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In heat of summer, cool rural retreats beckon
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AS high temperatures linger near the 40 degrees Celsius mark, Hangzhou is set to record one of its hottest weeks in years. If you’re searching for relief from the unrelenting heat, Shanghai Daily takes a look at four places just outside of Hangzhou where you can cool down.
These places don’t have the convenience of starred hotels, but they do feature local delicacies, down-to-earth farmers and a respite from urban pressures. Just a few hours by car from downtown, these retreats will help you escape from the scorching summer.
Jiande County 寤哄痉鍘
Many travelers to Jiande County head to Xin’anjiang Reservoir to escape the sizzling hot summer. But the county also boasts several lessor-known spots that are also worth a visit.
Luhetang Nanmu Forest is located in north of Xin’an River and south of the Thousand Island Lake area. It is considered one of the oldest nanmu forests in Asia. The earliest references to the area date back some 1,500 years. Today, the lush nanmu trees cover an area of some 30 hectares, opening up expansive natural vistas to visitors.
The forest is also home to some 300 other plant varieties and 30 animal species. For travelers, the forest is also equipped with hotels and restaurants. The area is a favorite among local hikers and outdoor adventurers.
In addition to the ancient forest, the secluded Xuling Village also has a cooler summer thanks to its geography. The village dates back more than 3,000 years and was named after Wu Zixu, a statesman from the Wu Kingdom during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) who passed by this mountainous village.
Black-roofed and white-walled houses are in a valley surrounded by mountains with terraced fields, which presents pastoral views for visitors from concrete jungles. It’s often misty in the hills and terraced fields in the morning and on rainy days, giving the area the air of a mysterious wonderland.
Villagers grow rapeseed flowers on the terraced fields and ridges in spring. Sunflowers take over in summer and chrysanthemums in autumn.
Though accommodations in the village don’t match upscale hotels in cities, the rural lifestyle and local cuisine found here make for a nice change of pace.
How to get there: G25 Expressway — S31 Expressway — 320 National Road
Yongjia County 姘稿槈鍘
The county’s pastoral landscape and antique villages attract streams of visitors from Zhejiang and other provinces. Many come seeking to retreat into its tranquil, rolling mountains.
The Nanxi River exemplifies the county’s abundance of natural resources. It starts on the borders of Yongjia and Xianju counties. Hilly banks, lush vegetation and villages flank the river. The tranquil environment, bluish-green water and passing clouds will make you feel like you’re entering a Chinese ink-wash painting.
Rafting down the Nanxi River is popular among tourists. The rafts are made of bamboo and the best scenic route starts from Yanyou Town and ends at Lion Hill.
Another attraction is the pillar-like Shiwei Hill, which features waterfalls and craggy peaks. Hikers can climb the hill because a path has been built into the face of the cliff.
Since the county is covered with hills, locals were forced to create the largest area of terraced fields in Zhejiang Province. The undulating paddy fields and hills are often misted over in the morning and on rainy days, making the area popular with shutterbugs.
In addition to its natural scenery, Yongjia is also dotted with several ancient villages. The 700-year-old Linkeng Village features traditional white-wall and black-roofed folk houses. The surrounding bamboo forest shuts off the village from the outside world, which has helped it retain its original appearance.
How to get there: S2 Expressway — G60 Expressway — S26 Expressway— 223 Provincial Road
Lin’an County 涓村畨鍘
This county is dubbed “Hangzhou’s back garden” by virtue of its lush bamboo forests, ponds, lakes and fresh air.
Tianmu Mountain, a national nature reserve and world biosphere reserve, is the county’s most popular destination. It also has an average temperature below 22 degrees Celsius due to its geography and forest cover. As temperatures soar in the summer, the cooler heights allure many visitors.
More than 99 percent of this region is covered by vegetation, which provides ample shade for those exploring the area’s trails, streams and waterfalls. Hikers can choose the safe stone-step path or pick their own way through the forest.
Dozens of rare plant species have been discovered here and named after the area. The reserve also has China’s oldest ginkgo biotic trees, with a 1,500-year-old ginkgo king. Currently, 35 endangered plants and 37 threatened animals live in this protection area.
In addition to being a natural reserve, Tianmu Mountain is also a cultural hub where an abundance of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian relics can be found.
As for food and accomodation, local family-run guesthouses offer homey rooms and authentic Lin’an cuisine. On weekends, occupancy rates can reach 70 percent; but during peak season in August, most places are usually fully booked. Be sure to book well in advance.
How to get there: Wensan Road — Tianmushan Road — G56 Expressway — Qianwang Road — Yijing Road
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