This comprehensive Anji travel guide features top-rated attractions, authentic local eats, tailored itineraries, and insider tips, ideal for nature enthusiasts, food lovers, and families looking for a low-key rural getaway in Zhejiang.
Top Must-Visit Attractions in Anji
1. China Bamboo Expo Park
As the largest bamboo-themed comprehensive park in Asia, China Bamboo Expo Park is Anji’s most iconic attraction, showcasing over 500 species of bamboo from across the globe.
Basic Information:Location: 1000m away from Anji County Town, Huzhou, Zhejiang; Scenic Level: National 5A Tourist Attraction; Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (extended to 6:00 PM in summer); Ticket Price: Adult 80 RMB, Student 40 RMB (with valid ID); Recommended Visiting Duration: 3-4 hours.
- The 100-meter-high bamboo viewing tower, offering panoramic views of the endless bamboo sea
- The rare bamboo species garden, including spotted bamboo, square bamboo, and giant bamboo
- The Bamboo Culture Museum, displaying ancient bamboo crafts, tools, and historical artifacts
- The interactive bamboo rafting experience in the shallow stream
Practical Tips:Take bus No. 101 from Anji Bus Station, direct to the park entrance, or book a private car for 50-80 RMB one-way. The best time to visit is late March to early April (bamboo shoots season) or late October to early November (cool, clear weather). Recommended tour route: Start from the main entrance → Bamboo Culture Museum → Rare Bamboo Garden → Bamboo Viewing Tower → Bamboo Rafting Area. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen as the park is mostly open-air.
Cultural Context:The park was built to promote bamboo culture, which has been an integral part of Anji’s history for over 1,800 years. In spring, the air is filled with the fresh scent of new bamboo shoots, and local villagers sell homemade bamboo shoot dishes at the park’s entrance.
Who Should Visit:Perfect for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and family travelers; it offers both educational and recreational value.
Vast misty bamboo sea in China Bamboo Expo Park, tourists walking on wooden plank path
2. Anji White Tea Town
Anji White Tea Town is the birthplace of China’s famous Anji white tea, a premium green tea known for its delicate flavor and golden infusion.
Basic Information:Location: Tianhuangping Town, Anji County; Scenic Level: National 4A Tourist Attraction; Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays in off-season); Ticket Price: Free entry, tea tasting costs 30-50 RMB per person; Recommended Visiting Duration: 2-3 hours.
- The tea plantation terraces overlooking the mountains, perfect for photos
- The traditional tea processing workshop, where visitors can watch master tea makers dry and fry tea leaves
- The tea culture experience center, where you can learn about the history of Anji white tea and participate in a hands-on tea picking session (seasonal)
Practical Tips:Take a direct bus from Anji Bus Station to Tianhuangping Town, 15 RMB per person, 1 hour ride, or take a high-speed train to Anji Station then transfer to a local taxi for 40 RMB. The best time to visit is mid-March to mid-April, when the tea leaves are harvested. Recommended tour route: Tea plantation tour → Tea processing workshop → Tea tasting session. Wear long sleeves to avoid scratches from tea branches, and bring a small bag to carry your picked leaves.
Cultural Context:Anji white tea was first cultivated in the Song Dynasty, and it gained national fame after being served at state banquets in the 2026 Beijing Olympics. Local villagers still follow traditional tea-making techniques passed down through generations.
Who Should Visit:Ideal for foodies, tea lovers, and cultural travelers who want to experience authentic Chinese tea culture.
3. Yucun Village
As the birthplace of China's "Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains are Invaluable Assets" philosophy, Yucun Village is a model of sustainable rural development and a must-visit for cultural travelers.
Basic Information:Location: Tianhuangping Town, Anji County; Scenic Level: National 4A Tourist Attraction; Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Ticket Price: Free; Recommended Visiting Duration: 2 hours.
- The Yucun Memorial Hall, displaying the history of the village’s transformation from a mining town to an eco-friendly tourist destination
- The lush green mountain and bamboo forest views surrounding the village
- Local rural homestays and farm shops selling homemade bamboo products and tea
Practical Tips:Take bus No. 102 from Anji Bus Station, 10 RMB per person, 40 minutes ride, or take a taxi from Anji County Town for 60 RMB one-way. Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and respect local villagers’ privacy when taking photos of their homes.
Cultural Context:Yucun was once a polluted mining town, but in 2026, local officials proposed the iconic philosophy, and the village has since transformed into a thriving eco-tourism destination. Friendly villagers are happy to share their stories of the village’s transformation.
Who Should Visit:Perfect for cultural travelers, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in sustainable development.
Must-Try Local Anji Cuisine
1. Anji White Tea Smoked Chicken
This signature dish marinates free-range chicken in Anji white tea leaves and smokes it over bamboo charcoal, resulting in tender meat with a delicate, aromatic tea flavor. It is served with steamed rice and local vegetables.
Per Capita Cost:50-70 RMB per dish
Recommended Locations:Nongjia Le Restaurant near China Bamboo Expo Park, Bai Cha Restaurant in Anji White Tea Town
2. Fresh Bamboo Shoot Soup
Made with plump spring bamboo shoots, pork ribs, and local herbal spices, this light, nutritious soup is a seasonal specialty available only from March to April. It highlights the fresh, sweet flavor of Anji’s local bamboo shoots.
