3 Budget-Friendly Cities in Zhejiang Perfect for Short Trips in March-April

1. Jiande, Zhejiang: 👍Features: As a county-level city of Hangzhou, Jiande differs from water towns like Tongli, Xitang, and Wuzhen. Located in western Zhejiang's mountainous region at the confluence of Xin'an River, Lan River, and Fuchun River, the morning mist over Xin'an River creates a mystical atmosphere, making it a "17°C cool summer retreat." 🚗Transportation: About 50 minutes by high-speed rail from Hangzhou, or within 2 hours from Shanghai. 📍Itinerary suggestion: Perfect for a two-day, one-night trip. Day 1: Visit Meicheng Ancient Town, climb Chengqing Gate for views of the old town and Xin'an River; evening stroll along Xin'an River to enjoy the natural air conditioning. Day 2: Visit Water Metasequoia Forest Park to breathe in the fresh air of this natural oxygen bar. 📸Attractions: - Meicheng Ancient Town: Experience historical charm with ancient town on one side and Xin'an River on the other, offering panoramic views. - Xin'an River: Maintains 17°C year-round; boat rides feel like being in natural air conditioning. Best time for misty views is early morning and evening. - Water Metasequoia Forest Park: Therapeutic scenery, perfect for camping, water activities, and family outings. 🏘Accommodation: Consider Jiande Jinglan Xin'an River Resort Hotel for affordable stays. 🍔Food recommendations: Sandu mochi, tofu buns, beef vermicelli, corn cake, fish balls, crystal cake. 2. Anji, Zhejiang: 👍Features: Located in Huzhou, Anji boasts lush vegetation, serves as a perfect summer retreat for Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang area, and houses Asia's largest natural history museum alongside numerous natural attractions. 🚗Transportation: About 1 hour from Hangzhou, 2.5 hours from Shanghai. Suitable for self-driving or renting a car after taking high-speed rail. 📍Itinerary suggestion: Day 1: Visit Zhejiang Natural History Museum Anji Branch, then head to Changgu Dotian for waterfalls and bamboo rafting. Day 2: Explore Daqi Mountain Forest Park for nature walks. 📸Attractions: - Zhejiang Natural History Museum Anji Branch: Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, great indoor summer escape. - Changgu Dotian: Features spectacular Longtan Waterfall with popular swing photo spot beneath. - Daqi Mountain Forest Park: Known as "Little Jiuzhaigou of Hangzhou," featuring peaks, waterfalls, bamboo forests, and streams. 🏘Accommodation: Recommended stays include Taoyuan Qi Pool Villa Hot Spring Resort, Anji Yunyin Lakeside Villa, and Ye Zai Dali Gourmet Bamboo Forest Luxury Villa. 🍔Food recommendations: Dan Tiao noodles, Zhao Meili hot pot, Chan Ama rice crust, Lao Ye baked pancakes, Ziyan noodle house, Mi Hang shop, pine soup dumplings. 3. Siming Mountain, Ningbo: 👍Features: One of the most popular self-driving destinations in the Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang area, featuring beautiful natural landscapes and late cherry blossoms in April. 🚗Transportation: Best reached by car, with various activities along provincial roads to choose from based on time and interests. 📍Itinerary suggestion: One-day self-driving tour starting from Siming Lake, visiting Baishui Waterfall and Siming Mountain Observation Deck, enjoying local cuisine in Dalan Town, then heading to Shangmagang Cherry Blossom Base for late cherry blossoms. Extended trips to Zhongcun or Xikou available if time permits. 📸Attractions: - Siming Lake: Crystal clear waters surrounded by beautiful scenery, perfect for photography. - Baishui Waterfall: Impressive high-drop waterfall with rushing waters. - Shangmagang Cherry Blossom Base: Hillsides covered in late cherry blossoms from early to mid-April, creating picturesque scenes. 🏘Accommodation: Various affordable farmstays and guesthouses available nearby. 🍔Food recommendations: Liangnong cake, Siming Mountain bamboo shoots, Yuyao yellow croaker noodles.