stream fish (freshly caught and cooked, tender meat), stir-fried mountain bamboo shoots with cured meat (spring bamboo shoots are very fresh), cold tofu salad (local handmade tofu). About 50 RMB per person, very generous portions!
- 14:00-16:00 Hiking + fish touching
After lunch, hike to the deep part of the scenic area called "Longxu Ditch." The trail is easy, with many shallow spots along the way. If you bring a small net, you can catch little fish (remember to release them!). For quiet time, find a rock to sit on, listen to the stream and birds—super relaxing~
- 16:30 Return trip
Afternoon traffic can be heavy. Recommend leaving before 4 PM, about 2 hours back to Hangzhou.
⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls
- Buy scenic area tickets online one day in advance (65 RMB/person, 78 RMB at the gate) to save 13 RMB;
- Bring a change of clothes if you have kids, stepping in water can wet pants;
- Mosquitoes are many in summer, be sure to bring mosquito repellent!
No need to squeeze into West Lake around Hangzhou! These 3 places have fewer people, beautiful scenery, and are fun to visit. For about 150 RMB per person, you can enjoy a full day. Invite friends or bring kids this weekend for easy photo ops and relaxation~ Which place do you want to visit most? Tell me in the comments!
This is my second time visiting Wuzhen. Last time, the combined ticket I bought left me a bit rushed. This time, I only went to Dongzha, which had relatively fewer tourists. I saw Mu Xin's former residence this time; its aesthetic layout is superb. I'll definitely go again sometime.
The entrance fee to Xizha is 150 yuan per person, and to Dongzha is 110 yuan per person. A combined ticket for both Xizha and Dongzha is 190 yuan per person (valid for the day). The sightseeing bus within the scenic area costs 10 yuan per person per ride. Parking within the scenic area costs 20 yuan per day. It is recommended to start visiting Xizha in the afternoon and enjoy the night view of Xizha. Wuzhen has Dongzha, Xizha, Nanzha, and Beizha. Xizha is the most famous attraction, and its night view is the most worthwhile to visit.
It's recommended to start your visit to Xizha in the afternoon and enjoy its night view in the evening. Wuzhen has Dongzha, Nanzha, Xizha, and Beizha, with Xizha being the most famous and worthwhile for its night view. Dongzha is mainly inhabited by locals and has a strong local atmosphere, making it suitable for daytime visits. Xizha is a popular tourist area with many attractions and beautiful night views, making it highly recommended. Dongzha and Xizha are about 2 kilometers apart, with free shuttle buses available, or you can take a rowboat to travel between them. Xizha entrance fee is 150 yuan per person, and Dongzha entrance fee is 110 yuan per person.
Wuzhen, an ancient water town located in Tongxiang, Zhejiang, has attracted countless tourists with its unique Jiangnan charm. Small bridges, flowing water, bluestone roads, white walls and black tiles make up the picturesque scenery of Wuzhen. Dongzha and Xizha are the two core scenic spots of Wuzhen. Dongzha retains more original residential styles, while Xizha has been carefully renovated and is more romantic under the lights at night. Wuzhen's specialties such as handmade marinated duck and Dingsheng cake are also memorable. In addition, the Wuzhen Drama Festival has added a strong cultural atmosphere to this ancient town. Whether strolling in the ancient streets or taking a Wupeng boat to shuttle between the rivers, you can feel the tranquility and beauty of Wuzhen. In general, Wuzhen is a great place to relax and feel the charm of the Jiangnan water town.
The ticket to the West Gate of Wuzhen is 150 yuan per person. It is recommended to visit the ancient town in one day. The ticket is valid from 9:00 to 22:00. It is a one-time ticket. You have to buy a new ticket to go out and enter again, which is not cost-effective. "The mist and rain enter the south of the Yangtze River, and the mountains and rivers are like ink." Here, there are small bridges and flowing water, blue bricks and black tiles, which can be far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The blue bricks and white walls carry the memories of the years, and the picturesque scenery lights up the tenderness of the south of the Yangtze River. The small bridges and flowing water tell the story of a thousand years. Strolling in the ancient streets, you can appreciate the unique charm of the water town in the south of the Yangtze River, and you can also taste the local specialties and let your taste buds enjoy it. Poetry and beauty, Wuzhen allows you to slowly taste the fireworks of the world and watch the life of the ancient town. When you go to Wuzhen, you feel like you have come to the Utopia in the city.
