Cixi is back, a route recommended by locals.

When the gentleness of Jiangnan meets the weight of history, Cixi, this small city located on the coast of the East China Sea, is like a pearl treasured by time, exuding a unique charm. Follow this guide, and in three days, immerse yourself in the enchanting scenery, historical charm, and vibrant local cuisine of Cixi. 🚗✨ Introduction Cixi, located on the southern shore of Hangzhou Bay by the East China Sea, is a small city with a profound historical and cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery. It is not only the birthplace of Yue kiln celadon but also a perfect blend of Jiangnan water town charm and modern urban atmosphere. Whether you are a history and culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or a food adventurer, you will find your own joy here. Itinerary Day 1: Exploring Historical Charm - Morning: Arrive in Cixi and head to Minghe Ancient Town 🎐. This thousand-year-old town is built by Baiyang Lake. Stroll through the quaint streets and alleys, admire the exquisite carvings of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, and feel as if you have traveled back in time. - Noon: Taste local specialties in the ancient town, such as soft and glutinous rice cake dumplings with rich fillings, and sweet but not greasy mouse sugar balls. - Afternoon: Visit Minghe Academy to learn about the town’s cultural history; climb the flying eaves of Jin Xian Zen Temple for a panoramic view of the ancient town. Then head to Shanglin Lake Yue Kiln Ruins to explore the origin of Chinese celadon and appreciate the beautiful integration of lake scenery and historical relics. Day 2: Immersing in Nature and Ecology - Morning: Visit Hangzhou Bay National Wetland Park 🌳, an important stopover on the East Asia-Australasian migratory bird route. Take a wetland boat to navigate through the reed maze and observe adorable creatures like flamingos and elk. - Noon: Enjoy fresh lake seafood and local farmhouse dishes at a restaurant near the wetland park. - Afternoon: Continue exploring the wetlands, walk along the boardwalk, and visit the Egret Viewing Platform and the Love Cabin (filming location of the movie "Search") for photo opportunities. At dusk, enjoy the stunning sunset over the wetlands. Day 3: Fun and Leisure Day - Morning: Visit Fantawild Oriental Heritage 🎢, a large theme park themed around traditional Chinese culture. It offers thrilling rides and immersive experiences such as "Nüwa Mends the Sky" and "The Butterfly Lovers," letting you feel the charm of Eastern mythology. - Noon: Savor various snacks and delicacies inside Fantawild, enjoying a joyful dining time. - Afternoon: Continue enjoying the park, watch exciting shows and performances, and buy some memorable cultural and creative products. Then, with a heart full of joy and memories, conclude your delightful trip to Cixi. Photo Spots - Minghe Ancient Town: The Zouma Tower corridor at dusk during the blue hour offers stunning light and shadow effects, creating photos full of atmosphere; standing by Baiyang Lake with the ancient town buildings and lake as the backdrop, every shot looks like a Jiangnan water town masterpiece. - Shanglin Lake Yue Kiln Ruins: From the viewing platform, overlook the entire Shanglin Lake, capturing poetic and picturesque photos; inside the ruins museum, take photos with ancient celadon exhibits to record traces of history. - Hangzhou Bay National Wetland Park: Stand on the birdwatching platform with flying migratory birds as the background to capture wonderful moments; in front of the Love Cabin, take romantic couple photos or personal portraits. - Fantawild Oriental Heritage: The park’s ancient-style buildings make excellent photo backgrounds. Wearing Hanfu, stroll through pavilions, towers, and small bridges with flowing water, as if traveling back to ancient times; take photos with various rides and cartoon characters to record joyful moments. Must-Try Foods - Cixi Rice Cake: Soft, glutinous, and sweet, whether stir-fried, boiled, or fried, it has a unique flavor, such as the classic stir-fried rice cake with shredded pork and vegetables. - Sanbei Bean Crisp Candy: Melts in your mouth, delicate and sweet, a traditional Cixi pastry. Be careful not to drop crumbs while eating. - Longshan Yellow Mud Snails: Tender meat with moderate saltiness, a delicious appetizer and a fine dish on the dining table. - Seafood: Cixi is close to Hangzhou Bay, rich in seafood resources. Fresh seafood like swimming crab, yellow croaker, and shrimp can be enjoyed steamed, braised, or boiled, savoring the original flavors of the sea. Accommodation - High-end Hotels: Cixi Hangzhou Bay Century Jinyuan Hotel, fully equipped with attentive service, suitable for business and leisure travelers; Cixi Dapengshan Hotel, near the Dapengshan Tourist Resort, with a beautiful environment for a comfortable vacation. - Unique Homestays: Homestays in Minghe Ancient Town, quaint and antique, fall asleep to the tranquility of the ancient town at night and wake up to the morning light of the water town, experiencing the unique Jiangnan water town life. - Budget Hotels: Chain hotels like Home Inn and Hanting, cost-effective with convenient transportation and complete surrounding facilities, suitable for travelers on a budget. Travel Tips - Best Travel Time: Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November) have pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities; summer (June to August) is hot, so take sun protection and heatstroke prevention measures; winter (December to February) is cold, so dress warmly if visiting. - **Some areas of Minghe Ancient Town have stone slab roads, so comfortable shoes are recommended for easy walking. - **In summer, mosquitoes are abundant in the wetland park, so bring insect repellent. - **Protect the environment while visiting attractions, do not litter, and travel civilly. - **Some Cixi dishes tend to be sweet; if you prefer lighter flavors or dislike sweetness, inform the waiter when ordering. Cixi, this charming small city, offers historical depth, natural gifts, and tempting cuisine. A trip to Cixi will leave you with wonderful memories. Come and start your journey to Cixi! 🎉 #CixiTravel #CixiGuide #CixiFood #TravelGuide