Zhejiang's Eastern 4A Scenic Area Shines, 2026 Spring Mountain Self-Drive Trip
In eastern Zhejiang, there is a hidden treasure 4A scenic area covering about 45 square kilometers. It is one of Zhejiang's top ten "best leisure vacation destinations." As one of the few scenic spots in China that combines mountains, sea, and lakes, it has become increasingly well-known and attracts many visitors eager to explore!
We are talking about the Zhejiang Nanbei Lake Scenic Area, historically known as Yong'an Lake, named Gaoshi Lake in the Ming Dynasty. It is named after the long dike that separates the north and south lakes [the dike called Zhonghutang is 500 meters long]. The area includes four main zones: lakes and ponds, forests and mountains, coastal areas, and ancient city. It features over 40 attractions such as Yunxiu Hermitage and Eagle's Nest Peak, as well as ancient relics like Song Dynasty cliff inscriptions and Ming Dynasty anti-pirate Hulus Mountain Fortress. From ancient times to today, it has formed the Ganpu Eight Views [Yunxiu Harmony, Gan Lake Autumn Moon, Eagle's Nest Clear Snow, Tea Mill Pine Wind, Meng Spring Waterfall, Wumen Fisherman's Flute, Stone Sail Mirage, and Hulus Layered Green].
Now in spring 2026, Zhejiang Nanbei Lake Scenic Area offers the elegance of a "Little West Lake," views of Hangzhou Bay, and fields of blooming rapeseed flowers that look like a painting!
For hiking enthusiasts, there is a 7-kilometer flower-viewing loop route: [East Gate → North Lake → Zhuanshuiwu → Jinjiu Trail → Eagle's Nest Peak → Baiyun Pavilion → Jiujing Path Downhill → Jingshan Rapeseed Flower Sea → Butterfly Island/Egret Isle → East Gate]. The full loop takes about 5 hours. You can climb to the top to overlook Nanbei Lake, visit ancient sites, and end with the flower sea—truly a springtime adventure.
If you just want to see the rapeseed flower sea, you can navigate directly to "Jingshanli." Here, the rapeseed flower sea stretches widely, with mountain paths and resting benches. Walking through, you can easily immerse yourself in the flowers, stand in the middle of the path, or sit on benches among the blooms—every photo is stunning! Plus, nearby "Tianju Residence" adds a pastoral charm to your pictures!
Even better, Zhejiang Nanbei Lake Scenic Area now allows self-driving up the mountain, making sightseeing effortless!
The rules are: starting March 16, open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on public holidays. One-way traffic is implemented along the route: "Transfer Center → Tanxian Stone City → Baiyun Pavilion → Mountain Road → Police Office." Note the vehicle restrictions: only small passenger cars with 7 seats or fewer and small new energy vehicles are allowed; other vehicle types are prohibited. Speed limits are 30 km/h on the mountain road, and 15 km/h on sharp turns, steep slopes, and poor visibility sections. Parking is limited to fixed lots at Baiyun Pavilion and Yunxiu Hermitage, with temporary parking on one side of the road between Baiyun Pavilion and Yunxiu Hermitage.
In short, visiting Zhejiang Nanbei Lake Scenic Area is now easier, and self-driving travelers will be thrilled!
For those with more time, a three-step spring tour is recommended:
First, self-drive around the route "Transfer Center → Tanxian Stone City → Baiyun Pavilion → Mountain Road → Police Office" to check in at the ancient temple and enjoy panoramic views of Nanbei Lake! On sunny days, Nanbei Lake looks like jade inlaid with distant mountains tinted blue, with perfect light and shadow—like a Song Dynasty landscape painting that calms the heart.
Second, circle the lake. Compared to West Lake, Nanbei Lake is just right—mountains are low and easy to walk, the lake is not too big and very enjoyable to stroll. Walking slowly along the dike, the sunset colors the lake orange, creating a healing and delightful experience!
Third, flower viewing. Besides the famous "Jingshanli Rapeseed Flower Sea," there are scattered apricot blossoms, cherry blossoms, magnolias, purple leaf plums, and redbuds around the lake, offering the purest "spring beauty."
So, a trip to Zhejiang Nanbei Lake Scenic Area during your free time is definitely a very pleasant experience!
Transportation
Self-drive: Navigate to "Haiyan Nanbei Lake Scenic Area - East Side Ground Parking Lot," which is close to the Jingshanli Rapeseed Flower Sea.
Public transport: Take the train to "Jiaxing South Station," then transfer to bus route 179 to "Nanbei Lake North Station (Sanwan)" (about 1 hour 30 minutes), or take a taxi (about 50 minutes).
Visitor Information
Zhejiang Nanbei Lake Scenic Area has free admission with no reservation required. It is located on County Road 331, Ganpu Town, Haiyan County, Jiaxing City. Self-driving is recommended.
So, are you interested in Zhejiang Nanbei Lake Scenic Area? Feel free to leave your comments and join the discussion!