I thought Wuzhen was beautiful, until I visited Yanguan in Haining…

I originally thought Wuzhen was incredibly beautiful, but after visiting Yanguan in Haining, I realized what breathtaking truly means! I can't understand why Zhejiang doesn't promote this place more. Yanguan is perfectly located, like the front yard of Hangzhou, the backyard of Shanghai, or even the back garden of China. This is a world-famous spot for tide watching, with ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and the Republican era preserved everywhere. The former residences of Xu Zhimo and Wang Guowei are here, and Emperor Qianlong visited Yanguan four times during his six trips south of the Yangtze River! Stepping into Yanguan, you'll find charming Jiangnan scenery everywhere: misty rain, small bridges over flowing water, ancient city walls, Jiangnan gardens, ancient temples, ancestral halls, and old houses. It's my hidden gem of a travel destination. Its official name is Yanguan, City of Tides and Music, located at 188 Gongchen Road, Yanguan Town, Haining, Jiaxing, Zhejiang. If you take the high-speed train, you can arrive at Haining West Railway Station first, and then take a taxi there. Self-driving is even more convenient; just navigate to this address. It's only a 40-minute drive from Hangzhou. Here's a travel guide for Yanguan: - Recommended Spots: - Yanguan Tide Wall: Located in front of the ancient city gate tower, every time I walk here, I'm amazed by the spectacular sight of the "flying waterfall descending three thousand feet." However, the tide wall doesn't appear all the time. It appears for 15 minutes every hour, starting from 9am. Be sure to plan your time accordingly. - Tide-watching Resort Park: This is the Qiantang River tide-watching spot mentioned in elementary school Chinese textbooks. Standing at the foot of the tower, you can see the wondrous "Silver Dragon." But the tide-watching time varies daily, so be sure to check the tide times in advance. - Haishen Temple: This is one of the most historic attractions in Yanguan, Haining, with few visitors and a peaceful atmosphere. The red walls of the temple and the plum blossoms complement each other perfectly, making for great photos. Photography enthusiasts shouldn't miss this. - Chen Gelaozhai (Former Residence of Minister Chen): Full of Ming Dynasty charm, stepping into this place allows you to truly feel the family glory and vicissitudes of time, creating a strong sense of history. - Tickets: Tickets for Yanguan, City of Tides and Music, are around CNY 80–100. Specific prices may vary depending on the season or different ticket packages. You can check the latest prices and ticket information on the official WeChat account or major travel platforms. - Best Travel Route: In the morning, go to the Tide-watching Resort Park to watch the tide and experience the magnificent momentum of the Qiantang River tide. After watching the tide, go to the Yanguan Tide Wall for photos. Then visit Haishen Temple to admire the ancient architecture and take photos against the red walls. In the afternoon, head to Chen Gelaozhai to experience the Ming Dynasty charm, concluding the day's itinerary. - Best Photo Spots: In front of the Yanguan Tide Wall, you can capture the spectacular view of the tide wall; at the foot of the tower in the Tide-watching Resort Park, you can take photos with the "Silver Dragon" and capture the surging tide; beside the red walls of Haishen Temple, with plum blossoms as the backdrop, any shot will be stunning; in the courtyard of Chen Gelaozhai, the ancient buildings provide an excellent background. - Important Notes: Pay attention to safety when watching the tide. Don't get too close to the water and follow the instructions of the staff on site. Check the weather forecast in advance and bring appropriate clothing and rain gear. There are more tourists during holidays, so plan your itinerary in advance to avoid delays. - Local Cuisine: - Haining Gangrou (Pork Braised in a Pot): This is a traditional famous dish of Haining. The meat is stewed until tender and melts in your mouth, fatty but not greasy, with a bright red color. Every bite is pure bliss. - Chang'an Yanqiu (Meatballs): Made with fish and pork, these meatballs have a tender texture and delicious soup. Be sure to try this specialty when you visit Yanguan. - Dingsheng Cake: This Jiangnan pastry has a soft and glutinous texture, sweet but not greasy, with a light osmanthus fragrance. It's a very popular treat.