Yuyao Travel Guide

Planning to visit Yuyao? This travel guide is here to help you explore the best places to visit, the must-try local dishes, and more.


Introduction to Yuyao

Located in Zhejiang Province of China, Yuyao is a beautiful city brimming with history and culture. The city is nestled in the hills overlooking the Hangzhou Bay, and its rich heritage dates back to the Qin Dynasty. Today, Yuyao attracts visitors with its stunning natural attractions, fascinating historical landmarks, and delicious local cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Yuyao

Here are the top places to visit in Yuyao:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Siming Mountain Scenic Area: This scenic area comprises of a mountain range, waterfalls, and ancient temples. The mountain range is home to 12 peaks, each with its unique charm and legend.
  • Langshan Mountain Scenic Area: Langshan Mountain is located in the south-east of Yuyao City. The mountain range is surrounded by clouds and mist, and the magnificent beauty of it all is simply breathtaking.
  • Yuyao Museum: The Yuyao Museum is located in downtown Yuyao and is home to a vast collection of cultural relics and historical artifacts. The museum has six exhibition halls, each displaying different aspects of Yuyao’s rich cultural history.

Natural Attractions of Yuyao: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • East Lake: A picturesque lake, encompassed by lush foliage and pine trees, East Lake is an ideal place for relaxation and recreation. Visitors can enjoy boat rides or stroll along the lake’s shores for panoramic views.
  • Mandarin Duck Lake Park: The Mandarin Duck Lake Park is a beautiful park, home to a vast lake, surrounded by mountains and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, observe wildlife or go fishing in the park’s lakes.
  • Qinyong Ancient Town: This ancient town dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties and boasts several historic sites, such as the Qinyong Temple and the North Pagoda. The town is also famous for its ancient tea houses, which serve mouth-watering local tea and snacks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Yuyao

Yuyao offers several hiking and biking trails, and the most popular ones are:

  • Langshan Mountain Trail: A challenging yet rewarding 12km hike that takes you through scenic views and unique rock formations.
  • Xiaogang Ancient Village Route: This 17km bike tour takes you through historical villages, picturesque farmland, and beautiful scenery.
  • Siming Mountain Trail: A moderate 8km hike that takes you through lush forests, impressive waterfalls and historic temples.

Best Things to Do in Yuyao: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Yuyao:

  • Tea Tasting Tour: Yuyao is famous for its green tea, and a tea tasting tour is an excellent way to sample some of the best teas. Tour operators can arrange visits to tea plantations and tea processing plants.
  • Bamboo Crafting Workshop: Yuyao is known for its bamboo crafts, and visitors can take part in a bamboo crafting workshop to learn more about this unique art form.
  • Hot Spring Soaking: Yuyao is home to several natural hot springs, renowned for their healing properties. Visitors can spend an afternoon soaking in the relaxing waters and enjoying scenic views.

Week-Long Itinerary for Yuyao

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for your Yuyao visit:

Day Activity
1 Visit Yuyao Museum and Siming Mountain Scenic Area
2 Explore Qinyong Ancient Town and Mandarin Duck Lake Park
3 Take a bike tour of Xiaogang Ancient Village Route
4 Go hiking on Langshan Mountain Trail
5 Learn about the bamboo craft at a workshop
6 Relax at a local hot spring
7 Enjoy a tea tasting tour and visit a local tea plantation

Food and Drink Scene of Yuyao

Yuyao offers some of China’s most delicious cuisine, and here are some dishes and beverages you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Yuyao Fried Rice: A simple yet delicious dish, Yuyao Fried Rice is made with fragrant rice, shrimp, and mushrooms.
  • Beggar’s Chicken: A famous dish from Yuyao, Beggar’s Chicken is made by marinating a whole chicken in spices and wrapping it in lotus leaves before cooking it in a mud oven.
  • Stewed Pork with Bamboo Shoot: A flavorful dish, Stewed Pork with Bamboo Shoot is made with tender pork, fresh bamboo shoots, and savory spices.

