Summer Retreat Destination: A Practical Travel Guide to Moganshan, Zhejiang – Real Experience!

As a travel enthusiast who has visited many places, Moganshan remains unforgettable to me. Here, I’ll share my experience exploring Moganshan, hoping it helps those planning a trip there. Located in Deqing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, Moganshan is easily accessible. I drove there from Hangzhou, which took about 1.5 hours with scenic views along the way. If you prefer not to drive, you can take a high-speed train to Deqing Station and then transfer to a shuttle bus or taxi to the Moganshan Distribution Center. Note that private cars aren’t allowed up the mountain—you’ll need to switch to a scenic shuttle (fare: ¥35). Upon arrival, the lush greenery and fresh air are incredibly soothing. There’s so much to explore: don’t miss Jianchi (Sword Pond), the legendary site where the swordsmiths Moye and Ganjiang worked—its four-tiered waterfall will leave you in awe of nature’s craftsmanship. Luhuadang Park is also worth a visit, with its century-old ginkgo trees, artful landscaping, and views of Naked Heart Castle. The sunrise over the sea of clouds at Xuguang Terrace is breathtaking, but be prepared for a climb of 2,000 steps—less athletic visitors should brace themselves. Yucun Village exudes early 20th-century charm, with its sycamore-lined boulevard, clock tower, and doves, making it perfect for photos. Don’t skip the fairytale-like afternoon tea at Naked Heart Castle, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the bamboo sea. If time allows, a two-day trip is ideal. On the first day, visit Dadouwu Reservoir, dubbed "Little Jiuzhaigou" for its emerald waters and stunning scenery, followed by a refreshing stream hike at Biwu Longtan. In the evening, explore Yucun’s night market and try local snacks. On day two, catch the sunrise at Xuguang Terrace, then head to Jianchi, and spend the afternoon feeding cows at Yiyuan Farm for a taste of rural life. The best times to visit are spring (March–May) for wildflowers or autumn (September–November) for fiery maple leaves—both seasons offer spectacular views. Pack anti-slip hiking shoes, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen, as bamboo forests are buggy and trails can be steep. For food, try bamboo shoot braised pork, tea-scented chicken, and bamboo tube rice. Highlights include the savory bamboo shoot braised pork at "Yucun Lao Zaotou" (featuring local pork and Leizhu bamboo shoots) and the tea-smoked free-range chicken at "Goldfish Mama Wild Restaurant." Accommodation-wise, splurge on Naked Heart Castle for treetop villas and equestrian experiences, or opt for budget-friendly Shan Ye Mo Yu near Yucun Square, with its wabi-sabi design and pool (around ¥400 per person). Moganshan is truly a place you won’t want to leave—may everyone find their own joy in its landscapes.