Per Capita Cost:30-40 RMB per pot
Recommended Locations:Most rural family-run restaurants across Anji, especially in mountain villages near tourist attractions
3. Dried Bamboo Shoots
Preserved using traditional sun-drying and salting methods, Anji’s dried bamboo shoots are a versatile ingredient for stir-fries, soups, and braised dishes. They are a popular local souvenir for visitors to take home.
Per Capita Cost:20-50 RMB per pack
Recommended Locations:Local specialty shops in Anji County Town, or at the entrance of major tourist attractions
4. Tea-Flavored Pastries
Small, soft pastries infused with ground Anji white tea leaves, these sweet, fragrant snacks are perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up. They are made using local wheat flour and organic sugar.
Per Capita Cost:10-20 RMB per box
Recommended Locations:Bai Cha Pastry Shop near Anji White Tea Town, or local convenience stores in Anji County Town
Anji white tea leaves steeping in a glass teapot paired with smoked chicken and bamboo shoot soup
Tailored Anji Travel Itineraries
1-Day Quick Getaway Itinerary
- 8:30 AM: Arrive at Anji and check into your accommodation
- 9:00 AM: Head to China Bamboo Expo Park for a full morning tour
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a local nongjia le restaurant near the park, order tea smoked chicken and bamboo shoot soup
- 2:00 PM: Visit Anji White Tea Town for a tea tasting session
- 4:30 PM: Return to Anji County Town or depart from Anji Station
2-Day In-Depth Itinerary
- Day 1
- 9:00 AM: Check into your chosen accommodation
- 10:00 AM: Explore China Bamboo Expo Park, including the bamboo viewing tower and bamboo rafting experience
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a riverside restaurant in Anji County Town
- 3:00 PM: Visit Yucun Village to learn about sustainable rural development
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local homestay, try traditional Anji cuisine
- 8:00 PM: Stroll around Anji County Town’s night market to try local snacks
- Day 2
- 9:00 AM: Travel to Anji White Tea Town, participate in a tea picking session (seasonal) and visit the tea processing workshop
- 12:00 PM: Lunch with tea-themed dishes at a local restaurant
- 2:00 PM: Visit Anji Bamboo Rafting Scenic Area for a relaxing rafting trip
- 4:30 PM: Buy local souvenirs (dried bamboo shoots, Anji white tea) and depart from Anji Station
Accommodation Recommendations in Anji
Budget-Friendly Stays (100-200 RMB per night)
- Location:Anji County Town or near Anji Bus Station
- Examples:Anji Express Hotel, Home Inn Anji Bus Station Branch
- Core Advantages:Close to transportation hubs, clean and basic facilities, 24-hour front desk service, ideal for solo travelers and budget backpackers
Mid-Range Stays (300-800 RMB per night)
- Location:Near China Bamboo Expo Park or Anji White Tea Town
- Examples:Bamboo View Resort, Anji White Tea Boutique Hotel
- Core Advantages:Scenic mountain or bamboo forest views, traditional Chinese architecture, on-site restaurants serving local cuisine, free parking, suitable for family travelers and couples
Luxury Stays (1000+ RMB per night)
- Location:Remote mountain areas with exclusive views
- Examples:Anji JW Marriott Resort, Bamboo Valley Luxury Villa
- Core Advantages:Private swimming pools, personalized butler services, exclusive access to nearby hiking trails, fine-dining restaurants, ideal for luxury travelers and honeymooners
Anji Travel Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t buy overpriced souvenirs at major tourist attractions: Dried bamboo shoots and Anji white tea are 20-30% cheaper at local specialty shops in Anji County Town
- Don’t visit during peak holidays (May Day, National Day, Spring Festival): Attractions will be crowded, and accommodation prices will surge by up to 200%
- Don’t trust unlicensed taxi drivers near the bus station: They may overcharge you by 2-3 times the normal fare; use official taxi meters or book a private car via apps like Didi
- Don’t forget insect repellent: The bamboo forests have many mosquitoes in summer, and unprotected skin will get bitten easily
- Don’t pick tea leaves without permission: Most tea plantations require you to book a guided tour before picking tea, and unauthorized picking may result in fines
- Don’t skip wearing comfortable shoes: Most attractions require long walks on uneven paths, and uncomfortable shoes will ruin your trip
Frequently Asked Questions About Anji Travel
- Q:How do I get to Anji from Shanghai?A:Take a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Anji Station, which takes about 1.5 hours. Trains run every 30 minutes during peak hours.
- Q:Is Anji suitable for family travel?A:Yes, Anji’s attractions are family-friendly, with activities like bamboo rafting, petting zoos, and educational bamboo culture exhibits for kids.
- Q:What’s the best time to visit Anji?A:Late March to early April (bamboo shoots and tea harvesting season) or late October to early November (cool, clear weather and autumn foliage).
- Q:Can I bring Anji white tea back home as a souvenir?A:Yes, you can buy high-quality Anji white tea at local specialty shops, the Anji White Tea Town experience center, or major tourist attractions.
- Q:Are there vegetarian options available in local restaurants?A:Yes, most restaurants serve vegetarian dishes like stir-fried bamboo shoots, tofu with tea sauce, and steamed vegetable platters.
- Q:Do I need a visa to visit Anji?A:No, if you are a citizen of a country that allows visa-free entry to China, or if you have a valid Chinese visa or residence permit.