If you’re searching for a truly off-the-beaten-path travel destination, I can’t recommend Pujiang County in Jinhua, Zhejiang, enough.
Pujiang is sparsely visited by tourists, yet it’s full of hidden gems: it served as a filming location for Black Myth: Wukong, houses the “First Family of Jiangnan” (honored by Zhu Yuanzhang), and is dotted with serene ancient mountain villages where peace and quiet reign.
If avoiding crowds is your goal, Pujiang is a must-visit.
🟡 Day 1: Longde Temple Pagoda → Pujiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum → Longtan Ancient Temple → Xinguang Village
🟡 Day 2: First Family of Jiangnan → Songxi Ancient Village → Shangshan Archaeological Site Park
1️⃣ First Family of Jiangnan
🎫 Ticket: 65r
The most unmissable spot in Pujiang is the Zheng family compound, where 15 clans once lived together. Honored as the “First Family of Jiangnan” by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, it boasts a stunning cluster of Ming and Qing dynasty stone archways. The intricate wood carvings in the ancestral hall are simply breathtaking.
2️⃣ Longde Temple Pagoda
🎫 Ticket: Free
This mysterious Song Dynasty pagoda gained fame as a filming location for Black Myth: Wukong. Make sure to look up at the center of the pagoda—you’ll be stunned by its ancient grandeur.
3️⃣ Longtan Ancient Temple
🎫 Ticket: Free
This is by far the most authentic, non-commercial temple I’ve visited. There are no merit boxes; instead, incense and vegetarian meals are offered for free. The monks even welcome photography of the Buddha statues! The temple grounds are dotted with stone pagodas, flowers, and stray cats and dogs, creating a tranquil vibe that makes you never want to leave.
4️⃣ Xinguang Village
🎫 Ticket: Free
Once home to a rural manor built by Pujiang tycoon Zhu Kebin, the village features a well-preserved ancient building complex. Don’t miss the “bench dragon” (a traditional folk dance prop) in the main hall—it’s a unique Pujiang specialty.
5️⃣ Songxi Ancient Village
🎫 Ticket: Free
An 800-year-old village in Zhejiang, with ancestral halls, ancient paths, and streams weaving through its quiet lanes. Sparse crowds make it the perfect place to soak in old-world charm.
6️⃣ Pujiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum
🎫 Ticket: Free
I visited specifically for the “bench dragon”—a lively folk custom unique to Pujiang. It’s a fascinating glimpse into local culture.
7️⃣ Shangshan Archaeological Site Park
🎫 Ticket: Free
This park is home to the world’s earliest rice-growing civilization, dating back 10,000 years. The park itself is beautifully landscaped, with a large lawn where locals often relax—ideal for a leisurely break.
🚄 Transportation: It’s about a 2-hour drive from Hangzhou. For public transit, take the high-speed rail to “Pujiang Station,” then take a taxi or bus into the city.
🏨 Accommodation & Food: Stay near Longde Temple Tower (in downtown Pujiang) for easy access to attractions. Must-try foods: clear beef soup, wheat cakes, and iced magnolia desserts.
Pujiang is a low-key town with few tourists, where wandering slowly and savoring local flavors feels like a gentle escape from the rush of daily life. It’s the perfect place to unwind and connect with history and nature.
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