Two-Day One-Night Adventure at Anji Shenxi Canyon Rafting

What could be more enticing in the scorching summer than an exhilarating rafting experience? Anji Shenxi Canyon Rafting attracts countless visitors with its unique charm, offering not only thrilling rapids but also picturesque natural scenery and a variety of delicious local cuisine. Below is a detailed guide for a two-day, one-night trip to Anji Shenxi Canyon Rafting. **Itinerary** **Day 1: Wet and Wild Rafting Adventure** **Morning:** Drive from Hangzhou to the Lower Pier of Shenxi Canyon Rafting (be sure to navigate to "Shenxi Canyon Rafting Lower Pier"). The journey takes about 1.5 hours. It’s best to depart early and arrive by 8:00 AM, as traffic congestion at the lower pier on weekends is common, often lasting 3+ hours. Park your car downstream and take the shuttle bus uphill (¥10/person). Purchase a waterproof phone case and a water scoop online in advance—prices at the scenic area are about 3 times higher. You can also buy tactical water guns beforehand for the upcoming water fights. **Noon:** Enjoy lunch at a nearby farmhouse restaurant, savoring Anji specialties like bamboo chicken, stream fish, and braised pork with dried bamboo shoots. Recommended restaurants include Lao Li’s Farmhouse and Alujia · The Taste of Anji. Lao Li’s boat-head fish hotpot, simmered in mountain spring water with local bamboo shoots, is exceptionally flavorful. Alujia’s braised pork with dried bamboo shoots, paired with wild onion pancakes, is a must-try. Always confirm seasonal prices when ordering, as stream fish prices may spike during rafting season. A reasonable budget is around ¥80 per person. **Afternoon:** Begin your rafting adventure! The Shenxi Canyon Rafting course spans 2.8 km and takes 1–1.5 hours. The first half (~1 hour) features attractions like "Dragon Leaping Three Passes" and "Dragon Plunging into the Sea," including three consecutive vertical drops—hold on tight! The second half (~1.5 hours) passes through "Bamboo Maze" and "Cave Crossing," the main battleground for water fights. Splash other rafts freely and prepare for an unforgettable, heart-pounding ride. **Evening:** Stay overnight in a canyon homestay. Recommended: *Shenxi Xiaolu*, with terrace soaking pools (~¥200/person, but book 1 month ahead). Alternatives: *Anji Moshang Family Homestay* (with a large outdoor pool, right by the rafting site, offering a premium experience); *Muxia · Mountain Stream Homestay* (~¥150/person, 10-minute walk to rafting, with creek paddleboarding and fishing—the owner’s braised pork with bamboo shoots is amazing); *Four Seasons Villa* (¥60–100/night including three meals, featuring mountain spring-water stewed chicken and free bamboo shoot digging—super value!). **Day 2: Mountain Retreat & Leisurely Moments** **Morning:** Explore the free wild creek near your homestay for stream trekking and fish-catching. Turn over rocks—you might find a basketful of crabs! **Afternoon:** Head to *Waterfall Coffee* at Peninsula Camp for iced Americano by the falls and Instagram-worthy shots. Later, visit *Fujiwara Tofu Shop* for a *Initial D* nostalgia trip (though the ¥38 milk tea is pricey—decide if it’s worth it). **Evening:** Drive to *Jiangnan Tianchi* for a mountaintop sunset and an *Initial D*-inspired 18-turn mountain road experience. **Transportation Guide** **By Car:** From Hangzhou, take the Hangchang Expressway and exit at Anji North (~1.5 hours). Free parking is available, but arrive before 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a spot. **Public Transit:** Take a bus to Anji Bus Terminal, then transfer to Bus 257A or 230 to Hongjia Village, followed by a 1.4 km walk. Taxis cost ¥50–60. **Ticket Info** Adult tickets: ¥168 (online advance purchase: ¥149). Child tickets: ¥138 (online: ¥118). Book 1–2 days ahead to save money and skip lines. **Essentials** - **Clothing:** Quick-dry outfits (no open-toe sandals; Crocs recommended) and a spare set. - **Protection:** Waterproof sunscreen (regular sunscreen washes off), earplugs. - **Rafting Gear:** High-quality waterproof phone case, small bucket/water gun. - **Extras:** Towel, toiletries for the free hot showers post-rafting. **Rafting Process** 1. Navigate to "Shenxi Canyon Rafting Lower Pier Parking." Store valuables in your car or use lockers. 2. Take the free shuttle to the upper pier. 3. Exchange e-tickets for physical ones, self-equip life jackets/helmets, and proceed to the rafting start. 4. After rafting, use the free hot showers and changing rooms at the lower pier. **Tips** - **Timing & Weather:** Weekday rafting: 12:30–14:30; weekends: 9:00–16:00 (arrive by 14:00). Heavy rain halts rafting—check weather alerts on *Anji Release* WeChat. - **Attire & Safety:** Wear proper clothing/shoes. No sharp objects, glass, or pets on rafts. - **Traffic:** Weekend lower pier jams are severe. If shuttle lines exceed 1 hour, hail a local pickup truck (~¥30/person; haggle possible). - **Safety First:** Grip handles tightly, no standing during rapids. Over 80kg? Opt for tandem rafting. Lifeguards are present, but stay vigilant.