Written by Natalia |
The Moganshan Scenic Area is situated in Huzhou City in the province of Zhejiang. It is located in the golden triangle of Shanghai-Hangzhou-Nanjing with an excellent geographical position, 60 kilometers away from Hangzhou and 225 kilometers away from Shanghai, which are 1.5 hours and 3 hours drive respectively. Therefore, many people will also visit Moganshan during their Hangzhou or Shanghai tours.
Bamboo, springs, clouds are the three wonders of Moganshan, and cool, green, refreshing air and quiet environment make it a perfect place to beat heat. Since 1994, it has been identified as a national level scenic area. In addition to its famous natural scenery, Moganshan is also a cultural and historical landscape. In 2006, Mogan Mountain Villa Cluster was listed by the State Council as a national key cultural relics protection unit.
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- Fast Facts about Mount Mogan
- What to See and Do
- History of Moganshan
- Best Time to Visit
- Where to Stay in Moganshan
- How to Get to Moganshan from Hangzhou and Shanghai
- Nearby Attractions
Fast Facts about Mount Mogan
- Location: Deqing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
- Chinese name:莫干山 (Moganshan)
- Highlights:Mountain; cultural & historical landscape; tea culture; hiking
- Tickets: 70 yuan
- Opening hours:8:30 – 16:0
- Time needed:2-3 days
- Best time to go:Summer
What to See and Do
Moganshan Scenic Area (莫干山)
Moganshan is famous for the “Three Wonders” of bamboo, clouds and springs and the “Four Advantages” of coolness, tranquility, greenery and freshness at home and abroad. Featuring an unprecedented 127 square kilometers of bamboo forest with a wide variety of species, this scenic area becomes a top choice for many when traveling Hangzhou.
Naked Castle (裸心堡)
Perched atop a mountain peak, this luxurious castle is the legendary Naked Castle, which carries a century of history. Its predecessor was a British-style castle built by Scottish missionary doctor Dr. Mackenzie in 1910. Rectangular in shape, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
Naked Stables (裸心谷)
Naked Stables offers a unique atmosphere of returning to nature. It features majestic tree-top villas and cozy earth houses, dotted throughout a secluded valley. The center of the resort has a stable where visitors can enjoy horseback riding and the pleasures of nature.
Yucun (庾村)
A small hill town sandwiched between the city and the countryside, Yucun seems to have its time frozen in the bustling and hopeful 1930s. The old buildings here are full of human warmth. The streets and alleys are filled with posters and signs that reflect the collision of foreign cultures. There are also witty and amusing slogans and advertisements that show the wisdom of life.
Laoling (劳岭)
Laoling is to the south of Yucun and is a larger area with a small village in the corner of mountain. The village itself is nothing special, but the nature around it is quite picturesque.
Dazaowu (大造坞)
Dazaowu is probably the most remote and undeveloped village in the area. It has largely been overlooked during the tourism boom of the past decade and has thus benefited from it. When the cicada chirping subsides, the surrounding silence is awe-inspiring. There are also a number of hiking trails through the village, including paths to the Moganshan Scenic Area and Dayangli Viewpoint.
Houwu (后坞)
Houwu is a smaller and more charming village located about a 30-minute drive from Yucun, to the west of Mogan Mountain. Houwu is essentially a cluster of guesthouses and local restaurants gathered around a crossroads. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a great choice for a guesthouse stay.
Biking
Moganshan is famous for the wide variety of outdoor activities and unique cultural experiences. There are various options of cycling available on the mountain. Professional mountain bike trails at the Jiugqi International Cycling Camp are open to visitors, who can also choose leisurely rides along the Moganshan Scenic Area’s network of greenways through bamboo forests and valleys.
Hiking
Hiking here is just as diverse. Classic routes include starting from Yucun and passing through the May Fourth Dawn Redwood Corridor, Yiyuan Organic Farm, and Laoling Reservoir. These trails are suitable for hikers of different fitness levels and interests.
