Quzhou Jiangshan: A Hidden Gem of Mountains and Waters in Western Zhejiang

Tired of the crowds? Jiangshan, a small town in western Zhejiang surrounded by mountains and rivers, is the tranquil paradise you’ve been searching for. High-speed rail direct access (Shanghai to Suzhou about 2.5 hours), convenient for self-driving as well, perfect for a weekend escape into an ink-and-wash painting. 🌄 A two-day scroll, poetically unfurled: D1: Ancient Village Ink Charm · Peaks Piercing the Clouds Qingyang Mao Family Cultural Village: At the foot of Jianglang Mountain, ancient ancestral halls and lotus ponds exude elegance. As the sunset spills gold, white walls and black tiles soak in warm hues. Stroll along the bluestone alleys, and the urban clamor instantly dissolves into the fragrance of lotus and ink charm. Jianglang Mountain: Red Danxia cliffs, three strange stones piercing the sky (Three Stones). Hike up, wander through the winding eighteen bends, overlook Xunü Lake like a jade gem, where ruggedness hides magnificent natural wonders. Every step is a scene that amazed the ancient travelers. D2: Millennia of Life · Border Town Dreams Nianbadu Ancient Town: A thousand years frozen under the Ming and Qing horse-head walls. Stone slab roads built along the mountain, shops lining the streets, smoke curling from kitchens. Not a deliberate antique imitation, but a living "smoke and fire utopia," every snapshot a masterpiece carved by time. 🔥 Jiangshan on the Tongue: Don’t be fooled by the Jiangnan impression! This is Zhejiang’s “spicy representative.” Find an authentic local restaurant, and the fresh and spicy Quzhou cuisine will ignite your taste buds (duck head and stir-fried rice noodles are must-tries). Street food treasures: crispy preserved mustard greens cakes, crystal-clear swallow skin wontons, a perfect blend of carbs and nostalgia. Love spicy? Congratulations, this place is heaven. Floating sea of clouds, Xianxia Ancient Trail… the charm of Jiangshan is far beyond this. Take a break from the hustle and bustle, come to this mountain and water rendezvous, Daydream in the sunset of the ancient village, Breathe in the sea of clouds on the strange peaks, Get intoxicated in the smoke and fire of the ancient town, Let the spicy taste on your tongue Ignite a long-lost exhilaration.