Sometimes the best adventures begin with a single tempting idea. Hearing that the cherry blossoms near Ningbo’s Siming Bridge and the rapeseed flower terraces of Shaoxing’s Fuzhi Mountain were among the best in East China was all the motivation needed. So, with a bike and a sense of curiosity, a four-day loop through the highlands began.
Day 1: Liangnong Town → Dalan Town → Siming Mountain → Chenxi Village → Lingnan Town → Fuzhi Mountain
The winding two-lane road up Siming Mountain is a dream for any rider, dotted with coffee vans and gentle curves perfect for a steady climb.
While the cooler mountain air meant the cherry blossoms were still shy and the rapeseed flowers not yet in full glory, the landscape was no less magnificent. Vast, contour-like terraces carved into the mountainsides offered breathtaking views.
Finding accommodation as the sun dipped and temperatures plummeted was a challenge, but local advice eventually led to a roof for the night—a simple homestay with a price tag that hinted at more starry expectations.
Day 2: Fuzhi Mountain → Stone Waterfall → Xiazhen Town → “Zhejiang Tibet” Route → Beizhang Village
The real adventure began on Fuzhi Mountain. Beyond the halfway point, the paved path disappeared, giving way to an incredible “stone wave”—a massive river of boulders, a relic of the Quaternary glaciation. The wind howled powerfully through this rocky valley. Wearing makeshift slippers, the only way forward was to shoulder the bike and scramble over the stones to the other side.
Further on, the Shexuanwu Rock formations stood as a testament to volcanic history—perfectly geometric, stacked basalt columns rising impressively.
Day 3: Beizhang Village → Qingtankeng Village → Siming Bridge → Lutian Zhong Village
The journey toward Fenghua’s Xikou region was a ride past crystal-clear streams and villages nestled in river valleys.
One unforgettable sight was a distant waterfall cascading from a high ridge, its roar echoing through the mountains—a powerful reminder that where there are high peaks, there is often flowing water.
Day 4: Lutian Zhong Village → Jinling Ding → Liangnong Town
The final morning in Zhong Village was serene. Ancient willow trees reflected perfectly in the placid creek, complemented by a classic single-arch stone bridge—a scene so peaceful it felt almost dreamlike.
A conversation with a local about a few surviving hundred-year-old trees was poignant. He shared that most of the old trees were cut down for fuel during the Great Leap Forward; these few were spared only because their trunks were too short or hollow to be useful. A stark reminder that sometimes, what seems like a flaw can become a saving grace.
Reflections on the Road
This four-day journey was a concentrate of landscapes and emotions. There were moments of sheer brilliance—the terraces, the stone waves, the basalt columns, and the secluded villages that felt like hidden Edens. While the cherry blossoms remained elusive, the warmth of a self-service tea station on a mountainside contrasted sharply with the disappointment of an overpriced homestay.
The body ached, the wrists grew numb—it was a physical trial. But like life itself, the trip was a mix of light and shadow. It taught a simple truth: not everything can be planned or forced. Some things require luck and timing. The real reward is in the effort and the courage to simply set out.
