Escape the crowds this May Day! 18 Free Hidden Gems to Take You into a Modern "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains"
Ladies, you get it! I finally found a truly uncrowded and beautiful hidden gem around Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai – Fuyang! Huang Gongwang's "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" comes to life here, and the best part is, most attractions are free! 🆓 As an experienced outdoor enthusiast, I personally explored 18 stunning photo spots. Keep this ultimate guide handy and copy this itinerary directly for your May Day holiday!
🌳 Fuchun River Green Energy Field: 18 Must-Visit Spots
I've divided these 18 places into four categories, so you can choose based on your interests:
🏞️ Natural Scenery (Mostly Free)
· Dragon Scale Dam: An internet-famous cascading waterfall on Huyuan Stream, with 13 layers of "dragon scales" arranged beautifully. Walking barefoot in the water is super therapeutic! Navigate to Xinyi Village, Huyuan Township. Parking is 10 yuan/day.
· Xingmeijian Peak: Fuyang's highest peak, a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts. The sea of clouds and sunrise are breathtaking.
· Anding Mountain: Over 700 meters above sea level, shrouded in clouds and mist year-round, famous for Anding Mountain Cloud Mist Tea. On clear days, you can overlook the entire Fuchun River.
· Tongzhou Island: An island in the Fuchun River, known as a "real-life Secret Garden." Perfect for camping, cycling, and fruit picking.
· Yangbei Lake Wetland Park: An ecological green lung in the city. The light is best around 4 PM in autumn and winter, making for amazing photos.
🏯 Ancient Town Culture (Some Fees Apply)
· Longmen Ancient Town: A settlement of Sun Quan's descendants and the largest ancient village in Jiangnan. Entrance fee 70 yuan. The maze-like cobblestone alleys, Sun family cultural wall, and freshly fried Longmen gluten (10 yuan/serving) are must-tries.
· Huang Gongwang's Secluded Residence: The actual site where "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" was created. Entrance fee 50 yuan. Bamboo paths, the thatched cottage of Xiaodongtian, and the South Tower observation deck offer a glimpse into the reclusive life of a Yuan Dynasty painter.
· Wencun Village: A model village of new Hangzhou-style residences, with white walls and black tiles like a painting by Wu Guanzhong. Free to visit.
🥾 Hiking & Mountain Climbing (All Free)
· Fuyang Urban Forest Park: An urban oxygen bar, suitable for morning exercises and walks.
· Changlü Stone Steps: Natural stone steps with a great texture for photos.
· Bashan Village: Tea plantation scenery. Experience tea picking in spring.
· Cangzhou Village: A quaint village, experience rural tranquility.
· Huyuan Shangzang: Gurgling streams, a great place for water activities in summer.
🚴 Leisure Greenways (All Free)
· Huyuan Stream Greenway: Built along the stream, suitable for both cycling and hiking.
· Changchuan Greenway: Connects multiple villages, offering endless pastoral scenery.
· Jiangbin West Avenue: The most beautiful section along the Fuchun River. In March, willows provide shade, and every casual shot looks like an ink wash painting.
· Big Windmill Park: Iconic windmill landscape. Take a walk in the evening to watch the sunset.
· Guanshan Park: The premier scenic spot of the Fuchun River, free to enter. Climb the First Tower of Fuchun River to overlook the river view and visit Yu Dafu's Former Residence.
🗺️ Replicable Itineraries
One-Day Essential Tour (for those with limited time)
Morning: Huang Gongwang's Secluded Residence (2 hours) → Noon: Farmhouse restaurant by the Fuchun River (try river delicacies) → Afternoon: Longmen Ancient Town (2-3 hours) → Evening: Play in the water and watch the sunset at Dragon Scale Dam
Two-Day In-Depth Tour (My Recommendation!)
