Overview
A private journey to UNESCO-listed Jianglang Mountain, the dreamlike town of Niubadu and the historic Xianxia Ancient Road, deep in Zhejiang's storied southwest.
About This Tour
Tucked in the green hills of Quzhou in southwestern Zhejiang, this private 3-day tour links three remarkable sights most foreign travelers never reach. The centerpiece is Jianglang Mountain, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site whose three colossal stone columns rise sheer from the plain, threaded by a vertiginous 'Number One Crack in the Sky' staircase that the famed Ming-dynasty traveler Xu Xiake climbed three times. Along the way you'll explore Youbu, an ancient town famous for its endless local snacks; the mysterious Longyou Caves, a 'ninth wonder of the world' of vast hand-carved underground chambers whose origins still baffle scholars; and Niubadu, a beautifully preserved old town where Hui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Fujian architectural styles blend in one street. The trip closes with a gentle walk on the Xianxia Ancient Road, a cobbled mountain trail once called the 'lock of the southeast,' past Xianxia Pass hidden in bamboo forest. Your English-speaking guide and private vehicle handle the logistics through this little-touristed region renowned for its food. Best for active culture lovers who want heritage, scenery and authentic small-town China. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: spring and autumn for clear views and pleasant climbing weather • Fitness level: moderate; expect steep stairs at Jianglang Mountain (the 'one-line sky' and Langfeng climb) and a few hours of trail walking • Wear good walking shoes; some sections are narrow and steep • Foodie region: Quzhou and Jiangshan cuisine is a highlight, mostly self-arranged • Long road transfer on Day 1 (about 5 hours from Shanghai)
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Shanghai｜Youbu Old Town & Longyou Caves
Your private guide and driver meet you in Shanghai around 7:30 am for the drive to Quzhou (about 5 hours). Late morning you reach Youbu, an ancient riverside town renowned across Zhejiang for its dazzling array of snacks, from rou-chenzi and jizi-guo to fried sweet rolls, perfect for grazing through lunch. In the afternoon you visit the Longyou Caves, hailed as the 'ninth wonder of the world': more than fifty vast chambers hand-carved into the hillside whose purpose, whether granary, garrison or quarry, remains an unsolved mystery. By early evening you continue to Jiangshan city and check in, with the night free to explore Quzhou's celebrated cuisine. Meals: not included. Overnight: Jiangshan city hotel.
2
Day 2: Jianglang Mountain (UNESCO) & Niubadu Old Town
After breakfast you set out for Jianglang Mountain, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site celebrated as 'grand and wondrous, unmatched under heaven' for its three towering stone columns. You climb the winding Eighteen Bends past the ancient Kaiming Temple, then enter the legendary 'Number One Crack in the Sky,' a cold, towering cleft of stone steps that ranks first among China's one-line-sky gorges. Energetic walkers can take on the steep Langfeng summit climb (around 800 m of stairs). Mid-afternoon you transfer (about 2 hours) to Niubadu, an exquisitely preserved Ming-Qing old town 'sitting where three provinces meet,' where Hui horse-head gables, Zhejiang roof ridges, Jiangxi eaves and Fujian brick walls coexist along a stream-laced lane. Settle in and wander its quiet alleys and snack stalls. Total walking about 3 hours. Meals: breakfast included; others self-arranged. Overnight: Niubadu old town.
3
Day 3: Xianxia Ancient Road｜Mountain Trail & Return to Shanghai
Rise early for a quiet stroll through Niubadu before the crowds, then around 9:30 am set off from the old town to the trailhead of the Xianxia Ancient Road, once known as the 'lock of the southeast and throat of Fujian.' This gentle cobbled trail winds through bamboo forest, terraced fields and stone-paved villages to Xianxia Pass, its ancient stonework still intact after a thousand years of armies and merchants. After the walk you board your private vehicle for the return drive to Shanghai, arriving in the evening. Total light walking of a few hours on well-formed trail. Meals: not included. Tour ends on arrival in Shanghai.
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers 2 nights hotels (Jiangshan city & Niubadu old town) Day 2 breakfast Jianglang Mountain, Longyou Caves & Niubadu entrance tickets
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Most meals (local food-tasting at your own pace) Optional Langfeng summit climb Personal expenses Tips
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.8★★★★★Based on 12 reviews
Andreas B.🇧🇪 Belgium★★★★★2025-11
Stress-free and well planned from start to finish. Xi'an was unforgettable.
Laura Z.🇬🇧 UK★★★★★2024-10
Reliable, friendly and genuinely helpful. We loved every moment in Xi'an.
Henrik F.🇦🇺 Australia★★★★★2025-12
Fantastic food recommendations along the way — Xi'an through local eyes was a real treat.
Pierre D.🇫🇷 France★★★★☆2024-11
Booking the Xi'an tour was smooth and the driver was punctual and friendly. Highly recommend.
Daniel K.🇵🇹 Portugal★★★★★2026-01
We felt safe and well looked after throughout our Xi'an tour. Wonderful experience.