Yanxia Stone Village

Yanxia Stone Village (岩下石头村) is a unique open-air architectural monument located in the scenic mountains of Jinyun County (Zhejiang Province). Founded over 600 years ago (1402), the village is built entirely of dark volcanic stone, giving it a unique medieval charm. Over 200 stone houses, winding streets, the ancient Fengxiqiao Bridge, the Zhu Ancestral Hall, and the majestic Baizhangyan Waterfall (30 m) – all await you in this authentic corner of China. An ideal place for those tired of noisy cities, who want to touch genuine antiquity, enjoy bamboo groves, and take hundreds of stunning photos.

🏚️600-year-old stone village
🌿Bamboo groves and waterfalls
⏱️12 hours
📸Perfect for photos

Attractions

What to expect

  • Meeting at Xinzhuang metro station – convenient departure from the southern part of Shanghai, avoiding city center traffic. Early start (6:30–7:00).
  • Comfortable ride by car / minivan – distance ≈320 km, travel time including short stops – about 4–4.5 hours.
  • Arrival at Yanxia Stone Village – direct to the parking lot, no transfers.
  • Walk along stone streets – over 200 houses made of volcanic stone, a medieval atmosphere.
  • Visit Fengxiqiao Bridge – an old arched bridge from the late Qing Dynasty, surrounded by ancient maples.
  • Visit the Zhu Ancestral Hall (built in 1683) – the main cultural center of the village.
  • Hike to Baizhangyan Waterfall – a 30-meter waterfall through a bamboo grove (about 20 minutes of walking).
  • Lunch at a local restaurant – traditional Jinyun cuisine, be sure to try the famous 缙云烧饼 (Jinyun shaobing) flatbreads.
  • Return to Shanghai by car – departure after lunch, arrival at Xinzhuang metro station in the evening (≈20:00–21:00).

Sample itinerary (1 day, by car)

*Times and order may be adjusted depending on traffic and the group's pace.

TimeProgram stageDetails and transport
06:30Meeting at Xinzhuang metro station (莘庄)Meet the guide at the exit of Xinzhuang metro station, board the sedan. Departure.
06:45Departure from ShanghaiDriving along expressways G60, then G15W and G1513. Estimated travel time — 3.5–4 hours (depending on traffic).
10:30–10:45Arrival at Yanxia VillageApproach to the scenic area "岩下石头村". Free parking. Start of the tour.
10:45–12:00Walk around the villageVisit stone houses, Fengxiqiao Bridge, Zhu Ancestral Hall, narrow streets.
12:00–13:00Hike to the waterfallTrail through bamboo forest, photos at the 30-meter Baizhangyan Waterfall.
13:00–14:00LunchAt a local restaurant. We recommend "Jinyun shaobing" flatbreads and village dishes.
14:00–15:00Free timeWalk around the surroundings, buy souvenirs, extra photos.
15:00Departure back to ShanghaiGather at the parking lot, board the car. Departure along the same route.
19:30–20:30Arrival at Xinzhuang metro stationEstimated arrival time in Shanghai (subject to possible delays). End of the tour.

💡 Important notes:

  • Departure should ideally be before 7:00 to avoid morning traffic in Shanghai and on the approach to Hangzhou.
  • Wear comfortable shoes – stone streets are uneven and slippery after rain.
  • Bring water and a light snack (although lunch is included).
  • Modest clothing is not required, but respect local customs.
  • Gas and toll road expenses are paid separately (approximately: gas ~400–500¥, tolls ~250–350¥ one way).

Price & conditions

💰

Tour price

Train + taxi

Economy

High-speed train to Jinyun West station, then taxi to the village. Fare paid separately.

$320per group 1–3 pax
Groups > 3 pax – individual quote

By car

Comfort

Sedan (1–3 pax) from Xinzhuang metro. Gas and tolls are already included in the price.

$360per group 1–3 pax
Groups > 3 pax – individual quote. Travel time ~3.5–4 hours one way.
🎫

Additional expenses (paid on site)

  • Entrance tickets (entire area)Free
  • Lunch50–100¥ (~$7–14)
  • Personal expenses, souvenirsoptional
*Prices are approximate. Exchange rates may vary.
⏱️

Duration

12–14 hours
from departure from Shanghai to return

Extra services

🚗
Hotel transfer
+$50
✈️
Airport transfer
+$100
🚐
Minivan rental
+$80
📍

What else to see nearby

🏞️ Shenxianju Scenic Area (神仙居)Famous granite peaks and glass bridges – "Abode of Immortals" (about 50 km).
🏯 Heyang Ancient Village (河阳古民居)Ancient mansions and temples from the Ming and Qing dynasties (about 30 km).
🌊 Xiandu Waterfall (仙都)Picturesque waterfall and cliffs known from films (about 40 km).

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Yanxia Stone Village unique?
It is one of the few villages in China built entirely of dark volcanic stone. It is over 600 years old and has been perfectly preserved in its original state. There are no commercial stalls or crowds of tourists here – you can feel the spirit of genuine antiquity and take unique photos.
Is it difficult to walk on the stone streets?
The streets are uneven and paved with stone, so comfortable non-slip shoes are essential. After rain, the stones become slippery, so be careful. There are almost no uphill climbs, so the walk is not tiring.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entrance to the village and all main attractions (bridge, hall, waterfall) is free. This makes the trip especially attractive.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, water, a light snack, umbrella or raincoat (mountain weather is changeable), cash for lunch and souvenirs (cards are not accepted everywhere).
What is included in the tour price?
The base price depends on the chosen option (train+taxi or car). Includes services of a Russian-speaking guide and route organization. Entrance tickets are free, meals and personal expenses are paid separately. All details should be clarified when booking.
⚠️

Important information

The stated prices are valid at the time of the offer for private individuals. The cost and availability of train tickets and guide services may change.

Booking is made exclusively after receiving a prepayment. The conversion rate is calculated at the current rate.

If a booking is cancelled less than 7 days before the start of the event, the payment is non-refundable.

In case of train cancellations due to weather conditions, we will offer alternative dates or refund the prepayment for guide services (transport tickets are refunded according to the carrier's rules).

The basic cost of services does not include and is paid additionally: transport, meals, entrance tickets and personal expenses.