Stop envying New Zealand’s Hobbiton! Zhejiang hides a “fairy tale twin”

Zhejiang’s hidden gem! A free Hobbit town just 1 hour from Hangzhou, the ultimate guide for family fun & photo ops Stop envying New Zealand’s Hobbiton! Zhejiang hides a “fairy tale twin” that’s just a 1-hour drive from Hangzhou, and the best part—it’s free! Filled with pumpkins and adorable props, the Hobbit houses are perfect for relaxing strolls with kids or snapping photos on crisp autumn days, guaranteeing loads of fun. 1. Transportation & Basic Info: Understand your trip prep in 1 minute 1. How to get there? Super convenient by car • Main route: Starting from downtown Hangzhou, take the highway or expressway, about 1 hour total (time varies by district; nearby suburbs like Xiaoshan or Yuhang may take only 40 minutes). Other cities in Zhejiang (like Shaoxing, Huzhou) are mostly within 2 hours, with good road conditions. • Parking tips: Free or low-cost parking lots are available around the town. Weekends can be a bit crowded, so arriving an hour early (before 9 AM, for example) makes finding a spot easy. 2. Key info not to miss • Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s recommended to reserve 4-5 hours to fully enjoy all activities and catch the best photo lighting. • Cost: Free admission! Some experiences like rainbow grass sledding and cloud go-karts may charge separately (around 50-100 RMB per person, subject to onsite info). Families can choose as they wish; pure photo ops are free and fun. 2. Step-by-step play route: Follow the order for a smooth, full experience 1. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Thrilling activities to release energy • First stop: Rainbow Grass Sledding Head straight to the rainbow grass sledding when you arrive! Colorful slides stretch down gentle slopes. Sitting in an inflatable ring and sliding down with the wind on your face and your own laughter ringing in your ears is exhilarating. Lines are usually short, so you can quickly get into the fun. • Second stop: Cloud Go-Karts If you love speed, next up is the cloud go-karts! Note that weekends and holidays have longer lines, so it’s smart to split tasks with your group—one queues while another buys drinks or rests briefly to save time. Remember to buckle up and enjoy the thrilling ride. 2. 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Light rest and refuel There’s a simple dining area inside the park selling burgers, sausages, milk tea, etc. You can also bring your own picnic mat and snacks to enjoy under a shady tree on the lawn. The comfortable autumn weather makes it perfect to soak up the sun, eat, and chat with family to recharge for the afternoon. If you have kids, bring plenty of their favorite snacks to avoid hunger-induced fussiness. 3. 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Climb high to enjoy autumn and unlock stress-relief activities • Must-visit: Cliff Park + Hiking Trail In the crisp autumn air, hike up the trail to enjoy the golden and green autumn colors and fresh air. At Cliff Park, be sure to try these: ◦ Sky Steps: A transparent glass platform extending over the cliff, standing on it feels like “floating” in the air. Brave visitors can look down at the scenery below—super relaxing. ◦ Cloud Swing: Swing out and embrace the whole sky; the wind and laughter blend together, washing away worries (remember to fasten safety gear as instructed). ◦ Via Ferrata: For challenge lovers, climb slowly along the rock wall. It builds courage and offers a new perspective of the town, bringing a great sense of achievement. • Kid-friendly option: Tongxin Valley If your kids are young and don’t want to climb high, head to Tongxin Valley! It features a small train, carousel, and craft activities for family fun. Kids can run wild while parents relax nearby for a laid-back outing. 4. 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Hobbit Pumpkin Town, prime time for photos Save the most photogenic Hobbit town for last! The soft afternoon light between 3 and 4 PM gently bathes the houses, creating a perfect atmosphere. • Photo tips: 1. The houses are decorated with pumpkins, lamb dolls, colorful lanterns, and other playful props. Lean on the props with a playful expression or hold a pumpkin for photos to instantly blend into the fairy tale scene. 2. Wear light colors (like white, light blue, pastel pink) to complement the green grass and colorful houses for a fresh look. Bring a straw hat or canvas bag as props to boost your photo game. 3. Let kids interact with the dolls in front of the houses—capture moments of them running or touching pumpkins naturally and cutely without forced poses. 3. Avoid pitfalls & thoughtful reminders: Make your trip smoother 1. Avoid peak times: Visitor numbers increase after 10 AM on weekends. To skip lines and have fewer people in photos, arrive before 9 AM and hit popular spots like the cloud go-karts first. 2. Gear up: Wear comfortable sneakers (needed for hiking and activities), bring sun hats and sunscreen (autumn UV rays can still be strong). If with kids, pack wet wipes and spare clothes. 3. Budget control: Admission is free; choose paid activities as you like. Check prices in advance to avoid overspending. No need to fly abroad—unlock a fairy tale Hobbit town right in Zhejiang! Plan a weekend drive with family and friends just 1 hour away from Hangzhou for loads of fun and beautiful photos. Start planning now~