Local Beverages

  • Green Tea: Yuyao’s green tea is one of the best in China, and visitors can sample some of the best varieties while in Yuyao.
  • Mandarin Duck Lake Wine: A famous local wine, Mandarin Duck Lake Wine is made from rice and wheat and has a slightly sweet taste.

Where to Stay in Yuyao: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Yuyao offers several accommodation options to choose from, and here are some of the best ones:

  • Shangri-La Yuyao: A luxurious hotel located in downtown Yuyao, Shangri-La Yuyao offers spacious rooms, excellent amenities, and stunning views.
  • Yuyao Tianyi Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel, Yuyao Tianyi Hotel is located near the Yuyao Museum and offers comfortable accommodations and excellent service.
  • Moli Guesthouse: A cozy guesthouse located in Qinyong Ancient Town, Moli Guesthouse offers comfortable rooms, tasty meals, and excellent views.

What to Buy in Yuyao: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Yuyao is famous for its unique bamboo crafts, and here are some other souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Yuyao Green Tea: Yuyao’s green tea is renowned throughout China and makes for an excellent souvenir to bring back home.
  • Silk Products: Yuyao is home to several silk farms, and visitors can purchase high-quality silk products, such as scarves and clothing, as souvenirs.
  • Bamboo Crafts: Yuyao is famous for its bamboo crafts, and visitors can purchase a variety of bamboo products, such as baskets, furniture, and decorative items.

Local Culture and Customs of Yuyao

Yuyao has a vibrant and rich culture, and visitors should respect the local customs and traditions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Remove your shoes before entering a traditional Chinese home.
  • Do not touch or remove any artifacts from historic sites or museums.

Best Time to Visit Yuyao

The best time to visit Yuyao is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its best. The peak tourist season is in July and August, and visitors should expect large crowds during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yuyao

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Yuyao:

Do:

  • Explore the city’s natural attractions, such as Langshan Mountain and East Lake.
  • Sample the local cuisine, such as Yuyao Fried Rice and Stewed Pork with Bamboo Shoot.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places.
  • Speak loudly or be disrespectful in religious sites.
  • Take photographs of people without their consent.

Safety and Health

Safety in Yuyao

Yuyao is a safe city to visit, and visitors should exercise common sense and take normal precautions. Here are some safety tips to follow:

  • Stay on marked trails while hiking.
  • Avoid crowded areas, especially during public holidays and festivals.
  • Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you.

Health in Yuyao

Visitors to Yuyao should be up-to-date on all routine vaccinations before traveling. Tap water in Yuyao is not recommended for drinking, and visitors should stick to bottled water or boiled water.

Getting to Yuyao: Transportation Options and Logistics

Yuyao is well-connected to other cities in China, and visitors can reach the city by air, train, or bus.

Airports Near Yuyao

The nearest airport to Yuyao is the Ningbo Lishe International Airport, located approximately 60km away from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Yuyao

Yuyao has a bus station that offers services to other cities in the vicinity. Visitors can also take buses from Ningbo, Hangzhou, and Shanghai to reach Yuyao.

Other Options

Yuyao is also connected to other Chinese cities by train. The city has several railway stations, such as Yuyao Railway Station, Huaqingchuan Railway Station, and Huangjiabu Railway Station.

How to Get Around in Yuyao

Yuyao has an efficient public transportation system, comprising of buses and taxis. Visitors can also rent a bike from various rental shops and explore the city at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Yuyao: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations that visitors can explore from Yuyao:

  • Ningbo: A coastal city located approximately 40km from Yuyao. Ningbo is home to several historic landmarks and scenic attractions, such as Tianyi Pavilion, Dongqian Lake, and Xikou Scenic Area.
  • Hangzhou: A picturesque city located approximately 150km from Yuyao. Hangzhou is famous for its West Lake, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Shanghai: A bustling metropolis located approximately 200km from Yuyao. Shanghai is a global financial hub and is home to several iconic landmarks, such as the Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Shanghai Tower.

Conclusion

Yuyao is a hidden gem in China, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, or food, Yuyao has something for everyone. Planning a trip to Yuyao should be easy with this comprehensive guide, and visitors are sure to leave with unforgettable memories of this charming Chinese city.