Until now, I've rarely described a small city as breathtaking!!!

Exploring Jiangshan, Quzhou: A Two-Day, One-Night Guide to This Hidden Gem Nestled at the junction of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces lies a small city favored by time—Jiangshan, Quzhou. Here you'll find astonishing natural landscapes, profound historical culture, and mouthwatering local cuisine, making it an absolute paradise for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations. The following two-day, one-night itinerary will help you unlock Jiangshan's charm. I. Preparation 1. Documents: ID card and various discount cards (such as student ID, senior card, etc., as some attractions offer discounts). 2. Clothing: Choose appropriate clothing based on the season. In summer, prepare for sun protection with light, breathable clothes; in spring and fall, bring a jacket for the significant temperature differences between morning and evening; in winter, dress warmly. If you plan to take photos in ancient villages and towns, consider bringing traditional Hanfu clothing. 3. Items: Comfortable sneakers (for hiking and walking), sun protection items (sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat), rain gear, power bank, and personal medications. II. Transportation Guide 1. High-speed rail: Arrive directly at Jiangshan Station, then choose one of the following options to reach scenic areas: - Direct shuttle buses: Available to attractions like Jianglanshan Scenic Area and Nianbadu Ancient Town, costing about 10 yuan, but with limited departures. Check the "Charming Jiangshan" APP in advance for schedules and plan accordingly. - Public buses: Route 302 and others reach some attractions for 2 yuan, but take longer and require patience. 2. Self-driving: Highly recommended for convenience and flexibility. Parking fees at scenic areas are 10 yuan/day for small vehicles. Driving from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, or Shanghai offers beautiful scenery with the freedom to stop and admire views. Since Jiangshan's main attractions are far from downtown, driving saves time and makes it easy to travel between sites. III. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Narada Jiangshan International Resort Hotel: Located in the prime downtown area, next to Chengzhong Bridge and Xujiang Park. About 15 minutes by car from the high-speed rail station and approximately 30 minutes to attractions like Jianglanshan and Qingyang. The hotel itself is a garden, integrating fountains, rockeries, lotus ponds, and lake corridors, with over 70% greenery, offering both the charm of Jiangnan gardens and pleasant urban ambiance. 2. Jiangshan Overseas Crown Hotel: A good choice for easier access to Jianglanshan and Qingyang scenic areas, less than 30 minutes away by car. Newly opened in 2023 with brand-new facilities. IV. Itinerary Day 1: Where Natural Wonders Meet Historical Charm - Morning: After arriving in Jiangshan, head to Jianglanshan Scenic Area (National 5A-level, free on weekdays) - Transportation: Self-drive or take the scenic area shuttle - Activities: Take the shuttle bus to the mountain base (to save energy). Recommended route: Weiren Peak → Xiake Pavilion → Wentian Pavilion → One-Line Sky. The One-Line Sky landscape is breathtaking, with towering rock walls on both sides and the narrowest point allowing only one person to pass through. Weiren Peak is a natural formation remarkably resembling the profile of Deng Xiaoping. The complete climb takes about 5 hours; remember to bring water and energy-boosting snacks. Recently, there's also a mountain climbing challenge where you can earn a Xu Xiake Energy Coffee upon completion. - Afternoon: Visit Qingyang Mao Family Cultural Village (National 5A-level) - Transportation: Self-drive, about 20 minutes from Jianglanshan - Activities: This is the birthplace of the Mao clan in Jiangnan and the ancestral home of Mao Zedong. The ancient village is full of Ming and Qing dynasty charm, with white walls, black tiles, and bridges over flowing water. Stroll through the village in Hanfu clothing for picture-perfect photos. Visit the Mao Ancestral Hall and Qingyang Ancestral Hall to experience the historical depth of the Mao family. - Evening: Return to downtown, go to Jiangbin Road to taste Jiangshan specialties such as the fish banquet at Chaihuo Yu or the mouth-watering chicken at Xiejia Xiaochu, experiencing authentic Jiangshan flavors. After dinner, take a stroll in Xujiang Park to enjoy the night view. Day 2: Ancient Military Pass Meets Ancient Town Atmosphere - Morning: Visit Xianxia Pass Scenic Area (National 4A-level) - Transportation: Self-drive. The scenic area is divided into several parts including the Dai Family Residence, Joint Memorial Hall, and Xianxia Pass, with some distance between sites, making driving convenient. Note that if you enter Xianxia Pass after 4 PM, the security guards leave at 5 PM and the parking lot gate opens, allowing free exit. - Activities: This was an important military fortress in ancient times, known as the "Southeast Lock and Key." Walk along the thousand-year-old path surrounded by dense bamboo forests and fresh air. Learn about historical stories like the Huang Chao Uprising while climbing, and immerse yourself in the rich historical atmosphere. - Afternoon: Explore Nianbadu Ancient Town (National 5A-level) - Transportation: Self-drive from Xianxia Pass, about 30 minutes - Activities: Start from Zhupo Bridge on a journey of exploration, eating, and photography. Must-see spots include Wenchang Palace with its exquisite architecture and ornate beams; visit the post office to mail a postcard stamped with the ancient town's postmark; seek blessings at the Guan Di Temple. Climb to Chenggong Pavilion for a panoramic view of the ancient town. In the evening, when lanterns light up, the town comes alive with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for photography. During the May Day holiday, there are immersive performances where you can interact with NPCs, play games, and complete side quests. V. Food Guide 1. Jiangshan's Top Ten Famous Dishes: - Jianglanshan Medicinal Winter White Goose: Jiangshan is known as the "Home of White Geese." Free-range winter geese are cooked with yellow gardenia root in an earthenware charcoal pot, slow-simmered for 4-5 hours, resulting in a delicious broth rich in nutrients. - Bao'an Yellow Essence Black Chicken Pot: White-feathered black-boned chicken is a Jiangshan specialty, combined with medicinal yellow essence processed through the ancient "nine steaming and nine sun-drying" technique, then merged in a ceramic pot, creating a clear, mellow soup that's nourishing and healthy. - Qingyang Mao Family Red-Braised Pork: Made from locally raised free-range pork using unique cooking techniques, this dish has a bright red color and is flavorful without being greasy. Historically, Qingyang residents would eat this before taking imperial examinations, and today it remains a "required ritual" for Jiangshan students before exams. 2. Jiangshan's Top Ten Famous Snacks: - Biancheng Ancient Town Gong Cake: With over a thousand years of history, it can be steamed or pan-fried, drizzled with sugar and osmanthus, offering a soft, sweet taste with a hint of wormwood fragrance. - Shimen Thin-Skinned Small Wonton: The skin is paper-thin, the filling thick as paste, with a little lard at the bottom of the bowl—a favorite late-night snack for Jiangshan locals. - Jiangshan Li's Baked Pastry: Crispy on the outside with a savory filling, one bite brings complete satisfaction. You can taste the authentic version in downtown Jiangshan. VI. Important Notes 1. Itinerary Planning: Since attractions are far apart, plan your routes and transportation methods in advance to avoid wasting time. Shuttle bus schedules are limited, so be sure to check times beforehand. 2. Scenic Area Regulations: When hiking in Jianglanshan, follow the signs and don't leave designated paths; when visiting ancient towns, protect the historic buildings and cultural relics—don't touch or carve on them. 3. Weather and Protection: Check the weather forecast in advance and bring appropriate clothing and protective items. In summer, protect against sun and mosquitoes; in rainy weather, bring rain gear and be careful on slippery mountain paths. 4. Food Hygiene: When trying local snacks, pay attention to food hygiene and choose established restaurants to avoid stomach discomfort.