Location & Transportation
Xiangxi Village sits in the western part of Fuyang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It’s about an hour’s drive from downtown Hangzhou and a 2-hour train ride from Shanghai. To get there, you can either rent a car (highly recommended for flexibility) or take a bus from Hangzhou’s West Bus Station to Fuyang, then transfer to a local taxi. The village is nestled between mountains and forests, so expect winding roads and stunning views on your journey!
Natural Scenery: A Feast for the Eyes
Xiangxi Village is a nature lover’s paradise. Imagine 3,500 acres of bamboo forests where you can pick fresh bamboo shoots, and 500 acres of Yangmei (bayberry) orchards that smell sweet in summer. There’s also a 100-acre fruit hub with kiwis, grapes, and more. But the real showstopper? 28 ancient trees, including a 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree group that turns golden yellow in autumn, blanketing the ground like a fairytale. Year-round, you’ll find different colors: springtime cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn harvests, and winter mist-covered hills.
Cultural Gems: History Comes Alive
This village isn’t just pretty—it’s rich in history. It’s the hometown of Yao Xing, a heroic general from the Southern Song Dynasty who fought against invaders. And yes, that’s the same Yao Xing you might’ve heard about in Chinese legends! Even the poet Su Dongpo (yes, that famous北宋 poet) visited Xiangxi Village and wrote a poem called New City Road about his trip here. You can walk the “East Slope Ancient Path” he once trod, which winds through forests and streams.
Top Spots to Explore
Xiangxi Village has something for everyone:
- Stone Gate Ridge Forest Park: Perfect for hiking and breathing fresh air.
- Daqiao Pool Leisure Park: A calm spot with bridges, water, and picnic areas.
- Cloud Leopard Reserve: Spot rare animals (if you’re lucky!) in this protected area.
- Ginkgo Fortune Trail: Walk under golden leaves in fall—it’s Instagram gold!
- Pleasure Camping Base: Sleep under the stars in a scenic campground.
Stay Like a Local (But Luxuriously)
After a day of adventure, relax in one of Xiangxi’s luxury boutique hotels like Xiangxi Ji·Suite (a silver-rated lodge) or Yuejia Farmhouse. For something cozier, try Qing Courtyard, a traditional-style inn with modern comforts. The village even has a tourist hub plaza with rental bikes and sightseeing buses to help you get around.
Events & Festivals: Join the Fun!
Every year, Xiangxi hosts the “Xiangxi Mountain Festival”, where the village transforms into a celebration of local food, music, and crafts. The highlight? The golden ginkgo leaves falling like confetti and autumn walks along ancient stone paths. It’s a chance to see Xiangxi’s beauty through the eyes of artists and photographers.
Why Visit? An Unforgettable Escape
Xiangxi Village isn’t crowded like big cities. Instead, it’s peaceful, clean, and full of life—whether you’re picking fruits, hiking trails, or snapping photos of centuries-old trees. With honors like “National Eco-Culture Village” and “Top 10 Western Zhejiang Tourism Spots,” it’s trusted to give you an authentic yet comfy experience. Plus, guides and facilities are tourist-friendly, even if you don’t speak Chinese!
Pro Tip: Visit in late November for peak ginkgo season or June for bayberry picking. Wear comfy shoes—there’s a lot to explore!