Songyang, Zhejiang – Here We Go!

📅 **Trip Overview** | **Date** | **Morning** | **Afternoon/Evening** | **Accommodation** | |------------|---------------------------|----------------------------|-------------------------| | **Day 1** | Yangjiatang Village (Golden Potala Palace) | Chenjiapu Village (Pioneer Bookstore + Sea of Clouds) | Xikeng Village Homestay | | **Day 2** | Ruoliao Primeval Forest (Waterfall Hike) | Songyin River Rafting/Kayaking | Songyang County Hotel | | **Day 3** | Songyang Old Street (Ming-Qing Charm) | Huang Family Compound (Woodcarving Art) | Return Trip | --- 🌄 **Daily Itinerary Details** **Day 1: Ancient Village Exploration · Cloud Retreat** - **Morning** (7:30-10:30): - **Yangjiatang Village**: Free! Photograph the "Golden Potala Palace" rammed-earth walls in morning mist. Watch farmers with oxen under the 800-year-old couple tree (posed photo fee: ¥20). - **Song Clan Ancestral Hall**: Explore the ancestral home of descendants of Ming Dynasty scholar Song Lian, immersing in clan culture. - **Noon**: - Village entrance dried vegetable meat pies (¥5 each) + farmhouse chicken soup (¥30/person). - **Afternoon** (14:00-17:00): - **Chenjiapu Village**: Admire the sea of clouds at the cliffside Pioneer Bookstore, order camellia latte (¥35) at Fei Niao Ji Café, and capture terrace field views through floor-to-ceiling windows. - **Stay**: Xikeng Village’s "Cloudscape" homestay (¥200/person/night), stargazing at the cliffside viewing platform. **Day 2: Forest Oxygen · Riverside Coolness** - **Morning** (8:00-12:00): - **Ruoliao Primeval Forest** (¥60 ticket): Hike wooden trails, visit roaring Dragon Waterfall and rainbow-kissed Fairy Waterfall, and soak feet in Flower Bath Pool. - **Noon**: - Ruoliao farmhouse meal: Firewood chicken soup + mugwort mochi (¥40/person). - **Afternoon** (15:00-18:00): - **Songyin River Kayaking** (¥80/person): Paddle under sunset glow, accompanied by egrets, with breathtaking lightscapes. - **Stay**: Songyang County hotel (¥120/person/night). **Day 3: Old Street Vibes · Woodcarving Pilgrimage** - **Morning** (9:00-11:30): - **Songyang Old Street**: Free stroll on Ming-Qing stone-paved roads, must-visit Bai Xian Noodle Shop (fermented rice intestine noodles ¥15) and Xu Ji Salt-Baked Chicken (¥50/whole). - **Intangible Cultural Heritage Hall**: Try plant-dyeing workshop (¥30). - **Afternoon** (13:00-15:00): - **Huang Family Compound** (¥40 ticket): Marvel at late-Qing "woodcarving palace," especially the Hundred-Longevity Hall’s exquisite caisson ceiling. 🏡 **Accommodation & Transport Tips** - **Stay**: - **Luxury**: Fei Niao Ji in Chenjiapu (cliffside homestay, ¥400/person/night). - **Budget-friendly**: Holiday Inn Express in county town (breakfast included, ¥150/person/night). - **Transport**: - High-speed rail to "Songyang Station"; taxi to villages ~¥30/trip. Inter-village private car hire recommended (¥150/day). - Self-driving ideal but mountain roads require caution (last 2km narrow—novices beware). 💰 **Budget Control (Per Person)** | **Item** | **Cost** | **Money-Saving Tips** | |------------|----------|----------------------------------| | Tickets | ¥140 | Skip paid rafting for free viewpoints | | Lodging | ¥460 | Mix homestays + budget hotels | | Food | ¥300 | Street snacks + farm meals (avoid tourist restaurants) | | Activities | ¥130 | Prioritize free options (villages/old street) | | Transport | ¥170 | Share private car + hike | | **Total** | **¥1200** | | ⚠️ **Key Notes** 1. **Off-Peak Visits**: Arrive at villages before 7am to avoid crowds/heat; retreat to bookstores/cafés by noon. 2. **Packing List**: - Essentials: Non-slip shoes (wet Ruoliao steps), mosquito repellent (forest bugs), light jacket (mountain temperature swings). 3. **Photo Tips**: - Yangjiatang at dusk for "Golden Potala," Chenjiapu at dawn for clouds. 4. **Food Must-Tries**: - Top picks: Bai Xian’s fermented rice intestine noodles, salt-baked chicken, dried vegetable pies. > **Trip Highlights**: Day 1 culture (Yangjiatang + Chenjiapu), Day 2 nature (Ruoliao + Songyin River), Day 3 heritage (Old Street + Huang Compound), with smart heat avoidance (<4hrs outdoor/day). > **Etiquette**: No drones in villages (protect rammed-earth structures); no plant picking in Ruoliao!