The Most Healing Seaside Town in Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai Area

After exploring Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, I discovered a hidden gem of a coastal town—Haiyan. Catching the tide, watching windmills, strolling through old streets, and wandering around Nanbei Lake—this is the everyday life of the locals. If you want to escape the crowds, Haiyan is the perfect place to visit. ### Haiyan 2-Day Itinerary **Day 1**: Shendang Old Street → Xuanhu Coffee → Victory Restaurant → Shendang Brewery → Shendang Granary → Fengyi Village **Day 2**: Haiyan Windmills → Guanhai Park → Qiyuan Garden → Nanbei Lake Scenic Area ### Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ **Shendang Old Street** A nostalgic street where you can snap a photo with the large "Shendang" sign at Xuanhu Coffee. Walk along the old street to visit the **Shendang Brewery**, a free-to-explore heritage soy sauce workshop built during the Guangxu era, still producing sauce today. 2️⃣ **Haiyan Windmills** A must-visit for sunrise lovers! Navigate to **Rongchuang Amusement Park**—the windmills and Ferris wheel create a dreamy atmosphere. 3️⃣ **Shendang Granary** An old granary transformed into an artsy block. The **Geometry Bookstore** is filled with works by Yu Hua, and the coffee shops and granary make great photo spots. 4️⃣ **Qiyuan Garden** A low-key yet stunning private Jiangnan garden. It was a filming location for the 1987 *Dream of the Red Chamber*—the iconic scene of Baochai chasing butterflies was shot here. The winding paths and serene beauty are unforgettable. 5️⃣ **Fengyi Village** Home to a unique **air-raid shelter** halfway up the mountain, built in the 1950s. Hike to the **glass walkway** at the summit for a breathtaking view of the emerald-green quarry lake below. 6️⃣ **Nanbei Lake Scenic Area** A tranquil retreat with few tourists and stunning lake views—perfect for a half-day escape. ### Travel Tips **Transportation**: - **By car**: 1.5 hours from Shanghai or Hangzhou. - **Public transit**: Take a high-speed train to **Jiaxing South Station**, then a 30-minute taxi ride to the attractions. **Accommodation & Food**: - Stay near **Guanhai Park** for convenience to the city center, dining, and transport. - Food recs: **Victory Restaurant**, **Baixingjia**, **Shuibei Restaurant**, **Hu Siling**.