Anji Complete Guide: One Article to Master the Bamboo Sea秘境 (With Maps, Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions, Food & Accommodation Guide)

Introduction: Unlocking Anji's Magic Box

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "Anji"? Is it the lush, dripping-green bamboo forest from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon? Or perhaps the first destination that pops into your head when you want to escape the city for a weekend?

In reality, Anji is far richer than you might imagine. This land blanketed in bamboo hides starry skies, moonlit lotus ponds, wild streams, mysterious canyons, thrilling rafting, fairytale farmlands, and unforgettable countryside flavors. During the 2018 National Day holiday, I brought my child along, initially planning just a relaxing farmhouse getaway. It turned into an adventure full of surprises.

If you're wondering how to truly experience Anji to the fullest, this guide is for you. From map planning to hidden gems, from rafting choices to accommodation and food, all the essential info is packed into one place.

Part 1: Before You Go – Understanding Anji at a Glance

I have a habit: studying the map thoroughly before departure. Only by grasping the geographical layout can you plan the most time-efficient and enjoyable route. Anji's attractions are quite scattered—some are even hours apart by car. Setting off without proper planning means you'll likely waste time on the road.

Anji's Top Attractions at a Glance

Anji boasts many well-known spots, including: - China Great Bamboo Sea (中国大竹海): Filming location for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, covered in verdant bamboo with sky-high negative oxygen ions. - China Bamboo博览园 (China Bamboo博览园): An excellent place to learn about bamboo culture with kids. - Northern Zhejiang Grand Canyon (浙北大峡谷): Known as Zhejiang's "Qinghai-Tibet Plateau." - Canglong Baipu Scenic Area (藏龙百瀑景区): A cluster of waterfalls, perfect for cooling off in summer. - Tianhuangping Scenic Area (天荒坪风景区): Includes Jiangnan Tianchi (江南天池), Tianxia Yinkeng (天下银坑), Changgu Dongtian (长谷洞天), Jiulong Gorge (九龙峡), and more. - Hello Kitty Theme Park (Hello Kitty主题乐园): A top choice for family trips. - Anji Joy Storm Water Park (安吉欢乐风暴主题乐园): A water park ideal for summer fun.

Additionally, Anji has countless rafting options—I'll dedicate a separate section to them later.

Recommended Accommodation Hub: Xumu Village (续目村)

This time, I chose Xumu Village as my base, and it proved to be a wise decision. Xumu Village boasts an excellent location, surrounded by numerous attractions, making it perfect for self-driving tours:

• China Great Bamboo Sea: About 25 minutes by car.
• Xianlong Gorge Rafting (仙龙峡漂流): About 10 minutes by car.
• Jingkongli Grand Canyon (井空里大峡谷): About 20 minutes by car.
• Jiuqu Waterfall Scenic Area (九曲瀑景区): Right at the village entrance.
• Jiumu Village (九亩村): About 30 minutes by car.

In short, Xumu Village is Anji's transportation hub. From here, you can explore bamboo forests, go rafting, hike streams, venture into canyons, and stargaze all in one day.

Other Popular Areas

1. Northern Zhejiang Grand Canyon & Tianhuangping Area

These two spots are close and can be visited together. Northern Zhejiang Grand Canyon features attractions like the Natural Great Buddha, Rulai Peak, Yixian Waterfall, and Shiling Lake, with several rafting options nearby. Tianhuangping is a famous stargazing spot in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region, offering breathtaking night skies.

2. Near Hello Kitty Theme Park

If you're traveling with kids, staying near this area is most convenient. Around the park, you'll find China Bamboo博览园 (12 minutes by car), Anji Water Storm Park (23 minutes), and Zhongnan Baicao Garden (25 minutes). The area is also about 40 minutes from Xianlong Gorge Rafting and the Great Bamboo Sea. If time allows, you can easily combine these spots with attractions around Xumu Village.

Part 2: Anji Rafting Guide – From Beginner to Thrill-Seeker

How abundant are Anji's rafting resources? Let's put it this way: among the nearly 20 worthwhile rafting spots in East China, Anji accounts for more than half. Rafting in Anji means experiencing half of the region's best slides.

