Jinzhuzhujian: Bamboo Canyon

Jinzhuzhujian (筋竹涧) is a picturesque canyon in the Yandang Mountains (Zhejiang Province), known as "Yandang's most beautiful canyon". Here you will find 18 crystal-clear emerald pools, cascading transparent waterfalls, dense bamboo groves, and ancient stone bridges. The trail, which is over 1,500 years old, has no steep climbs and is suitable for all ages.

We will spend two days here: explore the canyon from start to finish, swim in the mountain pools (in summer), visit the ancient Nengren Temple (founded in 999 AD) and Yanweipu Waterfall. In the evening, a cozy hotel awaits you at the foot of the Yandang Mountains, and on the second day – free time to walk around the area or visit other attractions of Yandangshan.

💧18 pools and waterfalls
🎋Bamboo groves
🏯Nengren Temple (1000 years)
🎫Free entry
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Easy route for the whole family

Emerald pools, waterfalls and bamboo

What awaits you

  • Day 1: Travel and evening introduction — morning departure from Shanghai, 4–5 hours by high-speed train to Yandangshan station. Arrival, transfer to a hotel at the foot of the mountains. Evening walk around Yandang town, seafood dinner.
  • Day 2: Jinzhuzhujian Canyon (4–5 hours) — morning breakfast, then transfer to the start of the trail (Chen Weiming Farm). Walking through the canyon: 18 pools, waterfalls, bamboo groves. Photo session, swimming (in summer). Visit to the ancient Nengren Temple (1000 years old) and Yanweipu Waterfall.
  • Day 2 (continued): Lunch and return — lunch at a traditional restaurant, free time for walks (optional – visit other viewpoints of Yandangshan). In the evening, train back to Shanghai, arrival around midnight.

Sample tour itinerary (2 days)

TimeProgram stageDetails
DAY 1 — Departure to Jinzhuzhujian Canyon
07:00Meeting in ShanghaiMeeting at Xinzhuang metro station, transfer to Hongqiao station.
08:30–13:00Train journeyHigh-speed train G from Shanghai to Yandangshan station (about 4 hours).
13:00–14:00Transfer and check‑inMeeting at the station, transfer to the hotel (Yandangshan Resort or similar).
14:00–17:00Exploring the surroundingsWalk around Yandang town, see the seafood market, tea ceremony.
18:30DinnerTasting of local dishes: spicy tofu, dried fish, seafood.
DAY 2 — Canyon, pools, waterfalls
07:30Breakfast and startBreakfast at the hotel, departure to the start of the trail (Chen Weiming Farm).
08:30–12:00Hike through the canyonWalk the route (about 5 km). Swimming in the pools, photos of waterfalls, rest in bamboo groves.
12:00–13:30LunchLunch at a local restaurant on the farm.
13:30–15:30Temple and waterfallVisit to Nengren Temple (founded in 999 AD), Yanweipu Waterfall. Free time.
15:30–17:00Free timeOptional – visit other parts of Yandangshan (Lingfeng, Dalongqiu) at extra cost.
17:00–19:00Dinner and transfer to stationDinner in town, souvenir shopping, transfer to Yandangshan station.
19:30–00:30Return to ShanghaiTrain back, arrival around midnight.

💡 Important notes for Jinzhuzhujian:

  • Bring comfortable non-slip shoes (trainers), swimsuit and towel (in summer). The water in the pools is clean, but depth can reach 8 meters – be careful.
  • The route is very easy, suitable for children and the elderly.
  • Entry to the canyon is free, but there is a small fee for Nengren Temple (about 15¥).
  • Best time to visit: April–October (for swimming), but it is also beautiful in winter.

Price and conditions

💰

Tour cost

Economy (Train + taxi)

Economy

Guide meets you at the entrance, helps with tickets. Transfer to the station on your own.

$380per group of 1–3 people
Train tickets, entrance, lunch – separate

By car

Comfort

Guide services, private transfer from Shanghai by comfortable sedan/minivan.

$480per group of 1–3 people
Accommodation and meals are paid separately
🎫

Additional expenses (per person)

  • Entry to Jinzhuzhujian CanyonFree
  • Nengren Temple (optional)15¥ ($2)
  • Train ticket Shanghai–Yandangshan (round trip, 2nd class)~250¥ ($35)
  • Meals (2 days)160¥ ($22)
  • Accommodation (standard room)200¥ ($28)
  • Local transfers100¥ ($14)
*2026 prices, exchange rate approximate. Discount on transport for children under 1.2 m.

Additional services

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Group of 4–6 people
+$200
📸
Photoshoot
+$80
✈️
Airport transfer (to/from)
+$100
🏊
Swimming gear (poncho, towel)
+$20
📍

What else to visit

🏞️ Yandangshan (雁荡山)UNESCO park, unique rocks and temples
💧 Dalongqiu WaterfallThe highest waterfall in Yandang (190 m)
🏯 Lingfeng CanyonNight light show

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the route?
The trail is very easy, with no steep climbs. Suitable for all ages and children. The total length is about 5 km, taking approximately 2–3 hours.
Is entry to the canyon really free?
Yes, visiting Jinzhuzhujian Canyon is completely free. This is one of the few places in China of such beauty without an entrance fee.
What should I bring?
Comfortable non-slip shoes (trainers or hiking boots), water, snacks, raincoat (mountain weather is changeable), swimsuit and towel (in summer).
Can I swim in the pools?
Yes, in summer the water is warm and clean, swimming is allowed. However, be careful: the depth of some pools reaches 8 meters, and rocks can be slippery.
What is the weather like in the canyon?
Summer is warm (+25...+30°C), the water is refreshing. Spring and autumn are cooler but still comfortable for walks. Snow is possible in winter, but the trail is passable.
Can it be combined with Yandangshan?
Certainly! The canyon is right in the Yandang Mountains. On the second day after lunch, you can visit other parts of the park independently (tickets paid separately).
⚠️

Important information

Prices are valid for 2026. Booking requires a 100% prepayment (PayPal, card). Cancellation 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 or force majeure.