Summer in Haiyan | Encounter the Cool Romance of Mountains, Sea, and Lake

| Encounter the Cool Romance of Mountains, Sea, and Lake. In the scorching summer heat, you always want to find a place to feel the sea breeze, listen to the waves, and escape the city's noise and heat. Haiyan in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, is such an excellent summer travel destination where mountains, sea, lake, and city blend together, unlocking a unique cool journey for you. Must-Visit Attractions to Encounter Summer Romance Nanbei Lake: A Natural Oxygen Bar for Summer Cooling Nanbei Lake, the only place in China that combines mountains, sea, and lake, is definitely the star attraction of Haiyan’s summer tourism. With dense vegetation and a high forest coverage rate, it is a natural oxygen bar. The average summer temperature here is several degrees lower than in the city, making it a paradise for escaping the heat. Stroll along the winding lakeside trail, with a gentle breeze brushing your cheeks, bringing the coolness of the lake water. You can climb Eagle’s Nest Peak to overlook the magnificent landscape where mountains, sea, and lake intertwine, feeling the wonders of nature. If you like excitement, try the "First Trail of Hangzhou Bay" hiking route, a 39-kilometer trek crossing 18 peaks, with breathtaking scenery along the way, allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of outdoor sports. By the way, from June to July every year, the sweet and sour bayberries here ripen. Pick them yourself and experience the joy of harvest; one bite is full of summer flavor. Guanhai Park & Haiyan Wharf: Embrace the Passion of the Sea In the early morning, head to Guanhai Park for a sea sunrise date. When the first ray of sunlight shines on the sparkling sea surface and the sky turns orange-red, the shock and romance are beyond words. The large lawn is a great place for camping and picnics. Lay down a picnic mat and enjoy a leisurely afternoon with family and friends. Not far from Guanhai Park is Haiyan Wharf. On the spectacular Windmill Avenue, huge windmills turn with the wind, forming a stunning picture with the deep blue sea, perfect for photos. At low tide, the mudflats are full of small crabs and jumping fish. Bring a small shovel and bucket to start a sea treasure hunt and enjoy endless fun brought by the sea. At dusk, watch the sunset on the wharf, with the afterglow shining on you and your shadow stretching long. At this moment, time seems to slow down. Qiyuan Garden: A Cool Corner in the Garden As one of China’s top ten famous gardens and the filming location of the 1987 version of "Dream of the Red Chamber," Qiyuan Garden is full of the delicacy and elegance of Jiangnan gardens. The garden is shaded by green trees, with pavilions and towers arranged in an orderly manner. The layout of "water following the mountain’s turn, the mountain enlivened by water" makes you feel like you are in an ancient poetic painting. Stroll along the winding secluded paths, appreciating the "Ten Scenes of Qiyuan," such as the Nine-Bend Pool Reflection and Beauty Looking in the Mirror. Every step reveals a new scene, full of coolness and tranquility. Find a pavilion to sit in, listen to the birds singing, feel the breeze on your face, and the heat instantly dissipates. Ganpu Ancient Town: Explore the Cool Charm of History With a history of over 1,000 years, Ganpu Ancient Town preserves well-maintained old streets and alleys, exuding a strong historical charm. Walking into the ancient town feels like traveling through time back to the past. In the morning, have a bowl of steaming hot mutton noodles, a local "morning roast" culture. Tender mutton paired with chewy noodles, and a sip of local liquor, starts your day full of energy. Stroll along the ancient city wall ruins, touch the old bricks, and feel the vicissitudes of time. The ancient town is not large and can be explored in 2-3 hours, but every corner hides stories worth savoring. Salt Culture and Integrity Exhibition Hall · Salt Museum: Summer Reflection in Culture If you want to learn about Haiyan’s salt-making history and integrity culture, the Salt Museum is the best choice. The museum vividly displays the ancient salt-making process and the struggle between integrity and corruption in salt trading through rich exhibits and multimedia presentations. In the interactive area, you can participate in quizzes; answering all correctly wins a beautiful colorful mineral salt lucky bag. Here, you can gain knowledge and escape the summer heat in an air-conditioned room, killing two birds with one stone. Special Local Foods, Taste the Flavors of Haiyan Ganpu Mutton: Warm Comfort in Summer Don’t think you can’t eat mutton in summer. Haiyan’s Ganpu mutton uses local lake sheep, with tender meat and no gamey taste. After long simmering with rock sugar, yellow wine, and other seasonings, it turns bright red and fragrant. Have a bowl of steaming hot mutton noodles or eat it with a small shot of liquor to instantly forget the summer fatigue. Haiyan Pickled Cabbage: Unique Salty and Fresh Flavor With a history of a thousand years, Haiyan pickled cabbage is a local specialty preserved vegetable. It is crispy and refreshing with a slight sour taste. Whether shredded and served cold, or made into pickled cabbage chicken feet or steamed fish with pickled cabbage, it has a unique flavor. Don’t forget to bring some back as a souvenir. Qiyuan Pancake: A Crispy and Savory Delight Made with old dough, Qiyuan pancakes are freshly baked and sold with various flavors like preserved vegetables, fresh meat, and scallion oil. The freshly baked pancake has a golden crispy crust, and biting into it releases the delicious filling instantly, leaving a lasting impression. Hold one and eat while strolling, feeling the lively atmosphere of Haiyan. Husiling Soup Dumplings: The Breakfast Must-Have In Haiyan, Husiling soup dumplings are the "boss" of breakfast. Selling only soup dumplings, they have won many fans with their freshness and unique taste from being freshly wrapped and steamed. The skin is soft yet chewy, the filling juicy, and every bite is full of happiness. Paired with rose vinegar and chili sauce, the flavor is exceptional. Dry Tossed Noodles: Simple Yet Delicious Dry tossed noodles are everywhere in Haiyan’s streets and alleys. Though simple, they have a unique charm. A small amount of sauce at the bottom of the bowl flavors the noodles, which are tossed continuously to coat them evenly. The noodles are chewy and paired with pickled vegetables and shredded meat or eel topping, every bite is extremely satisfying. Recommended Accommodations for a Comfortable Summer Night GreenTree Alliance Hotel A mid-range brand under the GreenTree Hotel Group, stylish and modernly decorated, located in Shendang Town, close to Qiyuan Garden and Guanhai Park, very convenient for travel. The hotel is fully equipped with various room types to choose from, suitable for family trips or business travel, providing a comfortable place to stay. GreenTree Inn Located in the central urban area of Haiyan County, surrounded by rich dining and entertainment facilities to meet all your needs. It is 20 kilometers from Nanbei Lake and 50 kilometers from Yanguan Tide-Watching Point, convenient for self-driving. The rooms use solid wood materials, creating a warm and homely atmosphere, allowing you to feel the warmth of home even on the road. Homestays Around Nanbei Lake If you want to experience local life more deeply, homestays around Nanbei Lake are definitely your best choice. Most of these homestays are located by the scenic lakeside or mountain villages, with views from the windows, allowing close contact with nature. Some homestays also offer farmhouse dishes and picking experiences, making your trip richer and more colorful. Haiyan’s summer offers the cool comfort of mountains, sea, and lake, the temptation of special local foods, and a comfortable accommodation experience. This summer, why not take a walk in Haiyan, see the sights, and let your body and mind relax and be nourished on this beautiful land, leaving behind wonderful travel memories. #HaiyanTravel #SummerTravel #SeafoodDelights #HaiyanAttractions