Danzhu: primeval forest with thousand-year-old trees
Danzhu Primeval Forest (淡竹原始森林) is located in Xianju County, Zhejiang Province, approximately 380 km from Shanghai. It is one of the few remaining relict forests in Eastern China, where trees reach heights of 40 meters and some specimens are over 1000 years old.
The tour offers a unique opportunity to walk through virgin forest with ferns as tall as a person, see the 45-meter "Jade Ribbon" waterfall, cross a suspension bridge over a mountain river, and breathe the purest air saturated with phytoncides. An ideal place to recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature.
Relict forest
45 m waterfall
Bamboo trails
Suspension bridge
Living fossils
Attractions along the route
What awaits you
- Early departure from Shanghai (07:00) — meeting at Xinzhuang metro station, comfortable car with a Russian guide.
- Arrival at Danzhu Primeval Forest (~12:00) — start of a 5 km walk along equipped trails.
- Walk through the relict forest — you will see giant trees (castanopsis, tung, cypress) up to 1000 years old. Some trunks have a girth of up to 6 meters.
- Jade Ribbon Waterfall (45 m) — a cascade of water plunging into an emerald lake. Surrounded by thick ferns and mosses.
- Suspension bridge over the gorge — an exciting crossing over a rushing river, great for photos.
- Bamboo groves and viewing platforms — shady paths where bamboo grows up to 15 meters high. The platforms offer views of the valley and mountain peaks.
- Lunch in the forest — traditional Xianju cuisine: bamboo dishes, forest mushrooms, fresh river fish.
- Eco-trail "Breath of the Forest" — a short route (1.5 km) with information boards about the flora and fauna.
- Return to Shanghai (~20:00–21:00) — transfer to Xinzhuang metro station.
Tour itinerary (1 day)
*Also available by train Shanghai–Xianju (仙居) + taxi to the park (~40 minutes).
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Departure from Shanghai (Xinzhuang metro) | Drive to Zhejiang Province ~4.5–5 hours with a stop. |
| 12:00 | Arrival at Danzhu Forest | Ticket purchase, short briefing, restroom. |
| 12:30–15:30 | Walk through the forest, waterfall, bridge | Route ~5 km, little elevation gain. Photo session at the waterfall. |
| 15:30–16:30 | Lunch at a forest restaurant | Bamboo dishes, mushroom soup, rice. |
| 16:30–17:30 | Eco-trail "Breath of the Forest" | A short walk, learning about plants. |
| 17:30–21:00 | Return to Shanghai | Approximate arrival at Xinzhuang metro station at 21:00. |
💡 Important notes:
- Comfortable trekking shoes are a must (trails are wooden but can be slippery after rain).
- Bring: raincoat (the forest is humid), insect repellent, water, passport, cash.
- The tour is suitable for children from 5 years old and the elderly (trails are gentle).
- Best time: May–October, when the forest is particularly green and the waterfalls are full.
Price and conditions
💰
Tour cost
Train + taxi
EconomyGuide meets you at the park, help with tickets. Transfer to the station on your own.
350$per group 1–3 pers.
Train tickets, entrance, lunch – extra
By car
ComfortGuide services, transfer from Shanghai by sedan/minivan.
450$per group 1–4 pers.
Entrance tickets, lunch – extra
🎫
Additional expenses per person
- Danzhu Forest entrance ticket100¥ (~14$)
- Lunch (forest cuisine)60–80¥ (~9–12$)
- Train Shanghai–Xianju (round trip, 2nd class)~340¥ (~49$)
- Taxi from station to the forest (round trip, per group)~200¥ (~29$)
*2026 prices, exchange rate approximate. Children under 1.2 m – discount on entry.
⏱️
Duration
~14 hours
departure 07:00, return ~21:00
✨
Additional services
🚗
Minivan rental (5–7 pers)
+120$
📷
Photo session in the forest
+50$
✈️
Shanghai airport transfer
+80$
📍
What else can be visited nearby
🏔️ Shenxianju (Abode of Immortals)
Bizarre cliffs, glass bridges, caves and breathtaking views. (7–15 km)
🏘️ Potan Ancient Town (皤滩古镇)
A thousand-year-old town with a unique cobbled "dragon street". (7–14 km)
🏞️ Jingxingyan Scenic Area (景星岩)
A summit with a panoramic viewing platform overlooking mountains and valleys. (~17–19 km)
📍
What else can be visited nearby
🌳 Gongyu Scenic Area (公盂景区)
Untouched nature, ancient villages without roads. (12–13 km)
🏡 Gaoqian Ancient Village (高迁古村)
A well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty village with an authentic atmosphere. (14 km)
🎓 Tongjiang Academy (桐江书院)
An ancient academy founded in the 12th century.
🛶 Yong'an River Rafting (永安溪漂流)
A relaxing rafting trip on bamboo rafts along a clear river.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there dangerous animals in the forest?
The forest is safe for tourists. You may encounter squirrels, birds, butterflies. There are no large predators. The main thing is not to leave the equipped trails.
Can you swim in the waterfall?
Swimming in the waterfall pool is prohibited due to slippery rocks and strong currents. However, there is a special drinking spring where you can fill your bottle.
Which is better: car or train?
A car is more convenient, especially if you want to spend more time in the forest. The train is cheaper, but you will need to take a taxi for the last leg. The guide will be with you either way.
Is there mobile coverage and Wi‑Fi in the forest?
On most of the route, there is coverage (4G). Free Wi‑Fi is only available at the café near the entrance. We recommend downloading a map in advance.
When is the best time for photos?
Ideally, at the end of May (rhododendrons bloom) and in October (golden foliage). A foggy morning creates a mystical atmosphere.
Important information
Prices are valid for 2026. A 50% deposit is required for booking (PayPal, card). If canceled 48 hours in advance – full refund, less than 48 hours – 50% refund (train tickets are purchased in advance). The organizer reserves the right to change the program due to weather conditions or force majeure.
