🚗 North Zhejiang (Huzhou, Jiaxing, Hangzhou) — A first-time experience of Jiangnan water towns
Best for: First-time visitors to Zhejiang, traveling with seniors
West Lake in Hangzhou is free, but don't just wander aimlessly. Visit Lingyin Temple (Feilai Peak, CNY 45) to pay your respects, then head to Xixi National Wetland Park (CNY 80) for a sculling boat ride. In Jiaxing, Wuzhen (Xizha, CNY 150) and Xitang (CNY 95) are must-visits; be sure to stay overnight to see the night views! Moganshan in Huzhou (approx. CNY 80) is great for escaping the heat, and Nanxun Ancient Town (combo ticket approx. CNY 100) is much quieter than Wuzhen—perfect for a leisurely stroll with parents.
🌊 East Zhejiang (Shaoxing, Ningbo, Zhoushan) — A route for yellow rice wine, seafood, and blessings
Best for: Fans of traditional vibes and seafood lovers
Lu Xun's Native Place in Shaoxing is free, but you must visit Anchang Ancient Town (free) to see locals drying sausages, then have some yellow rice wine and stinky tofu. Tianyi Pavilion (approx. CNY 30) and Dongqian Lake (free) in Ningbo have a slow pace, perfect for relaxing. Putuoshan in Zhoushan (entry + ferry ticket approx. CNY 220) is a sacred site for blessings. Dongji Island is stunning in summer, but remember to book ferry tickets in advance!
🏞️ Central Zhejiang (Jinhua, Quzhou) — Celebrity spotting and Danxia landscapes
Best for: Those who prefer fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, and movie buffs
At Hengdian World Studios in Jinhua (combo ticket approx. CNY 300), you can take the kids to spot film crews. Shuanglong Cave (approx. CNY 80) feels like natural air conditioning in the summer. Jianglang Mountain in Quzhou (approx. CNY 90) is a World Natural Heritage site with stunning Danxia landforms. Nianbadu Ancient Town (approx. CNY 80) sits at the intersection of three provinces and feels very authentic.
📸 South Zhejiang (Wenzhou, Taizhou, Lishui) — A paradise for outdoor activities and photography
Best for: Photographers and hiking enthusiasts
The night view at Lingfeng Peak in Yandang Mountain, Wenzhou (individual scenic spots approx. CNY 50–80) is incredible, and bamboo rafting on the Nanxi River (approx. CNY 80) feels like floating through a landscape painting. Shenxianju in Taizhou (approx. CNY 110) is a filming location for "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," and Guoqing Temple on Mount Tiantai (free) is very serene. Yunhe Rice Terraces (approx. CNY 80) and Guyan Huaxiang (approx. CNY 50) in Lishui are breathtaking—watching the sunrise over the sea of clouds in the morning will leave you speechless!
🗺️ How to plan a 7-day trip? Just copy this route:
Hangzhou (West Lake > Xixi) > Wuzhen (stay overnight) > Shaoxing (Lu Xun's Native Place > Anchang) > Ningbo (Tianyi Pavilion > Dongqian Lake) > Zhoushan (Putuoshan) > Jinhua (Hengdian or Shuanglong Cave) > Lishui (Yunhe Rice Terraces > return).
If you only have a weekend, just pick one region for a 2–3 day trip—it's still great!
🏠 Where to stay?
In North Zhejiang, stay inside Wuzhen Xizha to see the water from your window. In East Zhejiang, stay near the Old Bund in Ningbo for easy access to seafood. In Central Zhejiang, choose Hengdian town or downtown Quzhou for good value. In South Zhejiang, be sure to spend a night at the Yunhe Rice Terraces or Xianglingtou in Yandang Mountain for an amazing sunrise.
🍜 What to eat?
In Hangzhou, try Pian'erchuan noodles and Congbaohui. In Shaoxing, you must try stinky tofu and soy-sauce duck. In Ningbo, try tangyuan (sweet rice balls) and red crab. In Quzhou, challenge yourself with the "three heads and one paw" (rabbit head, duck head, fish head, and duck paw)—it's spicy and satisfying. In Wenzhou, try fish balls and sticky rice. In Lishui, try Jinyun shaobing and Qiaorou soup.
⚠️ Honest tips to avoid tourist traps:
1. Don't book cheap "one-day tours"! Especially the unlicensed tours from Hangzhou to Wuzhen or Putuoshan—they'll likely take you shopping.
2. Visiting only Dongzha in Wuzhen isn't worth it; the night view in Xizha is the soul of the place.
3. When eating seafood in East Zhejiang, ask for the price first. Look for "clearly marked prices" to avoid being overcharged by "market prices."
4. Don't make a wasted trip to the Yunhe Rice Terraces! It's dry in winter, so check if it's the irrigation season before you go.
5. Book ferry tickets to Putuoshan in advance during peak season, or you'll be stuck at the pier feeling the sea breeze.
6. Wear comfortable shoes! You'll easily walk tens of thousands of steps in Zhejiang's scenic spots, climbing mountains and crossing water. If your feet give out, the trip is ruined.
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