Day 1: Depart from Hangzhou → Huang Gongwang's Secluded Residence → Fuchun River Greenway cycling → Take photos of willows on Jiangbin West Avenue → Stay overnight at a B&B by the Fuchun River
Day 2: Longmen Ancient Town → Dragon Scale Dam → Tongzhou Island cycling/camping → Return
Three-Day Relaxing Tour (Complete Relaxation)
Day 1: Guanshan Park → Yangbei Lake Wetland Park → Explore Fuyang city cuisine
Day 2: Anding Mountain for sea of clouds and tea picking → Xingmeijian Peak hike → Stay overnight at a mountain B&B
Day 3: Huyuan Stream Greenway hike → Take photos at Changlü Stone Steps → Return
💡 Practical Tips (Tried and Tested!)
Transportation Guide
· High-speed rail: Fuyang Station of Hanghuang High-Speed Railway, 15-minute drive to the city center.
· Metro: Hangzhou Metro Line 6 directly to Fuyang city center, get off at Guihua West Road Station.
· Self-driving: Accessible via Hangxinjing Expressway and G320 National Highway. Attractions are spread out, so self-driving is recommended.
· Local transport: Rent an electric scooter in Fuyang city for 30 yuan/day, flexible and convenient.
Accommodation Recommendations
· River view hotels: Hotels by the Fuchun River, open the window to see the river (400-800 yuan).
· Characteristic B&Bs: B&Bs in Longmen Ancient Town, Huang Gongwang Village, experience the charm of ancient houses (300-600 yuan).
· Luxury option: Fuchun Mountain Residence Resort, enjoy a private boat tour.
Food Must-Tries
· Fuchun River delicacies: Steamed white perch + drunken lake shrimp + stir-fried snails with sauce. Recommend "Fisherman's Wharf" on Jiangbin West Avenue.
· Longmen fried gluten: Freshly fried and sold with meat filling. The "Sun Family Alley" old stove in the ancient town makes the most authentic version.
· Yongchang Stinky Tofu: Fermented with bamboo salt brine, fried two ways, served with special chili sauce.
· Xindeng Shaobing: Preserved mustard greens + pork belly combo. Look for the one next to the old bus station.
Money-Saving Tips
· The "Fuchun Mountain Residence" joint ticket includes Huang Gongwang's Secluded Residence + Longmen Ancient Town + Fuchun Mountain Museum, saving 40% compared to buying individual tickets.
· Many attractions are free: Guanshan Park, Riverside Greenway, Dragon Scale Dam, Tongzhou Island (ferry 15 yuan round trip).
· Avoid weekends: Dragon Scale Dam gets crowded on weekends, so it's recommended to go on weekdays.
Best Season
· Spring (March-May): Mountains covered in flowers, picturesque river views, stunning rapeseed fields.
· Autumn (September-November): Clear and crisp weather, the most beautiful season for the Fuchun River.
· Summer (June-August): Water activities, super refreshing to play in the water at Dragon Scale Dam.
Photography Tips
· Time: Early morning 8-10 AM (mist + soft light) or evening 4-6 PM (sunset dyeing the river).
· Outfit: Light-colored long dresses/new Chinese style/linen, paired with straw bags/oil-paper umbrellas, to maximize the Jiangnan vibe.
· Photo spots: Willows in the foreground on Jiangbin West Avenue, reflection of the moon in the inkstone pond at Longmen Ancient Town at night, rapeseed fields on Tongzhou Island.
🌟 My Private Experience
In the bamboo forest of Huang Gongwang's Secluded Residence, I truly understood that "the meaning of scenery is to see it with your own eyes." Standing on the South Tower overlooking the Fuchun River, it felt like I had traveled back into "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains." Walking barefoot in the water at Dragon Scale Dam, with the cool stream flowing over my feet, all worries were washed away.
The Fuchun River is a huge green energy field; every breath is healing. There's no commercial hustle and bustle here, only the purest beauty of mountains and rivers. If you're looking for a truly relaxing place this May Day holiday, Fuyang is definitely worth it!
Finally, a reminder: protect the environment, take your trash with you; respect local customs; be careful on some mountain roads; check the weather in advance, and be aware of Fuchun River water level changes during the rainy season.
Fuchun Mountain Residence Actual Site