Discover Divine Turtle Listening To The Falls: A Hidden Gem in Zhejiang
Geographical Location
Nestled within the Anji Hidden Dragon Hundred Falls Scenic Area in Daxi Village, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, Divine Turtle Listening To The Falls is a nature-lover’s paradise. The spot lies in a lush valley surrounded by towering bamboo forests and cascading waterfalls, about a 90-minute drive from Hangzhou or a 2-hour drive from Shanghai. The address might sound remote, but the journey is part of the adventure—winding roads lead you through picturesque tea fields and mist-covered mountains, making it feel like stepping into a traditional Chinese landscape painting.
How to Get There
- By Car: Renting a car is the easiest way to reach Divine Turtle Listening To The Falls. Use GPS to navigate to “Anji Hidden Dragon Hundred Falls”—the scenic area is well-marked, though narrow mountain roads require careful driving.
- Public Transport: Take a bus from Hangzhou West Bus Station to Anji County (~2 hours), then transfer to a local taxi or shuttle van to the scenic area. From Shanghai, high-speed trains to Anji Railway Station take ~1.5 hours, followed by a short taxi ride.
- Tour Groups: Many travel agencies offer day trips from Hangzhou or Shanghai, which include round-trip transport and guided visits to Divine Turtle Listening To The Falls and other nearby attractions.
Natural Wonders
The heart of Divine Turtle Listening To The Falls is its stunning waterfall, which plunges down moss-covered rocks into a crystal-clear pool. The falls are named after a massive rock formation resembling a turtle (or “divine turtle”) that seems to tilt its head toward the water, as if listening to the roar of the cascade. Surrounding the falls, you’ll find:
- Mist-filled Forests: Walk along wooden paths lined with ferns and wildflowers. The air is cool and damp, filled with the scent of cedar and earth.
- Year-Round Beauty: In spring, cherry blossoms frame the falls; summer brings lush greenery and a refreshing splash of water; autumn paints the valley in fiery reds and oranges; winter transforms it into a serene, snow-dusted wonderland.
- Sounds of Nature: The waterfall’s constant murmur blends with birdsong and rustling leaves, creating a peaceful soundtrack perfect for relaxation.
Cultural Charm
While Divine Turtle Listening To The Falls isn’t steeped in ancient history, its name hints at local folklore. The “divine turtle” is often seen as a symbol of longevity and wisdom in Chinese culture, and legend says the rock formation was blessed by a heavenly turtle that visited the falls eons ago. Though the story is playful, the spot feels magical—visitors joke that the turtle’s “listening” pose makes it look like a guardian of the valley.
Visitor Amenities
- Trails & Viewpoints: Well-maintained wooden walkways and stone steps lead you through the scenery. Look for the “Turtle’s Perch” viewpoint, where you can snap photos with the waterfall and rock formation in one frame.
- Rest Areas: Shaded pavilions and benches dot the route, offering spots to rest and soak in the view.
- Food & Drink: Near the entrance, small stalls sell snacks like roasted sweet potatoes and tea-flavored ice cream. For meals, try the local specialty—Bamboo Stewed Fish—at the on-site restaurant, which overlooks the valley.
- Souvenirs: Pick up turtle-themed knick-knacks, hand-painted fans, or jasmine tea from vendors.
Exploring the Experience
A visit to Divine Turtle Listening To The Falls is all about immersing yourself in nature. Start your day early to avoid crowds—the morning light filtering through the bamboo forest is Instagram-worthy. Wear waterproof shoes; you’ll get splashed by mist near the falls! Here’s a tip: Bring a lightweight raincoat, even on sunny days—the spray from the waterfall can surprise you.
Families will love the easy hikes and playful photo ops (kids go crazy posing with the “turtle”). Couples appreciate the romantic vibe, especially during sunset when the falls glow gold. For photography buffs, experiment with slow shutter speeds to capture the silky water flow, or shoot the turtle rock