Escape the crowds! Rediscover slow living in the "Jiangnan Potala Palace" and ancient villages

What makes these thousand-year-old villages recommended by National Geographic so captivating? Nestled against mountains with earthen walls and yellow-tiled roofs, the villages feature picturesque layouts, small bridges over flowing streams, and music carried by the breeze—here, I rediscovered my childhood self. - - - 📍 Wuyi County, Jinhua, Zhejiang | Shanxiabao Village & Shanghuang Village 🚗 Transportation tip: Self-driving recommended (no direct bus access) - - - 🏞️【Shanghuang Village—The "Potala Palace of Jiangnan"】 ▪️ Terraced ancient houses built into the mountains resemble a mini Potala Palace from afar, with striking layers of yellow earth and black tiles—especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset 🌄. ▪️ Completely free! No entrance or parking fees—a truly pristine ancient village. ▪️ Beautiful year-round, but late spring/early summer offers lush greenery and cool streams, perfect for hiking and photography. - - - ✨【Shanxiabao Village—A Timeless Paradise】 ▪️ A 700-year-old village featuring the same architecture documented in Liang Sicheng’s "History of Chinese Architecture"! Qing Dynasty houses, cobblestone paths, and the Jinxi River winding through—every corner is a vintage photo op 📸. ▪️ Zero commercial vibe—just warm locals and handmade dried vegetable stalls. An octogenarian selling homegrown produce adds rustic charm. ▪️ Meticulously restored with help from the China Academy of Art, blending old and new—ideal for artsy travelers. ▪️ Must-do: Lounge under the ancient tree at the village entrance, listen to the stream, or try hand-brewed coffee at the new "At the Foot of the Mountain" village café ☕️. - - - 📌【Travel Tips】 ✅ Shanxiabao has a few homestays; Shanghuang has none. For comfort, stay in downtown Jinhua—the Jinhua Seasons Regal Hotel is centrally located with great transport and local cuisine. Ask the manager for recommendations 👍. ✅ Both villages are minimally commercialized—bring snacks and water. ✅ Outfit tip: Hanfu or linen styles pair perfectly with the ancient vibe! - - - 💬 Skip the tourist crowds! Visit these hidden gems to step into a paradise and live a day as a "mountain wanderer"~