Things to do in Zhenghe

The beauty of Qiandao Lake lies in its creation of a picturesque landscape of "vast waters, small islands, and verdant mountains," perfect for relaxation. With over a thousand islands scattered across the lake, the most classic view is from Meifeng Island, accessible by boat. On a clear day, the scenery is truly therapeutic.

The cable car was a simplified version. The autumn weather was sunny and breezy, quite comfortable. Those afraid of heights should avoid looking down. Climbing Buxu Mountain to see Dinghu Peak is time-saving and effortless – thumbs up!

A great human masterpiece in the mountains, the terraces are beautiful

I came specifically to see the fish lanterns and unlocked the same style as my family's home. Yongxing Lake is so lively at night, like celebrating the New Year! Come see the fish transforming into dragons, everyone has a fish lantern, and the green bricks and white tiles make it feel like I've traveled back in time!

The ticket price is too expensive; 50 yuan is the most it should be. The Jiuqu Yunhuan Scenic Area is a meticulously crafted terraced field for tourists; it's okay for taking photos. Qixingdun is best viewed from a distance. The Yunhe Terraces can't compare to the Yuanyang Terraces in Yunnan. Just take a casual look.

Kaiyuan Temple, a thousand-year-old temple, boasts imposing twin pagodas and towering banyan trees, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Just a wall away lies West Street, a vibrant hub of activity, with its exquisitely carved ancient buildings that blend the diverse cultures of the Maritime Silk Road, making it a worthwhile destination to savor and appreciate the rich heritage of Quanzhou.

Xidi is nice; it's not overly commercialized, and you can see the villagers' lives. It's rustic and steeped in history. The village is well-preserved, perfect for a leisurely experience. However, wandering around on the off-main roads after dark can be a little scary. There are folk performances in the square at night, which are very lively, and at 11 pm, they even play gongs and drums to signal the night watch. Hongcun is heavily commercialized, with assembly-line-like shops selling cultural and creative products, Hanfu (traditional Han clothing), silver jewelry, and even grilled sausages—it's pretty much the same everywhere in China. But the morning and night views of Moon Pond and South Lake are worth seeing.

We went to Tonglu's Heartbeat Park during the National Day holiday, but unfortunately it rained. However, the kids still had a great time. There were rides and a few NPCs playing games, making it quite fun. The price was a bit high, and you couldn't replay the rides repeatedly, which reduced the overall value. The roast chicken was delicious and flavorful, and the price wasn't too expensive; I'd recommend it.

Wuyishan was one stop on our road trip loop! Before coming, I was quite nervous because of all the travel guides online. Actually, it's the off-season and the crowds aren't that big, so you can plan your time more leisurely! This loop included several mountains. The mountain scenery in Wuyishan isn't particularly special. The scenic area is very large, and you can only get there by shuttle bus. But if you just rush through everything by shuttle bus, it's really not that great. If the temperature is nice, it's nice to walk around and see the tea gardens. This season, the water level is low, and the scenery at several attractions is just so-so, especially the Da Hong Pao and Shui Lian Dong scenic areas at the North Gate. We walked a long way there and it was far below expectations. The good thing is that the Sangu Resort Area is well-planned. It's convenient to take a bus to the South Gate of the scenic area, and it's free.

A combined ticket for the Tangyue Memorial Archway Complex and the Bao Family Garden is available. The Tangyue Memorial Archway Complex comprises seven archways from the Ming and Qing dynasties belonging to the Bao family. The stone carvings are rich in historical significance, and a guided tour is highly recommended. The Bao Family Garden primarily features Hui-style bonsai and can be visited briefly. The combined ticket costs 98 yuan, which is slightly high overall.