Shenxian Lake Ecological Park Travel Guide, Haining: Encounter a Real-life Zelda

🎈Haining Shenxian Lake Ecological Park | Travel Guide✨ Hey everyone👯‍♀️, today I'm sharing a fantastic place with you - Haining Shenxian Lake Ecological Park👏! Once a mining site, it's now a popular spot for photos and weekend relaxation, perfect for getting close to nature🌳. 🚗Getting There: - By car🚗: Navigate directly to "Shenxian Lake Ecological Park". It's about 1 hr from Hangzhou, and about 1.5 hrs from Shanghai and Suzhou. It's only a few mins from the highway exit. The park has a designated parking lot🅿, and it's free! If the parking lot is full, there are some free parking spaces on the surrounding roads, but it can be tricky on holidays, so park carefully🚗. - Public transport🚌: First, go to downtown Haining, then take a bus to Yuanhua Town, and transfer to a village bus or take a taxi to the park. This method takes longer, so check the bus schedule before you go🕐. 🎯Things to Do: - Hike around the lake🚶‍♀️: The trail is about 4 km long, with stone paths and steps, making it an easy walk for all ages. The scenery along the way is picturesque, with many viewing platforms. It's easy to take great photos on a sunny day📸. Walking and taking photos will take about 2 hrs😜. - Camping⛺: The park has large grassy areas perfect for camping and campfires🔥. Lakeside spots offer proximity to the water, while the lawn near Wuxia Road is less crowded. There are also camping spots near the sunflower fields. Bring your gear and enjoy the outdoors😎. - Boating🚣‍♀️: Rent a boat and row across the lake, experiencing tranquility and vastness. Relax amidst the picturesque scenery🤗. - Birdwatching🐦: The observation deck is a paradise for bird lovers. Bring binoculars and wait for the birds to dance, experiencing the vitality of nature😃. 🎯Nearby Attractions: - Jin Yong's Former Residence🏠: About 10 mins by car from Shenxian Lake. Built in 1998, it's the birthplace of "Jin Yong Studies". Learn about Jin Yong's life and the influence of martial arts culture through exhibitions featuring his life story, photos, manuscripts, and classic works📖. - Yanguan Ancient Town🏘️: Not far from Shenxian Lake, this ancient town features streets full of historical charm. You can also see the spectacular Qiantang River tide🌊. - Xiashi Lantern Art Museum🎨: Experience the art of Xiashi stone lanterns and the charm of intangible cultural heritage. The colorful lantern displays at night are stunning😍. 🍜Food Recommendations: - Farmhouse cuisine🥘: Nearby farmhouse restaurants offer specialties like steamed fish and steamed pork with rice flour in lotus leaves, made with fresh, local ingredients😋. - Local snacks🍡: Villagers have stalls selling fruit, grilled sausages, stinky tofu, and other snacks. Traditional Haining snacks like zongzi and soy sauce duck are also worth trying for their unique flavors😝. - Coffee shops☕: "Shen Cafe" on the east side of the park has a modern minimalist style, with wooden furniture and unique decor. Enjoy a coffee and cake, and find local Yuanhua products😃. Shanti Tea & Coffee is also good, with a coffee house and a plant-filled space (the plant space only serves tea and desserts; you have to go to the coffee house for coffee). The plant space is beautiful, perfect for a relaxing afternoon🤗. 🏠Accommodation: - B&Bs🏘️: The surrounding villages offer unique B&Bs in a tranquil environment, often with special breakfasts. Experience the peace and quiet of the countryside and local customs😃. - Hotels🏨: For more choices and amenities, stay in downtown Haining. It's about 30 mins by car from Shenxian Lake. There are various star-rated and budget hotels, convenient for shopping and nightlife🌃. Come on down🎉, and have a wonderful holiday at Shenxian Lake Ecological Park🤩!