3-Day Jiande Travel Itinerary Recommendation, Sweetest Summer with You
## Jiande Xin'an River Travel Guide: Slow Life in a Landscape of Mountains and Water
1. Impression of Xin'an River
"Clear water, cool breeze, and strange mist" are the three wonders of Xin'an River. This river running through Jiande is like a green ribbon linking the verdant mountains, ancient towns, and countryside on both banks. Here, there are no noisy tour groups, only a slow pace of life and picturesque scenery, perfect for those wanting to escape the city and find tranquility.
2. Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Cool Summer Escape, Experience 17°C Summer
Morning: Arrive in Jiande and head to the Xin'an River Hydropower Station. As the first hydropower station independently designed in New China, it carries historical significance and lets you experience the grandeur of Xin'an River up close. Standing on the dam top, you can take in the green river and distant green mountains.
Afternoon: Take a boat tour of the Xin'an River Gallery. It is recommended to choose a cruise or dragon boat to enjoy the wonder of the "Baisha Strange Mist" and feel the artistic conception of "the boat moves on the river, people travel in a painting." In summer evenings, a thin mist often rises over the river, creating a fairyland-like scene.
Evening: Stay at a riverside guesthouse and taste Jiande specialties such as white flower fish, stick fish, and Yanzhou crisp cake.
Day 2: Explore Ancient Towns, Trace Historical Footprints
Morning: Visit Meicheng Ancient Town (Yanzhou Prefecture City). This ancient town with over 1700 years of history was once the seat of the ancient Yanzhou Prefecture. Stroll along the bluestone paths, touch the weathered city walls, and visit historical sites like the Qing Post Office and the archway to feel the weight of history.
Afternoon: Tour Yuquan Temple. This millennium-old temple built against the mountain offers a serene environment, and the "First Buddha of Western Zhejiang" inside is worth seeing. Alternatively, visit Xinye Ancient Village to admire well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and experience the charm of farming culture.
Evening: Return to Jiande city center to enjoy the night view of Xin'an River, where the river under the lights offers a unique charm.
Day 3: Nature Adventure, Challenge Yourself
Morning: Head to Lingqi Cave. These three caves with distinct styles are famous for "clear water, strange caves, and cool breeze" and have been filming locations for TV series like Journey to the West and Investiture of the Gods. The caves are cool and pleasant in summer, making them a great place to escape the heat.
Afternoon: Challenge the Daci Rock Hanging Temple. This temple embedded in a cliff is known as the "Hanging Temple of Jiangnan." Climb to the mountaintop to overlook the mountains and feel the thrill. If physical strength is limited, you can take the cable car up and down.
3. Transportation Guide
High-speed rail: Take the high-speed train from Hangzhou East Station to Jiande Station, about 40 minutes.
Self-driving: From Hangzhou, take the Hangxin-Jing Expressway, about 1.5 hours.
City transportation: Self-driving or taxis are recommended; some attractions are reachable by bus but with limited schedules.
4. Food Recommendations
Must-try dishes: white flower fish, stick fish, Jiuxing fish head king, Yanzhou salty glutinous rice balls, Liyue white lotus stewed chicken.
Special snacks: Yanzhou crisp cake, tofu buns, fried glutinous rice cakes, crystal cakes.
Recommended restaurants: Yanzhoufu Restaurant, Fatty’s Food Stall, Old Street Snacks.
5. Accommodation Recommendations
Riverside guesthouses: Guesthouses by Xin'an River, such as "Fengyuexuan" and "Yunman Songjian," where you can see the river view just by opening the window.
Specialty hotels: Jiande Radisson Hotel, Crowne Plaza Hotel, etc., with complete facilities and attentive service.
Ancient town inns: Many inns in Meicheng Ancient Town offer affordable prices and local living experiences.
6. Travel Tips
Best season: Suitable all year round; summer is best for cooling off, autumn for charming red leaves.
Precautions: Use sun protection and mosquito repellent in summer; keep warm in winter.
Special experience: The Xin'an River water stays around 17°C year-round, allowing you to experience the "ice and fire dual sensation" rafting in summer.
7. Nearby Recommendations
If time permits, you can also visit:
Qiandao Lake: About 1 hour by car from Jiande, with boat tours available.
Fuchun River: Enjoy the real-life scenery of the "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" painting.
Conclusion
Jiande Xin'an River, an underrated treasure destination. Come here to slow down, appreciate the beauty of mountains and water, experience the charm of ancient towns, savor authentic cuisine, and let your soul return to peace.