Songyang, a Paradise You Can't Miss!

Hidden Gem of Jiangnan — Songyang, a Secluded Paradise You Simply Can't Miss! Songyang, a hidden gem in southern Zhejiang, is known as the last secret paradise of Jiangnan. Here you'll find rustic houses with yellow mud walls and black tiles, towering ancient trees, century-old stone bridges, and babbling streams—everything is like a painting come to life. My son and I captured some of the most precious photos of our lives here, and I only regret discovering this paradise-like secret haven so late. This hidden gem is mainly tucked away in several secluded villages. Songzhuang Village tops the list, where the century-old stone bridge offers perfect photo opportunities. The entire village is built along a stream, with yellow mud walls and dark blue-gray tiles, peaceful and serene, just like a paradise away from the world. At Yangjiatan Village, two hundred-year-old camphor trees intertwine at the village entrance, and at sunset, the ancient village is bathed in golden light, creating a stunning scene. Then there's Youtian Village, where an ancient settlement features a wall of books, perfect for enjoying a cup of tea, reading a good book, and experiencing the intangible cultural heritage of tie-dye craftsmanship. To fully experience the charm of these villages, we specifically planned a weekend getaway of 2 days and 1 night. On the first day, we visited the furthest Songzhuang Village, checked out the century-old bridge, and then headed to Yangjiatan Village before 4 PM to see the ancient village at sunset. On the second day, we slept in, then set off to Xitian Village to visit the Wuxin Academy. If time allowed, we planned to stroll through Songyang Ancient Street in the county town before ending our wonderful vacation. We stayed at Taoye Guesthouse, a small villa converted from a traditional house scattered throughout the village, with an excellent environment. The reception and restaurant are right across from the ancient bridge in the village, allowing us to enjoy the spectacular views while dining. Before check-in, they sent us a route map, helped carry our luggage from the village entrance, and even made name tags out of leaves for our breakfast—so thoughtful! Each village entrance has parking spaces, so friends driving can visit without worry. This weekend getaway plan is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and find tranquility. Come to Songyang, this paradise-like secret haven, and enjoy a leisurely retreat!