Suitable Destinations in May: "Little Huangshan Mountain in Western Zhejiang"

I. Trip Highlights - Sunrise and Sea of Clouds: At an altitude of 1,558m, you can overlook the Anhui-Zhejiang Tianlu Road when you reach the top. During sunrise, the sea of clouds surges like the Milky Way pouring down. In winter, the ice hangs all over the branches. - Light Hiking Challenge: Classic route: Taizijian Post Station → Summit (4.3 km round trip/2 hours). The route alternates between gravel roads and wooden boardwalks, suitable for beginners to advanced players. - Stargazing Camping Secret Realm: The light pollution on the top of the mountain is extremely low, and the Milky Way is clearly visible. In summer, you can capture the starry sky and morning mist in the same frame. - Scenery in All Seasons: Appreciate the azalea flower sea in spring, the sea of clouds in summer, the colorful forest in autumn, and the rime in winter. Each season has its own unique charm. --- II. Route Planning (2-Day and 1-Night Essential Route) Day 1: Hangzhou → Taizijian → Camping on the Top of the Mountain - Morning: Drive from Hangzhou to Taizijian Post Station for 2.5 hours (navigate to "Taizijian Post Station"). After parking, hike along the wooden boardwalk to the top (1.5 km/1 hour). - Afternoon: Free activities on the top of the mountain, check in at the core scenic spots: - Sea of Clouds Viewing Platform: A 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains. It is recommended to shoot with the light from 15:00–17:00. - Site of Ancient Trenches: Relics from the Liberation War period, feel the weight of history. - Evening: Camp on the top of the mountain (tent rental is CNY 100/tent). The Milky Way is clearly visible after 20:30, and you can use an equatorial mount to shoot star trails. Day 2: Sunrise Photography → Return Trip Exploration - Sunrise Location: Climb to the top platform at 5:30 to photograph the "Golden Mountain Sunrise" and the churning sea of clouds (use an ND filter). - Return Route: Go down the mountain to the post station along the same route, and you can visit along the way: - Western Zhejiang Tianlu Road: Drive on the winding mountain road (Langguang Line), and take photos of the highway winding through the mountains at the 360-degree viewing platform. - Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve: Explore the habitat of wild sika deer (requires a guide). --- III. Accommodation Recommendations (Avoid Pitfalls) 1. Camping on the Top of the Mountain - Yundian Camp: Windproof tent + moisture-proof mat (CNY 100/person), including hot water and simple breakfast, must be booked 3 days in advance. - Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: Reject "luxury camping packages" privately provided by villagers, and be wary of high-priced oxygen cylinders (CNY 25/can at the camp is more reliable). 2. Homestays at the Foot of the Mountain - Yunjian Homestay: Traditional wooden house style, fireplace room + viewing terrace (CNY 200/night), including farmhouse breakfast. - Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: Choose non-standard homestays with caution, and give priority to stores with health permits. --- IV. Food Guide (Must-Eat List) - Farmhouse at the Foot of the Mountain: - Bamboo Tube Rice + Wild Vegetable Soup: Freshly baked bamboo tube rice with wild bracken, CNY 30 per person (recommended "Shan Li Ren Jia"). - Chicken Stew: Free-range chicken + rock fungus stew, CNY 60 per person ("A Po Tu Ji Guan"). - Replenishment on the Return Trip: - Lin'an Roast Duck: Xu Yong Roast Duck Restaurant (Goujie Town), crispy skin and tender meat, with pepper and salt dipping sauce (CNY 30 per person). Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: - Be careful when buying "wild honey" on the top of the mountain, most of which are made with syrup; - Avoid "high-priced horse rentals" at the entrance of the post station. The villagers' mule and horse team charges are chaotic (the regular price is CNY 100/hr). --- V. Photography Guide (90% Success Rate) - Recommended Locations: - Sea of Clouds Sunrise: Use a wide-angle lens (16–35mm) at the viewing platform on the top of the mountain, and set up a tripod 1 hr before sunrise. - Starry Sky Milky Way: No light pollution from 23:00–2:00. DJI Yu 3 Pro drone takes low-altitude overhead shots (parameters: f/2.8, 15 seconds, ISO 1600). - Site of Ancient Trenches: Use a telephoto lens to compress the sense of space (70–200mm) to capture the mottled walls and distant mountains. - Outfit Suggestions: Bright-colored windbreaker (eye-catching in the snow), non-slip shoe covers (essential for slippery roads). --- VI. Practical Tips (Safety First) 1. Transportation: - Self-driving: Hangzhou → Hangrui Expressway → Jiakou Exit → Hualang Line → Taizijian (2.5 hrs for the whole journey), parking fee is CNY 10/day. - Public Transportation: Hangzhou Metro Line 16 → Lin'an East Bus Station → Changhua Line → Taizijian (3.5 hrs). 2. Equipment List: - Must-haves: Non-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker, headlamp/flashlight, 2L of drinking water + energy snacks. - Suggestions: Hiking poles (non-slip), raincoat (for showers), glucose (to relieve altitude sickness). 3. Safety Instructions: - Weather Warning: The temperature difference on the top of the mountain is large (-5℃–20℃). Prepare a raincoat during the rainy season (June–August), and ice claws are required during the snow season (November–April). - Environmental Protection Tips: Take your trash with you, and do not use open flames (the meadow is flammable). --- VII. Trip Reference (Flexible Choice) - 1-Day Quick View Route: Taizijian Post Station → Round trip to the top of the mountain + sunset shooting (need to get up early), return in the evening. - 3-Day Deep Route: D1 Light hike in Taizijian; D2 Crossing Bai Zhangling; D3 Exploring the Grand Canyon in Western Zhejiang. --- VIII. Best Time to Travel - April–May: Alpine azaleas are in full bloom, the temperature is 10–20℃, and the sea of clouds and the sea of flowers are intertwined. - September–October: The autumn is crisp and refreshing, and the contrast between the colorful forests and the red soil is strong, which is suitable for aerial photography. - Avoid: Slippery roads during the rainy season in July–August, and low temperature and fog in December–February require professional equipment. --- Summary: Taizijian is a "cloud secret realm around Hangzhou". Spend 2 days crossing the mountain ridge line and the starry sky camp, and feel the shock of nature in the morning mist and twilight. Avoid Internet celebrity traps and measure the undeveloped scenic spots in western Zhejiang with your feet.