Complete Guide to Self-Driving to Jiangnan Tianchi in Anji + The Most Beautiful Road Check-in

Spring in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai always calls for a self-driving trip to the mountains and countryside. This time, the destination is Anji's 'Jiangnan Tianchi'—a high mountain lake surrounded by mountains, offering both the tranquility of Switzerland and the ruggedness of Sichuan-Tibet. This route connects hidden gems like Yinkeng Village, Yucun Village, and Canglong Baipu, with picturesque scenery along the way, making it the ultimate self-driving route in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai! - 🚗 Self-Driving Route: Hangzhou → Yinkeng Village → Yucun Village → Canglong Baipu → Jiangnan Tianchi The entire journey takes about 3 hours, and it's recommended to plan for 2 days and 1 night. Starting from Hangzhou, drive along the Hangchang Expressway, with layers of green mountains and rolling bamboo seas along the way. The first stop is Yinkeng Village, known for its ancient ginkgo trees and streams. The century-old ginkgo tree at the village entrance is lush and green in late spring and early summer, and the village with its black-tiled white-walled houses is like a watercolor painting of Jiangnan. - 🌿 Must-Visit Spots Along the Way 1️⃣ Yucun Village: The Origin of the 'Two Mountains Theory' Yucun Village is a representative of beautiful rural Anji, surrounded by mountains on three sides and continuous bamboo seas. The stone monument at the village entrance with the inscription 'Green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver' is a must-photograph spot. The village also has a rural train, an ecological farm, and cafes, making it suitable for family trips or leisurely strolls. 2️⃣ Canglong Baipu: A Hidden Gorge in Northern Zhejiang Hidden in the northern Zhejiang gorge, Canglong Baipu consists of dozens of waterfalls, with the highest drop reaching 60 meters. The hiking trail winds through bamboo forests, offering a refreshing experience with water mist in the air. The glass bridge at the mountain top (the longest single-arm cantilever in Asia) combines thrill and beauty. 3️⃣ The Most Beautiful Road in Anji: Five Consecutive Hairpin Turns The mountain road leading to Jiangnan Tianchi is known as the 'Chinese version of Akina Mountain,' with 18 kilometers of winding roads and thrilling five consecutive hairpin turns. The 'Fujiwara Tofu Shop' along the way is a popular check-in spot, with a Japanese-style atmosphere and sea of clouds at the mountain top. - 🏞️ Jiangnan Tianchi: A Fairyland on the Mountain Top Reaching the nearly thousand-meter-high Tianchi, the view suddenly opens up—a lake surrounded by mountains like a jade. In spring, there are seas of azaleas, and in winter, there are rime and snow scenes. Must-do activities: - Tianhuangping Viewing Platform: Overlooking the panoramic view of Tianchi, the best time for photos is at sunrise and sunset. - High Mountain Hot Springs & Ski Resort: Skiing is available in winter, and the hot spring city in the scenic area is open all year round, offering a unique experience of soaking in hot springs while enjoying the snow scene. - Observatory Stargazing: If there are special celestial events (such as meteor showers), you can book night observation activities in advance. - 🏡 Accommodation Recommendation: Yucun Villa and Valley Homestay Reasons for recommendation: - Excellent location: Located in the core area of Yucun Village, within walking distance to the rural farm and cafes, and only 30 minutes' drive to Tianchi. - Full of design: Starry sky swimming pool, wooden-style rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the bamboo sea, every corner is perfect for photos. - Thoughtful service: The owner is warm and attentive, with barbecue facilities available in the homestay, and the owner provides travel route guides. You can also stargaze at night. - 📌 Practical Tips - Tickets: Jiangnan Tianchi 80 yuan, Canglong Baipu 80 yuan (including the glass bridge), Yucun Village free. - Driving tips: The mountain road is narrow with many turns, recommended for experienced drivers; snow chains are needed in winter. - Outfit suggestions: The temperature difference in spring is large, so bring a windproof jacket; women can choose light-colored dresses, which match well with the bamboo forest and road background. - The beauty of Anji is half in the freedom of the road and half in the awe at the mountain top. This weekend, gather your friends, drive your beloved car, and chase the sea of clouds at Jiangnan Tianchi!✨