How to get there: G25 Expressway — G56 Expressway — get off at Linglong Exit
Xiaoshan Jishan Plum Blossom Garden 萧山吉山梅园
The Chaoshan Mountain in Yuhang District has stolen thunder from Jishan because of its long history of planting plum trees. The new garden in Xiaoshan District is also an ideal spot to view the blossoms in winter.
The garden covers an area of more than 13 hectares with over 1,000 plum trees. Varieties include common Zhusha, Gongfen and Xiangxuehai, and rare species that were cultivated by Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University. Last year, the garden hosted the first plum blossom festival in order to allure more visitors. This year, the festival is expected to be held during the blossom season.
Don’t worry about food and accommodation, guesthouses offer authentic Xiaoshan cuisine and a homely welcome.
How to get there: Desheng Road — Qiushi Road — Fengqing Avenue -— Linbei Road — Tangmei Road — Baicao Road
Metasequoia forest in Qingshan Lake 青山湖红杉林
Qingshan Lake is a national forest park in western Hangzhou. Surrounded by the Tianmu Mountain and spanning an area of 10 square meters, the lake was turned into a reservoir in the 1960s.
The well-protected ecological environment is home to thousands of metasequoia trees, a fast-growing redwood conifer. The trees are cultivated in water, which distinguishes them from their forest counterparts.
In early winter, the lake mirrors the red color of the metasequoia, creating a wonderland that only appears in fairy tales.
Backpackers who crave the pure natural environment are frequent visitors to the forests. The nearby water sports center also offers other outdoor leisure activities, including parasailing and power boating.
How to get there: G56 Expressway — get off at West Hangzhou Exit
Dipu Village 荻浦村
Dipu is a gorgeous village due to the thousands of flowers planted by villagers, which vary according to the seasons. Every autumn, tourists flock to this little piece of paradise and enjoy autumn vistas, shrouded with vibrant yellow sunflowers that emit a feeling of hope and vigor.
The town is situated along the border of Fuyang and Tonglu. It boasts numerous pavilions and archways built in either the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) or Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It still looks like a remnant from the past, with its antique bridges, temple, ancestral halls and other architectural structures.
Villagers are setting up “happy farmhouses” to cater to travelers who come to see the flower sea. Natives have also built orchards where visitors can pick fruit and vegetables.
How to get there:
G25 Expressway — get off at Shen’ao Exit