Below, I've categorized Anji's top ten rafting spots by thrill level and suitability, so you can choose based on your preferences.

For Rafting Enthusiasts

1. General's Pass Adventure Rafting (将军关探险漂流) – Anji's Most Thrilling, No Contest

• Thrill Level: ★★★★★
• Duration: About 90 minutes
• Price: 168 RMB
• Location: Lang Village, Zhangcun Town (章村镇郎村)
• Hours: Weekdays 12:00–16:00, Weekends 09:00–17:00
• Restrictions: Not allowed for children under 10, under 1.2 meters tall, or adults over 55

With a total drop of 130 meters and 46 drops of varying sizes (12 over 2 meters, with a maximum of 4.2 meters), the most thrilling part is a slide angled at 70 degrees to the water surface—you and your raft drop almost vertically, plunging straight into the water. Each section is carefully designed, offering no repetitive experiences—a true adventure from start to finish.

2. Eighteen Bends Rafting (十八道湾漂流) – China's Longest Rafting Dark Channel

• Thrill Level: ★★★★☆
• Duration: 45–60 minutes
• Price: 128 RMB
• Location: Shiying Village, Dipu Town (递铺镇石鹰村)
• Hours: Weekdays 13:00–15:00, Weekends 10:30–15:30

The course is 2.5 kilometers long, with exactly 18 S-shaped bends. The excitement builds gradually—a modest drop at the start brings joy, followed by a stunning 100-meter-long dark channel, which is Eighteen Bends' biggest feature. About a 50-minute drive from Mogan Mountain, it's a top choice for visitors there.

3. Xianlong Gorge Rafting (仙龙峡漂流) – Thrills and Scenery Combined (I've Tested It)

• Thrill Level: ★★★★☆
• Duration: About 90 minutes
• Price: 220 RMB (fixed price, no children's tickets)
• Location: Within Shanchuan Township (山川乡境内)
• Hours: Morning 9:30–10:00, Afternoon 13:00–13:30, 14:30–15:00; Weekends 9:30–15:00
• Restrictions: Not allowed for children under 1.2 meters or adults over 55

The stream is deeply embedded in a primitive canyon, with a drop of over 100 meters and untouched virgin forests on both sides. Along the way, there are 15 extreme bends, three of which rival F1 hairpin turns, with a maximum drop of 6 meters, plus 25 slides and chutes. At the finish line, you can enjoy an open-air barbecue, drying off with flames and food—a perfect summer evening.

For Beginners

4. Northern Zhejiang Canyon Rafting (浙北峡谷漂流) – The Perfect Entry Point

• Thrill Level: ★★☆☆☆
• Duration: About 40 minutes
• Price: 108 RMB
• Location: Within Northern Zhejiang Grand Canyon Scenic Area
• Hours: 08:00–17:00

The waterway is lined with forests and traditional southern-style buildings, offering pleasant scenery. The 2-kilometer course is well-designed—there are exciting spots, but nothing too scary. The drops are modest, with about 5–6 sections where the raft splashes and water sprays. It's a great choice for beginners to build confidence.

5. Dragon King Mountain Gorge Rafting (龙王山大峡谷漂流) – Best Water Quality in Anji

• Thrill Level: ★★★☆☆
• Duration: About 120 minutes
• Price: 150 RMB
• Location: Changtan Village, Zhangcun Town (章村镇长潭村)
• Hours: May–October, Weekdays 09:00–16:00, Weekends 08:00–16:00

Equal in fame to General's Pass, but with superior water quality. Located in the Dragon King Mountain Gorge, the source of the Huangpu River, the first slope is the most thrilling—once you get through it, the rest is easier. The 2-kilometer course has a drop of over 80 meters, passing 20+ rocky beaches, 30+ bends, and 40 slides, with the highest single slide dropping 12 meters. There are both fast and slow sections, perfect for water fights or enjoying the scenery.

