Anji

安吉

A charming mountain town in northern Zhejiang famous for its vast bamboo forests and eco-tourism, inspiring the animated film Kung Fu Panda's setting. Visitors enjoy hiking through emerald bamboo groves, staying in traditional farmhouse inns, and experiencing rural bamboo culture.

Things to do

• Bamboo Forest Trekking — Hike through Anji's signature emerald bamboo groves on marked trails that wind through dense, towering stalks creating a serene natural cathedral.
• Longwangtan Scenic Area — Visit this picturesque reservoir surrounded by bamboo forests and limestone cliffs, offering boating, fishing, and panoramic photo opportunities.
• Anji Bamboo Forest Scenic Zone — Explore the largest contiguous bamboo forest in China with cable cars, walking paths, and bamboo culture museums showcasing traditional craft techniques.
• Traditional Bamboo Weaving Workshop — Learn hands-on bamboo crafting from local artisans who create baskets, furniture, and household items using centuries-old techniques.
• Zhu Jing Lake Eco-Park — Cycle or walk around this tranquil lake surrounded by bamboo plantations, with farmstay accommodations and fresh spring water springs.
• Anji County Museum — Discover the region's bamboo heritage, ancient pottery, and cultural history through exhibits documenting rural Zhejiang life and eco-tourism development.
• Mountain Temple of Jingxi — Trek to this ancient Buddhist temple nestled in bamboo hills, offering meditation spaces and views over the surrounding green landscape.

Food to try

• Anji White Tea — Sip this rare, delicate spring tea with a naturally sweet flavor that grows only in Anji's mountain microclimate and pairs perfectly with local meals.
• Bamboo Shoot Dishes — Taste fresh, tender bamboo shoots prepared in soups, stir-fries, or grilled whole, showcasing the vegetable that defines local seasonal cuisine.
• Farmhouse Chicken Stew — Enjoy slow-cooked local chicken simmered with wild mushrooms, medicinal herbs, and vegetables in traditional clay pots at rural family-run restaurants.
• Spring Fava Bean Preparation — Sample seasonal fava beans prepared simply with garlic and oil, or in traditional fried snacks that locals celebrate during spring harvest months.
• Fresh Water Snails in Broth — Try this local specialty where freshwater snails are simmered in aromatic broth with bamboo shoots, representing traditional Anji comfort food.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Bamboo Culture — Understand that bamboo is sacred to Anji's identity and economy; ask permission before removing plants and purchase from licensed local farmers.
• Farmstay Etiquette — When staying at guesthouses, participate respectfully in daily farm activities and meals when invited, as hosts view visitors as extended family members.
• Seasonal Visiting — Plan visits during spring (March-May) for bamboo shoots and tea picking, or autumn (September-November) for clearest mountain views and harvest festivals.
• Local Dialect Awareness — While Mandarin suffices, learning basic pleasantries in Anji dialect shows respect; many older residents speak limited standard Chinese in remote areas.