Nestled beneath the dramatic “Ten-Mile Iron Dragon” cliffs in Tiantai County, Hou’an Village has emerged as Zhejiang’s quintessential rural escape. Weekends find visitors strolling along the Shifengxi River, capturing waterwheels turning against misty mountains – scenes so picturesque they’ve earned the village recognition as one of China’s “Most Beautiful Leisure Countrysides.”
From Hermitage to Holiday Hotspot
This AAAA-rated scenic village within the Han-Mingyan Geopark once inspired Tang Dynasty poet-monk Hanshanzi’s retreat. Today, its blend of natural wonders and rural comforts – from rainbow koi ponds to viral “fish-scale dams” – creates unexpected harmony. “The black cliffs shining like dragon scales make you feel small yet safe,” remarked a Shanghai photographer framing the iconic vista.
Agritourism with Authenticity
Beyond postcard views, Hou’an offers immersive experiences: picking peaches in thousand-acre orchards, fishing in mountain streams, or savoring homegrown feasts at family-run inns. Strategic planting of canola flowers and sunflowers creates seasonal spectacles, while preserved Mingyan Temple adds cultural depth. “City stress melts away when you wake to roosters instead of alarms,” shared a Hangzhou businessman during his third visit.
Blueprint for Rural Prosperity
Once dependent on quarrying, Hou’an’s transformation through eco-tourism has become a national model, earning multiple honors including “China’s Beautiful Livable Village.” By developing attractions like the Iron Dragon cliffs while maintaining agricultural authenticity, the village achieves what few can – making Tang Dynasty poetry tangible for modern travelers while securing sustainable futures for residents.
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