Exploring Tea Culture
In addition to outdoor activities, Moganshan’s tea culture is also a highlight. Moganshan Huangya is a famous yellow tea from Zhejiang Province. This is a rare yellow tea from Moganshan. It is mild in flavor and sweet, with a delicate fragrance. Visitors can explore the local tea gardens, join in tea-picking and tea-making processes, through which to learn the essence of traditional Chinese tea culture.
Bamboo Handicraft Articles
The bamboo handicrafts in Moganshan are also very unique. The local bamboo resources are so rich that there are varied types of bamboo crafts. The shops selling bamboo handicraft offer beautiful bamboo products for visitors to purchase including beds, chairs, vases, bowls, cups.
History of Moganshan
The legend of Moganshan dates back over 2,500 years to the late Spring and Autumn period. According to ancient tales, the master swordsmith Ganjiang and his wife Moye mined copper from these mountains to forge a legendary pair of swords – the male sword named Ganjiang and the female sword Moye. The mountain where they crafted these peerless blades came to be known as Moganshan (literally “Gan & Mo Mountain”).
Today, hidden among the bamboo forests lies an emerald pool believed to be the very spot where the couple tempered their blades. Legend claims swords quenched in these mystical waters gained extraordinary sharpness, making this tranquil pool a living testament to China’s most famous metallurgical myth.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the best time to visit Moganshan. The average temperature in July and August is only 24.1℃. The temperature at morning and evening is relatively cool, making it ideal for escaping the heat. In addition, you can also watch the sunrise and sea of clouds during the day, and stargaze at night.
Where to Stay in Moganshan
Moganshan is a very popular weekend destination, favored by expats, tourists, and locals alike. Therefore, expect large crowds during the peak season. However, there are hundreds of accommodation options to choose from.
- Moganshan Villa (莫干山庄): ★★★★
Location: Wuling Village, within the Moganshan Scenic Area
- Naked Castle (裸心堡):★★★★★
Location: Laoling Village
- Arcadia Shangpo (Arcadia尚坡):★★★★
Location: No. 11, Muzhuwu, Dazhaowu Village
- Moganshan Jiuqi Radisson Manor (莫干山久祺雷迪森庄园):★★★★
Location: He Village
How to Get to Moganshan from Hangzhou and Shanghai
Get to Mount Mogan
- By Air: The nearest airport is Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (98 km from Moganshan). Upon arrival, purchase a bus ticket to “Deqing” at the airport’s shuttle counter.
- By High-Speed Train: Take a high-speed train to Deqing High-Speed Rail Station, and thentransfer to Bus No. 113, 111, or 208 to reach the scenic area.
- By Bus: Take a coach from Hangzhou Wulinmen Long-Distance Bus Station or North Bus Station to Moganshan (via Wukang).
Get to Mount Mogan from Hangzhou and Shanghai
- From Hangzhou:Take a high-speed train from Hangzhoudong Railway Station to Deqing Station, and transfer to a Wukang shuttle bus to Moganshan. Or, you can take a bus from Hangzhou North Long-Distance Bus Station to Wukang in Deqing. The car from Wukang goes straight to Moganshan, but you can also get dropped off at Moganshan Town and catch a shuttle bus to a private car up the mountain.
- From Shanghai:Take a high-speed train from Shanghai Railway Station or Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Deqing or Huzhou. The journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours. You can also take a bus in Shanghai’s bus stations, which takes about four hours. After arriving in Deqing County, you can take a direct bus or a taxi to the Moganshan Scenic Area.
Nearby Attractions
- Taihu Lake Scenic Area: A natural lake scenic area featuring the landscape of Taihu Lake. Its surrounding hills and the islands have a long history and splendid culture.
- Nanxun Ancient Town: Nanxun, one of China’s nine water towns, features an elegantresidence architecture. It is the only ancient town where Chinese and Western styles are actively existed and perfectly integrated.
