Hangzhou 1-hour direct! A secluded Jiangnan town Emperor Qianlong visited four times

I thought Suzhou and Hangzhou were beautiful enough, until I checked in at Yanguan, Jiaxing! This ancient town hidden in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai made Emperor Qianlong stop four times during his six trips to Jiangnan. It's a 1-hour direct trip from Hangzhou. Avoid the crowds and discover the real Jiangnan. The one-day itinerary has been tested to be direct and efficient, so save it quickly! ～ 🚗 Transportation Guide (Worry-free and no pitfalls) - Self-driving: 1-hour direct trip from Hangzhou. Navigate to "Yanguan Scenic Area - Parking Building No. 6". Free parking + ample charging stations, a must-go for self-drivers; - High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to "Haining West Railway Station", then a 30-minute taxi ride (approx. 40 yuan) or take bus T109, which goes directly to the scenic area entrance, super convenient. 📍 Essential One-Day Itinerary (Direct and Efficient) Yanguan Tidal Bore Wall → Gongchen Gate Rowing Boat → Chen's Old Residence → Haishen Temple → Confucian Temple and Academy → Tidal Bore Viewing Park → Music Museum 🌟 Must-visit Highlights (Authentic experience, no filters) 1. Yanguan Tidal Bore Wall: The giant water curtain wall at the scenic area entrance is stunning! The "Milky Way Falling from the Sky" special effect starts on the hour from 9:00 AM, each show lasting 15 minutes. The cascading water is incredibly photogenic; 2. Gongchen Gate Rowing Boat: A romantic journey through a 600-year-old Yuan Dynasty city gate! Rent a Wupeng boat at the pier, sip Longjing tea with pastries, and slowly glide through the scenery of black tiles and white walls, immersing yourself in a Jiangnan painting; 3. Chen's Old Residence: The prime minister's mansion that holds the "mystery of Emperor Qianlong's origins"! Touch the century-old Ming Dynasty Arhat Pine, and you can also watch a live performance of "A Play About Qianlong" (one show in the morning/afternoon), offering a strong sense of immersion; 4. Haishen Temple + Confucian Temple and Academy: Red wall enthusiasts rejoice! Haishen Temple is known as the "Mini Forbidden City of Jiangnan," with Emperor Yongzheng's imperial stele and white marble lions showcasing its grandeur; The vermilion red walls of the Confucian Temple and Academy paired with ginkgo trees make for ancient-style blockbusters with every shot; 5. Tidal Bore Viewing Park: The main event is here! Follow the "Qiantang River Tidal Bore" official WeChat account in advance to check the tide schedule. Wait for the "first-line tide" under the Zhanao Pagoda. The moment the tide rushes in is incredibly spectacular, remember to choose a good viewing spot~ 💡 Practical Tips The scenic spots are concentrated, making it easy to visit everything in one day, suitable for short trips around Hangzhou/Shanghai; Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather, perfect for both tide viewing and photography. Avoid holidays for fewer crowds~