Surprises await deep in Shanghu! Unlock kayaking and visit the Peony Garden with your kids to become nature explorers

Besides the popular cycling routes, Shanghu also hides more niche and wild fun activities. This time, we ventured like explorers, delving into the lake bays and visiting specialized gardens, gaining a unique parent-child experience. 🛶 Top Wild Experience Kayaking Adventure (summer/when conditions allow) At some water sports bases in Shanghu (check opening status in advance), you can try parent-child kayaking. Under the guidance of professional instructors, put on life jackets and paddle into waterways and reed beds inaccessible to regular tourists. Seeing the water forest and birds from this perspective feels completely different, and kids feel like real explorers. Winter alternative: If kayaking is not available, focus on nature observation and hiking below. 🔍 Themed Exploration: Becoming a Nature Observer Shanghu boasts rich biodiversity. We prepared a "Nature Observation Task Card" for the kids: - Find three different birds: Use a birdwatching guidebook to record their features (such as color, size, beak shape). - Collect five different leaves/fruits: Observe their shapes, colors, and textures. - Discover signs of life by the water: such as snail shells, clam shells, or animal footprints. With these tasks, kids stay highly focused, and every discovery feels like finding treasure. 🌳 Hiking Secret Spot: Baoyan Ecological Sightseeing Garden Shanghu connects to Yushan Mountain, and you can enter Baoyan Ecological Sightseeing Garden from the scenic area. This is the richest forest vegetation area of Yushan. In winter, walking through the bamboo sea and ancient woods, the air is crisp and the scenery lush. You can see many centuries-old trees; let your kids hug the thick trunks and feel the ancient power of life. 🏵️ Visiting the Winter Look of the "Jiangnan Peony Garden" Shanghu’s Peony Garden is famous in spring, but what to see in winter? You can see the withered peony branches and imagine their springtime bloom. More importantly, the garden’s buildings and pavilions look especially peaceful under the winter sun, making it a great photo spot. Show your kids pictures of peonies and promise to come back in spring, planting a seed of anticipation. 🏡 Quiet Choice at the Foot of Yushan: Sanfeng Rustic Homestay For a deeper experience of Yushan Shanghu’s tranquility, consider staying at a homestay at the foot of Yushan. For example, the Sanfeng area offers quiet surroundings, with mountain forests right outside the window. The nights are incredibly peaceful, waking up to birdsong, then hiking into the scenic area is very convenient. 🍜 Mountain Farmhouse Cuisine Near Baoyan Ecological Garden or at the foot of Yushan, there are many farmhouses. Enjoy a table of authentic farmhouse dishes: native chicken soup, Yushan wild vegetables, grass-head pancake noodles, with fresh ingredients and simple flavors. 📌 Deep Exploration Tips - Activity Booking: Be sure to call ahead to confirm and book special experiences like kayaking. - Safety First: Follow instructor guidance during water activities or forest hikes and keep a close watch on children. - Gear Upgrade: For hiking, wear professional hiking shoes and bring trekking poles. - Information Gathering: Before traveling, research Shanghu and Yushan travel guides to discover more hidden trails and spots. This route is perfect for families who love hands-on activities, nature, and want more than conventional sightseeing. It requires you to actively explore and discover, but the reward will be unique travel memories and a high-quality parent-child adventure time.