No need to go to Chiang Mai! Anji hides a forest-style water play secret spot perfect for photos
Essential summer escape for Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai! Newly opened niche valley campsite, fully shaded with no direct sun exposure, zero risk for young kids playing in the water, great photo spots for couples, gentle lazy river floating for relaxation, fully equipped with no hiking needed
📍Exact location
Navigation: Anji Huayu Creek Campsite (Guishanchang Village, Xiaoyuan Street)
⏰Opening hours
Summer: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, last entry at 5:00 PM
Best entry times: 9:00 AM on weekdays, 8:30 AM on weekends to avoid crowds and midday sun
🚗Transportation
1. Self-driving (preferred)
From Hangzhou: 1.5 hours; Shanghai/Suzhou: 2.5 hours; fully paved mountain roads, very large parking lot, parking 10 yuan/day with no time limit
2. Public transport
High-speed rail to [Anji Station], then a 40-minute taxi ride to the site; ride-hailing is scarce in the mountains at dusk, save driver contact info before your visit
💰Ticket reference
Buying tickets online in advance is more cost-effective: adult single ticket about 30 yuan, child concession ticket 19.9 yuan, one ticket covers all water activities; on-site window prices are slightly higher, early bird summer tickets offer great value
🎒Essential packing list (follow to avoid pitfalls)
✅ Most important: non-slip creek shoes or fully enclosed thick-soled clogs, the underwater rocks are very slippery with algae, barefoot or flip-flops are strictly prohibited in the water
✅ Full set of change of clothes + dry towel + waterproof storage bag, you will get soaked playing in the water and the mountain breeze can be chilly
✅ Water play tools: fishing net, small bucket, water gun (you can take home fish and shrimp caught in the murky water area)
✅ Sunscreen + insect repellent: dappled sunlight in the forest can cause sunburn, and mosquitoes are dense in the woods
✅ Waterproof phone pouch, sunglasses, light-colored dress (for photos matching the forest vibe)
Optional: picnic mat, chilled snacks, canopy, life-saving arm ring (for young children)
Outfit style
Light beige, light blue, and cream long dresses match the hobbit house, heart-shaped pool, and dawn redwood forest, bringing a Southeast Asia Chiang Mai filter effect; bright, playful colors for parent-child outfits make photos stand out
📝One-day immersive itinerary | relaxed pace with no rush
9. 00–10:00 Enter and change clothes → heart-shaped water play pool
The park’s signature photo spot, water depth only 0.5–0.6 m, full shade from large trees + timed mist system, toddlers can safely splash barefoot, perfect for water fights, light-colored outfits look great straight from the camera, parents can watch from the shore
10. 00–11:30 Murky water fishing shallow + dawn redwood water forest creek walk
A whole area of flowing shallow water, water only reaches calves, crevices filled with small fish, shrimp, and crayfish, bring your own net to catch and take home for free; straight rows of dawn redwoods on both sides, crystal-clear creek bottom, forest creek walk at a constant 25°C, full forest atmosphere
11. 30–13:00 Lazy magic carpet floating + gentle forest water slide
The park’s highlight: 200 m gentle inner river floating, no rapids or steep slopes, lie on the float and drift slowly with the creek, bamboo forest shade on both sides, no paddling needed, suitable for elderly, those who dislike thrills, and kids for unlimited repeats; gentle forest slide with a soft slope, little ones can enjoy repeatedly without fear
13. 00–14:30 Lunch break · lawn canopy picnic
Hide in the shade during the hottest part of the day with two dining options:
① Simple meals inside the campsite: kiln-baked bread, handmade pasta, pizza, coffee, cold drinks, ice cream, no need to bring your own food;
② Bring your own picnic: spacious, flat lawn, tables and chairs in the creek for foot soaking dining, immersive cooling experience;
Free hot water showers, lockers, and restrooms fully available, change after water play, clean and convenient
14. 30–16:00 Hobbit fairy tale house + treehouse pool + tiered waterfall
The park’s most photogenic spot! Dome-shaped hobbit grass house with built-in small slide + water spray device, paired with a shallow water play pool below; nearby Southeast Asian-style suspended treehouse, blue-toned water reservoir below, full Chiang Mai vibe; Tiffany blue tiered waterfall steps perfect for water stepping and photos, full shade with no sun on your face
16. 00–17:30 Lotus pond check-in + creekside relaxation
Large lotus pond at the park entrance, lotuses in full bloom in summer, wooden boardwalk for flower viewing; remaining time for creekside strolls, creekside mahjong, board games for relaxation and stress relief, fewer crowds near closing time, no need to queue for photos
17. 30 Rinse and change, return or check in to nearby guesthouses
🍴Food recommendations
▫️Inside the park: freshly baked kiln bread, Italian meat sauce pasta, hand-brewed lemon tea, ice cream, oden
▫️Local farmhouses at the mountain base: Anji local bamboo forest chicken pot, boat head freshwater fish, clay pot dried bamboo shoots, farmhouse dishes, excellent value
▫️Refreshing drinks: Anji cold brew white tea, chilled rice wine
🏨Accommodation options (for two-day trips)
1. Mountain guesthouses near the campsite: standalone courtyard, bamboo sea view, 5-minute walk to Huayu Creek, 180–350 yuan/night, quiet and serene, enjoy the empty valley in the morning
2. Hotels in Anji county: full dining and shopping options, 20-minute drive to the campsite, well-equipped and convenient for travel
📍Nearby linked attractions (one- or two-day Anji itinerary)
1. Xiaohangkeng: 20-minute drive, “Little Switzerland of Zhejiang” large meadow, camping and hiking
2. Zhongnan Herb Garden: 25-minute drive, family park, pet interaction
3. Cloud Grassland: 40-minute drive, cliff amusement projects, high-altitude cableway
4. White tea viewing platform: 15-minute drive, popular platform overlooking 10,000-mu white tea mountains
⚠️Comprehensive tips & safety reminders
1. Weather red line: no entry within 48 hours after heavy rain, creek water rises and flows faster, floating and shallow areas temporarily closed, check weather forecast before traveling
2. Weekend crowds peak from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, arrive early to avoid crowds and double your experience; weekdays are mostly private visits
3. Shallow water areas are safe, but young children must be supervised at all times; deep water areas are off-limits for unsupervised children
4. Rent canopies and tables/chairs online in advance, on-site availability is limited during peak season; fishing nets and water guns sold at park stalls at affordable prices
5. Protect the environment, leave no trace while playing in the water, take all trash with you; pets allowed but must be leashed
6. Mountain temperatures are 5–8°C cooler than the city, evenings can feel chilly when descending, be sure to change into dry clothes promptly to avoid colds
🎯Suitable and not recommended for
✅ Must-visit: family trips with kids (2–10 years old), couples and friends for forest-style photos, elderly for summer relaxation, beginners for light creek walking, team-building picnics
❌ Not recommended: hardcore creek walkers, those seeking long-distance rapid floating, fans of purely natural wild creeks (the park has many artificial scenes)