Wuzhen is well worth a visit, with the following highlights: 1. Unique water town style: - Crossing rivers: Wuzhen is divided into several areas by waterways, and the ancient town is crisscrossed with rivers and densely covered with water networks. Sit on a rowing boat, slowly move forward in the river, watch the river gently ripple, and the weeping willows on the bank are like a flowing ink painting. This kind of quiet and beautiful water town scenery is hard to see in other places, and it can make people deeply feel the charm of the Jiangnan water town. - Many ancient bridges: Stone bridges of various shapes span the river, and the river and the ancient buildings on both sides set off each other, forming a beautiful scenery. These ancient bridges are not only the passages connecting the two sides, but also the witnesses of Wuzhen's history. Each bridge has its own unique story and charm. 2. Well-preserved ancient buildings: - Traditional houses: There are a large number of traditional houses here, with white walls, black tiles, and wooden structures, full of Jiangnan characteristics. The carvings on the doors, windows, and eaves are exquisite and delicate, showing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. Walking in the ancient alleys, it seems like traveling back in time, and you can feel the living atmosphere of the ancients up close. - Historical houses: Some ancient houses have been preserved to this day, such as Mao Dun's former residence. These houses have a rigorous layout and elegant architectural style. The furnishings and decorations inside retain the style of the year, allowing people to understand the history, culture and celebrity stories of Wuzhen. 3. Profound cultural heritage: - Literary and artistic atmosphere: Wuzhen is the hometown of the literary giant Mao Dun. There are many cultural relics and stories related to him here, which can make people feel a strong literary atmosphere. In addition, the Mu Xin Art Museum is also located in Wuzhen. The museum houses many manuscripts and other works of Mr. Mu Xin, providing a place for art lovers to appreciate and learn. - Rich folk culture: Wuzhen has preserved many traditional folk cultures, such as traditional dyeing, winemaking and other handicrafts. Visitors can witness the production process of these traditional crafts in the workshop and feel the exquisite skills of folk artists and the charm of traditional culture. There are also various traditional festivals, such as the Dragon Boat Festival's "Dragon Drum Competition and Five Yellow Feast" and "Dragon Boat Lantern Boat", which allow tourists to deeply experience the local folk customs. - Prosperous drama culture: Wuzhen Drama Festival is a very influential drama festival in China, attracting many domestic and foreign drama lovers and artists to participate every year. During the drama festival, every corner of the ancient town is full of artistic atmosphere, and various wonderful drama performances are staged in turn, bringing a visual and auditory feast to tourists. 4. The food is very distinctive: - Wuzhen mutton noodles: Made with Jiaxing's characteristic lake mutton, the mutton is tender and juicy, fat but not greasy, and the mutton is rich in aroma after stewing. Paired with chewy noodles and poured with delicious mutton soup, eating a bowl will make you feel warm all over. - Dingsheng cake: A traditional Jiangnan pastry with white color, soft and glutinous cake body, usually with red bean paste filling, moderate sweetness, delicate taste, fragrant and delicious, with a beautiful meaning. - Whitewater fish: The whitewater fish produced in Wuzhen waters has tender meat. After steaming, the whitewater fish retains its original flavor. The fish meat is tender and smooth, and the taste is delicious. It is a local specialty. 5. Beautiful night view
Wuzhen, a great place worth visiting! I wanted to go there a long time ago, but I never had the time! This time I took my parents there to play! The environment is really beautiful! It was said to be the off-season when we went there, but there were really a lot of people. I can't imagine how many people there would be in the peak season! We stayed in Wuzhen! The service was very thoughtful. There were ten service windows, and luggage could be checked in! People could just take a tourist sightseeing bus to go in! The scenery inside is so beautiful! Whether it's night or day, every place is a place to check in and take pictures! The scenic area inside is clean! It's a pity that we only stayed for one night!
🌿Natural landscape, picturesque🌿 In autumn, the waterways of Wuzhen are clearer, and the quaint houses on both sides are more charming under the autumn breeze. The trees on the shore gradually put on colorful clothes under the autumn breeze. The golden ginkgo, fiery red maple leaves and quaint houses complement each other, forming a beautiful autumn picture scroll. Especially at dusk, the setting sun shines on the water, sparkling, and the whole world seems to be dyed with a layer of gentle gold, which makes people feel relaxed and happy. 🏯Historical culture, profound and long🏯 As one of the four famous towns in China, Wuzhen has a profound historical and cultural heritage. Walking in the streets and alleys of the ancient town, the historical relics and cultural heritage everywhere make people feel the strong Jiangnan style. The ancient streets are lined with traditional wooden buildings, ancient theaters and academies. These well-preserved cultural heritages have witnessed the historical changes of Wuzhen for hundreds of years. In autumn, tourists can stroll more leisurely in these ancient streets and alleys, savoring the weight of history and the charm of culture. 🍽️Food feast, taste buds enjoyment🍽️ In autumn, Wuzhen also has delicious food. Wuzhen has a wide variety of water town snacks, and local specialties such as pickled duck, white-cut meat, and sweet-scented osmanthus lotus root are mouth-watering. At the street stalls in the ancient town, tourists can taste the food while enjoying the scenery of the water town and enjoy a leisurely pace of life. In addition, Wuzhen in autumn also has abundant seasonal fruits and agricultural products, such as persimmons, pomegranates, pumpkins, etc., providing tourists with more food choices. 🎭Cultural activities, colorful🎭 In autumn, Wuzhen also holds various cultural activities, such as the Wuzhen Drama Festival. The Wuzhen Drama Festival attracts drama teams and artists from all over the world to perform and communicate, presenting tourists with a wonderful art feast. In addition, Wuzhen also has various handicraft exhibitions and experience activities, such as blue printed cloth, shadow play, etc., which allow tourists to have a deeper understanding of Wuzhen's culture and art. 🏨Accommodation recommendation, comfortable experience🏨 In the autumn season, it is recommended that you choose a distinctive homestay to experience the water town style while also being able to have a deeper understanding of Wuzhen's culture and lifestyle.