This is the most beautiful ancient town I've ever seen, bar none.

Here is a detailed travel guide for the best of Yanguan: Best time to visit • Best time to view the tide: The annual Tide Watching Festival falls on the 18th day of the eighth lunar month, when the tides are at their most spectacular. However, good tides can also be seen around the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month. • Seasonal features: In spring (March to May), you can enjoy plum blossoms and a variety of flowers, as well as the charm of the ancient town; in summer (June to August), the temperature is high, making it ideal for tide watching and water activities; in autumn (September to November), in addition to tide watching, the climate is cool and the autumn scenery of the ancient town is charming; in winter (December to February), there are fewer people, so you can quietly enjoy the tranquility of the ancient town, and sometimes even enjoy the snow. Recommended attractions • Tide Watching Resort Park: The best place to see the "One-Line Tide", with ancient sites and exhibitions such as the Zhan'ao Pagoda. You can get daily tide information at the visitor center. • Chen Gelao Mansion: An ancient building from the Ming Dynasty, said to have been visited by Emperor Qianlong many times. The exquisite carvings tell the story of the past. • Sea God Temple: Built in the Qing Dynasty, with red walls and black tiles, it is magnificent and has many legends. The painted beams and columns are exquisite, and the stone lions at the entrance are ancient artifacts. • Jin Yong Academy: A Jiangnan garden-style building, the foundation of which was laid by Mr. Jin Yong himself, where you can experience martial arts culture. • Wang Guowei's Former Residence: A national key protected cultural relic, where the master of Chinese studies, Wang Guowei, spent his youth. His life story is on display. • Yanguan Tide Wall: Dubai-style waterfall wall with beautiful waves that run with music, making it highly photogenic. Recommended food • Local specialties: "Du" shredded radish cake, golden, crispy, salty and fragrant; Along Pot Shop's secret pork rib pot, old duck pot, etc.; Chaoma Snacks' Haining Jingfen, with a large bone broth base and chewy sweet potato noodles; as well as Haining jarred pork, Qiantang fish balls, Wangcai, etc. • Snacks and desserts: Sweet osmanthus cake is crispy on the outside and glutinous on the inside, sweet but not greasy; there are also Scholar Beef Offal, Xiaosichuan Roasted Sweet Potato Vermicelli, Xiaojiu Fried Rice Cake, Guansao Wonton and other delicacies from all over the country. Recommended accommodation • Xuande Gate Hotel: Quaint and elegant, built along the river, with a view of small bridges, flowing water, and houses when you open the window. • Kaiyuan Yiju Resort Manor (Haining Yanguan Tide Watching Resort Park Branch): Excellent location, some rooms have direct views of the Qiantang River tide. • Radisson Resort Hotel, Haining Qiantang Mingyue: Beautiful environment and complete supporting facilities. • Haining Yanguan Ancient City Xi Mo Homestay: With Jiangnan characteristics, you can feel the tranquility and charm of the ancient town. Transportation guide • High-speed train: Take the high-speed train to Haining West Station, then take a taxi for about 30 minutes; or go to Haining Station and take bus 109 to the scenic spot. • Intercity Railway: In Hangzhou, you can take the Hangzhou-Haining Intercity Railway to Yanguan Station, then transfer to Haining 333 bus. • Self-driving: Navigate to "Haining Yanguan Ancient Town Chao Le Zhi Cheng". It is about 1 hour from Hangzhou and about 2 hours from Shanghai. Itinerary planning • One-day tour: In the morning, you can visit Yanguan Tide Wall, Gongchen Gate, North Street, Royal Pier, and Chen Gelao Mansion; in the afternoon, go to Sea God Temple and Tide Watching Resort Park. • Two-day tour: On the first day, visit Yanguan Chao Le Zhi Cheng Water Curtain, Gongchen Gate Rowing Boat, Liankaitang, Yufeng Sauce Garden, and Shenhuang Di Yi; on the second day, visit Tide Watching Resort Park, Sea God Temple, Confucius Temple, Jin Yong Academy, and Chao Le Art Center.