Moganshan Hidden Paradise

Moganshan Travel Guide: Slow Living in a Summer Retreat 1. Introduction to Moganshan Located in Deqing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, Moganshan is one of China's four major summer retreats, renowned for its bamboo forests, mountain springs, villas, and tea plantations. With a cool climate and an average summer temperature of just 24°C, it's perfect for escaping the heat, hiking, vacationing, and unwinding. 2. Best Time to Visit · Spring & Autumn (Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov): Pleasant weather, ideal for hiking and cycling. · Summer (Jul–Aug): Peak season for summer retreats; book accommodations in advance. · Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet with fewer crowds; some homestays offer hot springs. 3. Transportation Guide · Self-drive: ~1.5 hours from Hangzhou, ~2.5 hours from Shanghai/Suzhou. · High-speed rail: Take a train to "Deqing Station," then taxi (~30 mins) or bus (Tourist Line Y1). · Local transport: Recommended to self-drive or hire a car; some areas require shuttle buses (¥35/person). 4. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Sword Pond · Moganshan’s iconic site, said to be where Ganjiang and Moye forged swords. The waterfall and cliff carvings are highlights. · Tips: ~20-min walk on steps; wear comfortable shoes. 2. Luhuadang Park · A tranquil bamboo forest park built during the Republic of China era, great for strolls and photos. 3. Dakan Scenic Area · A 2-hour circular hiking trail with panoramic mountain views and Naked Heart Castle; best on clear days. 4. Yucun Cultural Market · A artsy village with Republic of China-style streets, cafés, handicraft shops, and a bicycle-themed restaurant—perfect for evening walks. 5. Naked Heart Valley/Naked Heart Castle · A viral resort; book for afternoon tea or activities like horseback riding and archery (reservations required for non-guests). 6. Yiyuan Farm · Family-friendly; milk cows and feed lambs (advance booking needed; ~¥98 admission). 5. Unique Experiences · Bamboo forest hikes: Try the "Moganshan National Hiking Trail"; beginners can opt for Jiang’s Trail (3–4 hours). · Tea-picking: Experience tea harvesting around Qingming Festival (e.g., Moganshan Huangya tea). · Homestay relaxation: Choose a terrace-equipped homestay, sip tea, and watch the sunset over bamboo seas. · Cycling adventures: Rent bikes in Yucun; recommended route: "Laoling Reservoir to Wusi Village." 6. Accommodation Recommendations · Luxury resorts: Naked Heart Valley, Le Passage Mohkan Shan (avg. ¥2000+/night). · Boutique homestays: Lost Villa, Westside, Zhimagu (¥800–1500/night). · Budget-friendly: Yucun-area homestays (¥300–600/night). · Tips: Book 1–2 weeks ahead for peak season; some homestays include breakfast/afternoon tea. 7. Food Recommendations · Must-try dishes: · Bamboo chicken soup (free-range chicken stew) · Braised pork with dried bamboo shoots (fresh shoots in spring are best) · Wild greens (kalimeris, water celery) · Restaurant picks: · Mama Jin’s Kitchen (viral farmhouse dishes, ~¥80/person) · Yucun Old Noodle Shop (authentic topped noodles) · The Ruins Café (photogenic industrial-style café) 8. Itinerary Suggestions 2-day classic route: · Day 1: Yucun Cultural Market → Sword Pond → Luhuadang Park → homestay check-in. · Day 2: Dakan hike → Yiyuan Farm/Naked Heart Castle afternoon tea → return. 3-day in-depth trip: · Add Moganshan rafting, Discovery Adventure Park (rock climbing/hot air balloon), or Houwu Village cycling. 9. Tips 1. Mountain areas have mosquitoes; bring repellent and long sleeves. 2. Some attractions charge fees (e.g., Sword Pond ¥50); check opening hours. 3. Respect local ecology—avoid picking bamboo shoots or littering. 10. Hidden Gems · Biwu Dragon Pool: Free, secluded spot with clear water; great for short hikes. · Xiantan Art Museum: A hidden art space, photogenic. Moganshan’s charm lies in its "slowness"—staying in the mountains, listening to the wind, and gazing at bamboo is the true way to experience it. Wishing you a joyful trip!