6. Shima Bay Rafting (石马湾漂流, also known as Tianmu Mountain Rafting) – A Classic by the Great Bamboo Sea

• Thrill Level: ★★☆☆☆
• Duration: About 90 minutes
• Price: 148 RMB
• Location: Tongli Village, Baofu Town (报福镇统里村)
• Hours: 08:00–17:00

Nestled beside the Great Bamboo Sea, the natural slide design feels seamless. Thanks to the upstream Shima Bay Reservoir (nearly 50 acres, with a capacity of 250,000 cubic meters), the water flow is abundant, alternating between fast and slow—ideal for water fights.

7. Shenxi Cliff Rafting (深溪悬崖漂流) – The Most Affordable Mountain Rafting

• Thrill Level: ★★☆☆☆
• Duration: About 90 minutes
• Price: 125 RMB
• Location: Entrance of Hongjia Village, Baofu Town (报福镇洪家村村口)
• Hours: 10:00–17:00

Also known as "Jiangnan Red Flag Canal Rafting," it's the only large-scale high-altitude canal rafting in East China. The 2-kilometer course is generally gentle with few bends, making it suitable for children. Adults can find a bit of excitement on a few slopes, but be sure to hold onto the safety rope.

Relaxation & Leisure Rafting

8. Huangpu River Source Rafting (黄浦江源漂流) – Wide River, Suitable for All Ages

• Price: 128 RMB
• Location: Helu Creek Village, Dipu Town (递铺镇鹤鹿溪村)
• Hours: 08:00–17:00

The 4.5-kilometer course takes about 60 minutes. It features five designed challenges: Dragonfly Skimming Water, Riding the Wind and Waves, Brave the Rapids, Plunging Down, and Two Dragons Playing with Rafts. Perfect for family outings.

9. Canglong Baipu Rafting (藏龙百瀑漂流) – Top Choice for Three Generations

• Price: 125 RMB for adults, half price for children
• Features: Gentle type, with many narrow slides of varying lengths, continuous in succession. You barely need to paddle—just steer when stuck. The highest drop is about 30 degrees, fun but not scary.

10. Lotus Mountain Rafting (荷花山漂流) – Tianhuangping's First Rafting

• Price: 128 RMB, half price for children
• Location: Within Tianhuangping Lotus Mountain Scenic Area
• Hours: 09:00–16:00

Located 10 kilometers from Tianhuangping Power Station, the 2-kilometer course takes about 1 hour. The ups and downs are well-balanced, with both calm and rapid sections, suitable for all ages.

Part 3: Accommodation Recommendations – Cozy Retreats in the Mountains

This time, I stayed at a homestay in Xumu Village—a two-story duplex. From the balcony, you're greeted by a sea of green bamboo. The first floor has a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and balcony; the second floor has two bedrooms (one with a king bed, one with twin beds), accommodating 4–5 people.

Pros: The host is a young woman who responds quickly and offers good travel advice; the space is large, offering great value for groups. Cons: Cleanliness could be improved—the kitchen and bathroom weren't thoroughly cleaned, and some pots were greasy; the king-bed room lacks air conditioning, making it hot in summer.

Money-Saving Tips

Consider using cashback websites to book hotels. For example, a certain British cashback site offers different percentages on bookings through platforms like Booking (5% cashback) and Agoda (6% cashback). It's simple: register for free, search for your desired booking site, and proceed as usual. The travel cashback is credited after your trip ends.

Part 4: Food Map – A Taste of Anji

My meals were mainly around Xumu Village and the Great Bamboo Sea. Here are a few spots I personally recommend.

Xumu Village

1. Xiaozhuting Farmhouse (小竹亭农家, Personally Recommended) Located at the highest point of Xumu Village, a 5-minute walk away. The owner was once a head chef at a five-star hotel, and ingredients come from their own garden. There's no menu—just order by looking at the ingredients. Prices are reasonable. Specialties include sour and spicy thick meat soup, soy-sauce duck, and chicken soup (chicken soup requires advance reservation; you can't order it on the spot).

