Things to do in Changshan

There are basically no entertainment options; it's purely hiking. If you're really interested in hiking, you can give it a try. The first half is quite steep, and the second half is gentler. My friend and I hiked for about an hour, from the entrance to the place I marked on my map. It seems there aren't any restaurants or anything like that inside the scenic area. We got hungry, and didn't have the energy to explore the other routes. The natural environment is beautiful, and the air is quite fresh. There are signs warning against snakes and insects inside the scenic area, but surprisingly, my friend and I didn't get bitten by mosquitoes or encounter any snakes during our morning hike, although we did see some lizards. The paths can be a bit narrow. The entire mountain is filled with all sorts of strangely shaped, naturally formed rocks. There are also signs along the way explaining the formation process of karst landforms, which seems more suitable for geography students, and chemistry students might also find it helpful, as the signs have a bunch of chemical equations.

I accidentally discovered a treasure of beautiful scenery when traveling in Quzhou! Plum tree bottom! There are basically no tourists here. Most of the time, it is a good place for locals to take their children to play water in summer. Locals should also be free, because there are few tourists and the scenic area is not overdeveloped. We stopped and took pictures all the way for almost an hour and did not reach the toilet mentioned by the staff of the gate scenic area. The rain during the Qingming Festival made the waterscape here very beautiful and spectacular. The water quality here is clear, unlike some other mountainous areas where the stream water becomes yellow mud water after rain. The second half of the scenic area is a large bamboo forest, and it can be seen on the slope that someone has dug spring bamboo shoots privately. When entering the scenic area, the staff said that it has been raining for the past few days, and there is water in the upper reaches. Be careful to wade across the mountain road. We didn’t go forward rashly, and we didn’t even reach the only public test of the scenic area. The scenic area should be not small! There is no excessive promotion, and I don’t know the story of the Red Army Road too well, just treat it as a walk!

Stepping into the alleyways of the ancient town is like traveling through a time tunnel. On either side are mottled brick walls, covered in climbing vines that sway gently in the breeze, seemingly whispering tales of a thousand years ago. Occasionally, the aroma of tea wafts from behind a half-open wooden door—the fragrance of an old teahouse, mingled with the sedimentation of time. Beside the ancient well, several elderly people sit together, playing chess or chatting, their smiles reflecting the tranquility and peace of the ancient town. Every step on the bluestone slabs seems to echo with history, to feel the passage of time.

Quzhou's ancient city has many photo spots; it's too hot during the day, so go out at night and you might encounter many NPCs. The streets are clean, and the food options depend on your preferences. There are also many exhibition halls, all of which close at 9 PM, which is very convenient.

We first explored the Sunshine Coast and West Coast, which were vast and expansive. The next day, we took the Nanqingyuan route, which featured densely packed peaks and forests, especially the steps next to Horse Head Stone, which offered the most beautiful views.

Nice and neat, for young people in the city to check in👱‍♀️

Kaihua Root Palace Buddhist Kingdom is a unique 5A scenic area that perfectly blends thousand-year-old tree roots with Zen culture, leaving visitors deeply impressed. The park's Tang-style ancient buildings are built against the mountainside, surrounded by lush vegetation and the fragrance of wood, creating a truly immersive atmosphere. The core exhibit is a colossal root carving that is truly breathtaking. The over 40-ton Shakyamuni Buddha statue is solemn and imposing, while the 600-meter-long corridor of 500 Arhats displays a variety of expressions, each carved following the natural texture of the tree root, showcasing the craftsman's ingenuity. Besides Buddhist statues, there are also root carvings for children and root art depicting historical stories, catering to both aesthetic appreciation and enjoyment, suitable for all ages. Climbing to the top of the Root Palace Pagoda offers panoramic views of Kaihua city. The scenic area has a long route, requiring at least half a day to explore thoroughly. It is moderately commercialized, avoiding noise and commotion. Immersed in this place, one can experience the artistic charm of intangible cultural heritage root carving and find inner peace, making it a treasure trove of cultural attractions in western Zhejiang worth a special trip.

A Ferris wheel ride in the fairytale village offered a breathtaking panoramic view. Time seemed to freeze while I sat there. Looking out the window, I could see the colorful fairytale village. It felt like I was transported to another world, gazing upon its beauty. The Ferris wheel cost about 70 yuan for two people, which was quite good. I even saw a rainbow after the rain and beautiful clouds in the evening. While the site still needs a lot of management and improvements, it won't detract from the unique beauty of the village. I hope it will be even better next time.

Huangling has a long-standing reputation, and I came here with high expectations. Even though I traveled during off-peak hours, it was still quite crowded. Fortunately, the parking lot was large and free, and the management was good! The scenic area is not large, and it's quite comfortable to walk around. There are quite a few steps, and the restrooms were very clean!

For those coming from Quzhou, a half-day trip is enough. It's a beautiful place, and you don't need to climb many mountains; there's transportation available. Overall, it's a pretty good experience and worth a visit.