Hangzhou's Caoya Cycling Route Named One of China's Top 10 Most Beautiful Rural Roads!
In the passionate summer, cycling becomes an extraordinarily delightful activity, allowing you to experience "speed, thrill, sweat, and sprinting"—this is the joy of cycling, as well as its pure enjoyment! Moreover, accompanied by the "cicadas' chirping, lotus fragrance, sunset glow, and lake breeze," cycling becomes even more full of anticipation!
So the question arises: where should you go for cycling in Hangzhou? Preferably somewhere with fewer crowds and stunning scenery? We recommend Hangzhou's Caoya Cycling Route, honored as one of China's "Top 10 Most Beautiful Rural Roads," adorned with blooming flowers along the way—come and conquer it!
The route we're talking about is Hangzhou's "Yuhang Caoya Route." In 2024, the Ministry of Transport announced the list of "Top 10 Most Beautiful Rural Roads," and this route made the cut!
In terms of the route, the "Yuhang Caoya Route" starts at "Caogiao in Jingshan Town" and ends at "Yacheng in Louniao Town," spanning a total of 19.134 kilometers. A round-trip cycling journey takes about 3 hours, including time for photos and breaks. The route connects scenic spots such as the Dajingshan National Forest Park, Jingshan Provincial Tourist Resort, the provincial-level Shuangou Scenic Area, and Jingshan Temple, passing through 11 picturesque rural villages—truly a feast for the eyes!
Compared to other cycling routes in Hangzhou, the "Yuhang Caoya Route" boasts three major advantages:
First, the scenic advantage. The route is lined with numerous floral landscapes, transforming the entire road into a "flowing scenic corridor." Cycling here feels like gliding through a painting, with the unique charm of "the road itself being the scenery, and the scenery blending into the road."
Second, the convenience advantage. Along the route, there are 11 "high-end" rural road service stations, such as Jingxingyi, Tiaoxi Station, and Xiaogucheng Village Station, providing everything needed for cycling—food, drinks, and entertainment—making the ride even more enjoyable!
Third, the rural charm advantage. Tired of skyscrapers? Then experience the "small bridges and flowing water" instead! The 11 stunning villages along the route feature white walls and black tiles, with quaint bridges and murmuring streams, immersing you in a refreshing and oxygen-rich journey!
After a full loop, the cycling experience is thoroughly enjoyable, leaving both body and mind invigorated!
If you have more time, you can also explore attractions along the way. We recommend "Jingshan Flower Sea," "Shuangxi Bamboo Sea Rafting Scenic Area," "Siling Reservoir," and "Shuangou Scenic Area." Here’s a quick overview:
- **Jingshan Flower Sea**: A floral wonderland where sunflowers, spider flowers, kochia, cosmos, and lilies bloom in vast expanses during summer, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene! Tickets cost 60 RMB, with a small train ride for 40 RMB.
- **Shuangxi Bamboo Sea Rafting Scenic Area**: As the name suggests, this is a rafting spot. The course is relatively gentle, like boating on a lake, taking about an hour to complete. The experience is great, and the scenery is picturesque! Tickets are around 108 RMB (prices may vary, and combo tickets are available).
- **Siling Reservoir**: A perfect free summer spot for water fun, complete with mountain streams. It's also known as the "Heart-shaped Reservoir." Further up is the "Longtan Waterfall," where standing beneath it brings a refreshing coolness to both body and mind.
- **Shuangou Scenic Area**: A place where culture and nature blend seamlessly. Fresh air, lush forests, babbling streams, and ancient villages offer a unique travel experience. It also features "intangible cultural heritage crafts" and "red memory" highlights. Tickets cost 90 RMB (free for Yuhang residents), or you can visit Maotang Ancient Village separately.
Additionally, the "Yuhang Caoya Route" can also be enjoyed as a self-driving tour. The same route, the same enjoyment—the only difference is that a self-driving tour allows you to bring your family along!
**Practical Information for Hangzhou's Yuhang Caoya Route:**
- **Ticket Price**: Free
- **Opening Hours**: 24/7
- **Location**: Yuhang District, Hangzhou
- **Route**: Starts at "Caogiao in Jingshan Town" and ends at "Yacheng in Louniao Town" (or vice versa). Recommended for both cycling and self-driving tours!
So, what do you think? Are you interested in Hangzhou's "Yuhang Caoya Route"? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!