Overview
A two-day private trekking escape from Shanghai into Zhejiang's red-rock canyons, cloud-sea tea terraces and the poetry-famed Tianmu Mountain ancient post road.
About This Tour
Just a few hours from Shanghai lies a corner of eastern Zhejiang that most foreign travelers never reach. This private two-day trek leads you through the dramatic Hanfei River canyon, where crimson danxia cliffs rise a thousand feet above a winding emerald stream and the river loops back on itself to form a spectacular 'Omega Bend' reminiscent of the Yangtze's famous meanders. You climb to Xiayanbei, a hillside village wrapped in terraced tea fields that float above a sea of clouds at dawn, a celebrated camping spot among Chinese hikers. On day two you walk the ancient stone post road of Tianmu Mountain, the very landscape immortalized by Tang poet Li Bai and explored by the great traveler Xu Xiake centuries ago, passing the storybook Banzhu old village, century-old Luoma Bridge and ridgeline rock formations. The journey closes with a feast of authentic Zhejiang street food in a restored old-town lane. Ideal for active travelers who want real countryside, living culture and quiet trails rather than crowded sights, this private tour runs on your own schedule with an English-speaking guide and private vehicle. Best enjoyed spring through autumn. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: March-November (spring tea terraces and autumn clarity are finest) • Fitness level: moderate - about 10 km of stone steps, dirt paths and ancient trails on day 1 and 5-6 km on day 2 • Wear sturdy hiking shoes; trekking poles recommended for the canyon descent • Day 2 has a no-hike option: the vehicle can drive directly to the summit area • Accommodation is a comfortable but simple county-town hotel, not a luxury property • Meals are largely self-catered local fare; vegetarians and food allergies can be accommodated with advance notice
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Shanghai to Xinchang | Hanfei River Canyon & Omega Bend
Depart Shanghai in the morning by private vehicle for the roughly four-hour drive to Xinchang in eastern Zhejiang, pausing at Meizhu old village for lunch. In the early afternoon descend into the Hanfei River canyon, where the trail drops to the valley floor and a giant boot-shaped gorge opens before you, the clear stream tumbling alongside. Trekking downstream you reach the dramatic Omega Bend, where the river coils through a deep ravine framed by towering crimson danxia cliffs, a scene often compared to the Yangtze's Moon Bay. The route continues to Xiayanbei village, perched on a ridge above terraced hillsides where tea bushes carpet the slopes and morning clouds pool in the valleys below. Today's walk covers about 10 km on steps, dirt paths and old stone trails. In the late afternoon drive about an hour to the county town to check in, then enjoy a relaxed self-catered dinner and free evening. Meals: L (en route). Overnight: hotel in Xinchang county.
2
Day 2: Tianmu Mountain Ancient Road | Xinchang to Shanghai
After breakfast drive a short way to the trailhead near Banzhu old village at the foot of Tianmu Mountain, the storied landscape celebrated in Li Bai's poetry and described by the Ming-dynasty explorer Xu Xiake. Set out along the stone-paved ancient post road, crossing the village's century-old Luoma (Fallen Horse) Bridge and walking through an atmospheric, green-shrouded valley with cascading streams. The mostly well-maintained scenic path climbs to the Tianji Terrace at around 800 m elevation, rewarding you with sweeping views of Xinchang's strange peaks and weathered rock formations; today's hike is about 5-6 km, with a vehicle option to the summit for anyone who prefers to skip the climb. Around midday descend and drive to a restored old-town food street for lunch, sampling Zhejiang specialties such as hand-made taro dumplings, crispy guolatou crepes, steamed buns and stir-fried rice cakes. In the afternoon begin the four-hour return drive, arriving back in Shanghai in the evening. Meals: B; L (local). Overnight: not included (tour ends).
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking guide Private air-conditioned vehicle & all transfers from Shanghai 1 night hotel in Xinchang county (twin room, private bathroom, breakfast included) Trekking route arrangement & local guiding fees Driver and guide allowances
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Lunches and dinners (local-style self-catering en route) Personal expenses Tips Single supplement (if a private room is requested)
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
4.9★★★★★Based on 113 reviews
Amelia X.🇨🇭 Switzerland★★★★★2026-05
Looking back, the stop I expected to like least turned into the one we discussed afterward. That is the advantage of tasting with someone who can explain what is in front of you. For this itinerary, the number of stops was enough.
Karim E.🇨🇦 Canada★★★★★2024-10
The unglamorous part: dietary questions in Shanghai were handled before we started, not halfway through the first tasting. That made the session much easier to enjoy.
Lena T.🇧🇪 Belgium★★★★★2026-03
One thing I learned: the trail is more physical than the tidy itinerary makes it sound. Proper shoes helped, and I was glad we kept water handy. I would rather keep the pause at the trail than add another stop.
Ana U.🇵🇹 Portugal★★★★★2025-04
The route made more sense once we were on it. Time at Shanghai set the pace, while the trail gave us a reason to slow down.