Great Self-Driving Destinations in and Around Wuxi

Xianju County lies in southeast Zhejiang and western Taizhou. It is a national pilot county for China’s National Park system and the source of Taizhou’s mother river system (Yong’an Creek → Lingjiang River → Jiaojiang River).

Gongyu Village sits 38 kilometers southwest of Xianju County Town. Encircled by jagged peaks, the tiny basin glimmers like a brilliant gem. Astonishingly steep cliff faces and picturesque bamboo groves create one-of-a-kind scenery here.

This is an authentic ancient water town full of genuine charm. No crowded throngs of tourists, No entry fees—only unspoiled classic riverside charm.

Ancient Anchang Town in Shaoxing is exactly such a hidden gem. Its famed Anchang sausages and hand-pulled sugar candy are renowned far and wide. Traditional riverside wedding ceremonies unique to water towns are another unforgettable highlight.

Savor a mellow bowl of rice wine, a handful of spiced broad beans, and a plate of local Anchang cured pork to while away a leisurely afternoon.

Recommended route: Hangzhou → Cangqiao Straight Street (Shaoxing) → Lu Xun’s Former Residence → Anchang Ancient Town Address: Anchang Town, Shaoxing County, Zhejiang Province

Qiantong Ancient Town preserves an intact original layout of Jiangnan residential architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It unfolds as a vivid, timeless pastoral painting, and a melodious folk Jiangnan instrumental tune.

Step inside, and you will find carved beams in every house and clear running water flowing past every courtyard. An ancient Bagua-style water network murmurs through the whole town. Though not a typical canal town, it boasts water scenery even more delightful. It is an ideal spot to experience the folk culture of eastern Zhejiang.

Nearby recommended attractions: Nanxi Hot Spring, Double Rainbow Waterfall and Cliff Stone Carvings are all well worth visiting.

Formerly known as Chenmu, Jinxi is located in the southwest corner of Kunshan City. Shen Congwen once described it as “a maiden asleep in dreams.”

A stream once ran through the old town lined with peach and plum blossoms on both banks. Its old saying, “Even short distances require a boat,” perfectly captures Jinxi’s character. Water lanes, stone docks, arch bridges, overhanging balconies, covered corridors and old streets together form a breathtaking scroll painting. Soft Wu folk tunes float through the air alongside curling tea steam, telling the thousand-year stories of riverside villagers.

If you long to see Huangshan’s breathtaking landscapes but want to avoid massive crowds, I recommend Daming Mountain in Lin’an, Zhejiang. Its mountain vistas resemble ink wash Chinese paintings, dotted with exotic pine trees, grotesque rock formations, sea of clouds and jagged peak forests, earning it the nickname “Mini Huangshan of Zhejiang.” All visitors agree it is absolutely worth a trip.

Chenxi is situated 35 kilometers south of Shangyu City, Zhejiang. Its inconvenient transport keeps it largely undiscovered by tourists. Centuries-old camphor and ginkgo trees, layered terraced farmlands, scattered farmhouses and mountain brooks refresh visitors’ minds and spirits.

Besides its natural scenery, the distinctive French-style manor Guerouel Village tucked in Chenxi’s mountains is equally attractive. Escape crowded tourist spots with your whole family and spend a relaxing French-style holiday here during your break.

Yushan refers to an archipelago, 47.5 kilometers away from Shipu Town, the nearest point on the mainland, consisting of two major islands: North Yushan and South Yushan.

Wild blooming mountain flowers, sapphire-blue seawater and rugged cliff reefs combine to form a paradise-like landscape. Spend a laid-back holiday here watching sunrise and sunset, admiring the brilliant Milky Way, and drifting off to sweet dreams lulled by the sound of rolling waves — utterly romantic.

Shangxi Village in western Zhejiang boasts unparalleled poetic scenery, including a grand cluster of waterfalls, a towering stone dragon ridge, and a Jiangnan counterpart of Dazhai Village. Every late autumn, red maple leaves dot white-walled, black-tiled houses, forming an idyllic landscape scroll like a Chinese pastoral poem.