Location & How to Get There

Hou Chong Scenic Area sits in the Yongning Street area of Pukou District, Nanjing, about an hour’s drive from downtown. It’s nestled between the Laoshan National Forest Park and the Chu River, making it a perfect day trip from the city. To reach here, you can take the Nanjing Metro Line 3 to Linfu Station, then transfer to Bus 604 or 611. If you’d rather drive, there’s ample parking near the entrance, and the winding roads through tea fields and bamboo groves are part of the adventure!

Natural Scenery: A Year-Round Delight

Hou Chong Scenic Area bursts with seasonal beauty. In spring, cherry blossoms and golden rapeseed flowers create a “pink and yellow blanket” across fields. Summer brings lush greenery along walking trails, with a cool breeze near the Hou Chong Reservoir. Autumn turns the area into a painter’s palette, with rice paddies glowing gold and maple leaves in fiery red. Winter is quieter, but the reservoir becomes a hotspot for birdwatchers, especially when migratory birds flock here. The Bamboo Stream and Tea Hill offer shady spots to escape the heat or capture Instagram-worthy photos.

Cultural Highlights: Village Life & Crafts

Unlike crowded tourist spots, Hou Chong keeps it real with traditional village vibes. Stroll through Hou Chong Village to see thatched-roof houses and elderly villagers weaving bamboo baskets or drying herbs. You might spot locals making handmade noodles or rice cakes using old-school methods. For a deeper dive, visit the Eco-Museum, where exhibits explain local farming tools and festivals. Don’t miss the Clay Workshop, where you can try your hand at shaping pottery—a fun souvenir to bring home!

Practical Tips: What to Bring & Where to Stay

The area is stroller-friendly but wear comfy shoes for hikes. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a reusable water bottle—there are refill stations. For food, the Lakeside Café serves decent coffee and rice dishes, while Farmhouse Wang’s offers hearty homemade meals. If you’re staying overnight, book a room at the Tea Field Inn (rustic charm) or pitch a tent at the designated campsite near the reservoir.

Why Hou Chong Stages?

What makes Hou Chong special? It’s the “best of both worlds”: close to Nanjing’s buzz but feels like a hidden valley. Whether you’re cycling through tea plantations, feeding ducks by the reservoir, or just breathing fresh air, it’s a chance to slow down. Bonus: Fewer tourists than popular spots means you often have scenic views all to yourself!

Come for the scenery, stay for the simplicity—Hou Chong Scenic Area is a reminder of why Nanjing’s countryside is worth exploring.