2. Mingyaoge Farmhouse (茗肴阁农庄) Clean, affordable, and well-reviewed.

3. Shaofen Farmhouse (绍芬农家) The owner cooks personally, focusing on home-style dishes with authentic flavors.

Great Bamboo Sea

Dingzhu Mountain Villa (鼎竹山庄, Personally Recommended) Located near the Great Bamboo Sea parking lot, their set meals on Dianping (a review app) are great value—around 100 RMB for three people. I recommend the claypot chicken, scrambled eggs, seasonal vegetables, and pickled bamboo shoots with greens. The claypot chicken is fragrant and tender, the eggs are fluffy, and the bamboo shoots are fresh and delicious.

Jiumu Village

Eight Hundred Mountain Villa (八百山庄, Personally Recommended) The highest villa in Jiumu Village, run by a couple who also offer homestay accommodation. Flexible meal times—they'll cook even if you arrive late. The husband is a skilled chef. We ordered four dishes for just 60 RMB—amazing value.

Part 5: Best Time to Visit

Peak Season: Spring & Summer

Starting in March, spring flowers bloom, making it ideal for visiting the Bamboo博览园. In midsummer, the China Great Bamboo Sea and Canglong Baipu are perfect for escaping the heat. School holidays and public holidays are Anji's busiest times, often leading to overcrowding.

Off-Season: After Golden Week & Early Winter

Winter highlights include the Tianhuangping Jiangnan Tianchi Ski Resort, set against a backdrop of bamboo-covered hills and the Tianchi lake—a stunning snowy landscape. In recent years, the ski resort has gained popularity, boosting nearby farmhouse stays.

Part 6: Transportation Guide

Self-driving is the most convenient way to explore Anji. If using public transport, here are some routes (all starting from Anji Long-Distance Bus Station):

• Bamboo博览园 & Lingfeng Sacred Area: Take buses to Shangshu, Tianhuangping, or Shanchuan, and get off at the scenic area entrance (every 10 minutes).
• Great Bamboo Sea: Direct bus available.
• Furong Valley (芙蓉谷): Take the Shanchuan bus to Shanchuan, then a minibus onward.
• Tianhuangping Scenic Area: Take the Tianhuangping bus, get off at Shanhe, and transfer to local attractions.
• Dahan 72 Peaks, Dragon King Mountain, Shenxi Grand Stone Wave: First take a bus to Xiaofeng Town, then transfer (infrequent buses, expect waiting time).
• Zhongnan Baicao Garden: Direct bus to Sanguan.
• Huangpu River Source Rafting: Take the Xiaofeng bus, get off at Tangpu, then hire a car.

Sample Bus Routes

• Route 202 (New Bus Center – Tianhuangping): 6:00–17:40, every 15–20 minutes, fare 2–4.5 RMB.
• Route 203 (New Bus Center – Shanchuan): 6:35–17:25, every 20–25 minutes, fare 2–5.5 RMB.
• Jiumu Line (Shanchuan – Jiumu): 6:00–14:00, every 4 hours, fare 2–5.5 RMB.

Part 7: Travel Insurance & What to Wear

Insurance Advice

Many people overlook insurance for domestic travel, but rafting and stream hiking carry some risk. I recommend purchasing domestic travel insurance covering accidents, medical expenses, and medical evacuation—just a few dollars, offering great value.

Clothing & Gear

Anji's attractions are often deep in the mountains, with temperatures 3–5°C lower than the city (I felt even cooler). In summer, always bring an extra jacket, preferably one that's both sun-protective and waterproof. With plenty of outdoor activities involving water and hiking, pack several changes of clothes.

As for mosquitoes, I wasn't bitten this time, but I still carried insect repellent in the mountains—better safe than sorry.

Conclusion: Anji, More Than Just Bamboo Forests

From the starry skies over Xumu Village to the stream hikes in Jingkongli Grand Canyon, from the rapids of Xianlong Gorge to the pastoral charm of Jiumu Village, Anji is like a giant magic box—each layer reveals new surprises.

This guide covers map planning, rafting choices, accommodation, food, and transportation, helping you avoid detours and focus on truly worthwhile experiences.

If you have your own hidden gems in Anji, feel free to share in the comments. Let's explore Anji to the fullest together.