Nanxi River Scenic Area

Situated in Yongjia County, Zhejiang Province, Nanxi River Scenic Area is adjacent to Yandang Mountain (a famous world geological park southeast of Wenzhou City) in the east and covers an area of 625 square kilometers (241.3 square miles). This national scenic area is the only one marked by the rural scenery of China. With its leisurely atmosphere and picturesque scenery, it is an ideal place for holiday and leisure and is praised as the Cradle of Landscape Painting of China.

Centered on Nanxi River, the area is a perfect combination of natural views, rural scenery and human landscape. It is famous for its water, rocks, waterfalls, ancient villages and shoals, and there are over 800 scenic spots scattered in the area. Generally speaking, the scenic area can be divided into seven parts, including Nanxi River, Daruoyan Rock, Water Rock, Sihai Hill and Tumen Gate. Of them, Nanxi River and the ancient villages are the most attractive.
 

Nanxi River

Nanxi River winds 150 kilometers (93.2 miles) through Yongjia County from north to south and empties into the Oujiang River before flowing into the East Sea. The river has abundant water and never dries up and is said to have 39 bends and 72 shoals. The Nanxi River is praised by visitors for its original beauty, and the waters here are pure and soft. Containing 0.0001 gram of sand per cubic meter, the water has been praised by experts as the Best Water under Heaven. Looking into the river, visitors can see the reflections of the trees on both sides, waving their leaves gently, and the little fishes swimming freely among the glossy cobbles in the river. The perfect view will make visitors relaxed and happy. On the upper reaches of the river and its branches, there are many hills made up of tuff and rhyolite. They stand lofty and firm, forming a stark contrast with the graceful river. The various grottos on the cliff are also fascinating.
 

Ancient Villages

On the middle and lower reaches of the river, there are many ancient villages which are hidden among the green forest. Most of the villages preserve complete historical features and many traditional cultural relics. Here, the visitors can learn about the evolution of farming and patriarchal clan in ancient China. Furthermore, the layout of most of the villages follows the unique traditional culture of China, including the astrology and geomantic omen. Of all the villages in the scenic area, Furong Village, located to the south of Yantou County (lying in the middle of the scenic area), is the oldest, with a history of over 1,200 years. Apart from Furong, Cangpo Village and Yantou Village also stand out with their distinctive features.

The best way to view the stunning scenery on the banks is to drift along the river by bamboo raft. As the river is wide but shallow with a depth of around 1 meter (0.55 fathoms) and the water flows smoothly and calmly, it is quite suitable for drifting. Floating down on the raft, the visitors can have a view of the shoals and of the forest stretching over 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) like a green barrier. The grasslands, the hills, the river and the sky bring out the best in each other, forming a vivid picturesque view. Visitors who drift at night can see the lights sparkling on fishing boats and hear the fishermen's songs resounding in the night sky. It can certainly give them some personal experiences of the local life.
 

Transportation:

1. Take No.33 bus from Wenzhou Railway Station to Anlanting Wharf, and then take a ferry to Oubei Town. From there, take a bus to Yantou County which costs CNY11. It takes 1 hour to get there.
2. Hiring a car from Wenzhou Airport (WNZ) with a fare of CNY150-200 is also available. It takes about one and a half hours.

Admission Fee: CNY10 (the charges for the scenic spots in Nanxi River Scenic Area are not included)
- Last updated on Sep. 23, 2018 -
Questions & Answers on Nanxi River Scenic Area
Asked by Jacobs from SOUTH AFRICA | Sep. 06, 2018 23:56Reply
Furong Villa address: Any contact info for Furong Villa in the ancient town of Furong
Answers (2)
Answered by Liam from FRANCE | Sep. 10, 2018 20:49
00Reply


The Furong House is located in No. 24 Furong Village and near the West Gate of the Furong Street.
Answered by Jacobs from SOUTH AFRICA | Sep. 23, 2018 02:27
00Reply


Thank you for the helpful advice.
Asked by Alexis Pokorney from CHINA | Jun. 13, 2016 08:57Reply
You mentioned floating on a raft is the best way to enjoy the Nanxi River.
I would love to do so! How do I go about getting a raft to float on, and how do I get there from Yandang Mountain? What is the most direct way to get there? And what is the least expensive?
Answers (1)
Answered by Lily from USA | Jun. 14, 2016 03:38
00Reply


You can take the raft from Dutou Wharf, Xiaogang Wharf, Erqiao Wharf, Shiziyan Wharf, and Longhedu Wharf. The prices vary from CNY 32 to CNY 75 according to the lengths of different routes.

Take a direct bus to the river from Yandang Mountain (Xianglingtou). The buses depart at 7:30, and 12:30, and the trip takes about 3 hours. The fare is CNY 25.
Asked by Mal from CHINA | Jan. 18, 2016 09:07Reply
Is there any direct public transport from Yandang Mountain to Nanxi River?
Or do I need to go via Wenzhou?
Answers (1)
Answered by Cheryl from USA | Jan. 18, 2016 21:54
01Reply


There is no direct bus between the two. The most convenient way is to charter a car for about CNY 100-120. You needn't go back to the town for transfer.
Asked by Vivian from MALAYSIA | Jun. 30, 2013 05:00Reply
Any place of stay near these ancient villages of Furong, Cangpo Village and Yantou Village, Wenzhou?
we plan to do night bamboo drifting. Is November the season to visit this place?
Answers (1)
Answered by Leo from UNITED KINGDOM | Jun. 30, 2013 22:37
10Reply


November is not the best time to do the bamboo drafting.
In these old villages, local people's guest houses can be easily found to live. I heard the Furong Villa in Furong village is a nice place to live.
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