Things To Do
in Songyang
Songyang is a quiet, historic county in southwestern Zhejiang province known for its well-preserved old towns, terraced farmland and rolling, forested hills. The area blends traditional rural life with centuries-old architecture, narrow lanes and small-scale agriculture, offering a slower pace than the region's larger cities. Visitors come for scenic walks, cultural sites such as ancestral halls and temples, and for experiencing local countryside cuisine and markets.
Infrastructure is basic but improving — expect friendly locals, limited English, and easy access to nearby prefectural centers for larger services.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the ancient streets of Songyang, where the traditional architecture showcases the rich history of the region. Visit the Songyang Museum, where you can learn about local culture and admire artifacts that date back centuries. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local eatery, sampling dishes such as rice dumplings and soy milk.
In the afternoon, join a guided tour to the local silk weaving workshop to witness the intricate process of silk production. After that, stroll through the vibrant local market, where you can find unique handicrafts and fresh produce. Take a moment to savor a cup of locally brewed green tea as you soak in the lively atmosphere.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a charming restaurant overlooking the river, where you can indulge in regional specialties such as bamboo shoots and river fish. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, admiring the beautifully lit historic buildings. Conclude your evening with a traditional tea ceremony, immersing yourself in the local customs and flavors.
Begin your day with a hike up to the stunning Yandang Mountain, where breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape await. The crisp morning air and the sounds of nature will energize you as you navigate the scenic trails. Don't forget to capture the beauty of the lush greenery and unique rock formations along the way.
After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the scenic viewpoints, taking in the tranquil surroundings. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby waterfalls, where you can cool off and perhaps even take a refreshing dip. The sound of cascading water will provide a perfect backdrop as you relax and unwind.
As evening approaches, head back to Songyang and treat yourself to a hearty dinner featuring local dishes infused with seasonal ingredients. After dinner, find a cozy café to enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee while mingling with locals. The relaxed atmosphere will offer a perfect ending to a day filled with nature's beauty.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $1.50-4 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.20-1 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / basic hotel (per night) | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Well-preserved historic town and authentic rural life
- Scenic countryside with good hiking and photography opportunities
- Low cost of living and friendly local communities
- Less crowded than major tourist centers — relaxed pace
- Limited English and tourist infrastructure
- Fewer dining and nightlife options than larger cities
- Public transport links and medical facilities are basic; longer trips needed for specialty care
- Weather can be wet and humid in summer, making outdoor plans less reliable
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xièxie)" - Thank you
- "请问… 在哪里？ (qǐngwèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is...?
- "多少钱？ (duōshao qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "我不懂 (wǒ bù dǒng)" - I don't understand
- "我是素食者 (wǒ shì sùshí zhě)" - I am a vegetarian
- "可以拍照吗？ (kěyǐ pāizhào ma?)" - May I take a photo?
Places to Visit in Songyang
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow lanes, tiled roofs, stone bridges and traditional courtyard houses provide intimate street and architectural photography opportunities, especially in the soft morning light.
Small arched bridges, reflections and riverside activities like washing and fishing create strong small-town documentary images.
Nearby slopes with terraced farmland and scattered villages are best at sunrise or sunset when light accentuates textures and layers.
Colorful produce, preserved goods and morning market bustle offer lively, candid street photography — ask permission before photographing people closely.
Food in Songyang
Songyang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting bowl of rice noodles in a clear, mildly seasoned broth often served with local vegetables, pickles and slices of pork or fish — widely available at morning stalls.
Must-Try!
Fresh freshwater fish, commonly braised with soy, ginger and scallions; best found at small restaurants near rivers and in village homes.
Locally made preserved vegetables and pickles are served as condiments — try them with rice to experience authentic local flavors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market where locals buy fresh vegetables, tofu, eggs and live fish; try savory pancakes, steamed buns and rice noodle soup from vendors here.
Scattered stalls near stream crossings selling skewers, fried snacks and fresh fruit — ideal for tasting quick local bites while exploring.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to older people — stand when elders enter, greet them first, and use polite forms of address when appropriate.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially inside homes or during rituals; a smile and a simple phrase in Chinese helps.
Sharing dishes is common; wait for hosts to invite you to start eating and use serving chopsticks or the ends of chopsticks when taking from shared plates when possible.
Dress modestly when entering temples or village homes and keep noise to a respectful level in residential areas, particularly during early morning or evening quiet hours.
Safety
Tipping in Songyang
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not commonly expected in small towns and rural eateries. Tour guides, drivers or hotel staff may accept or politely decline small tips; in upscale hotels or with private guides, a modest tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate in China, but in smaller towns cash (RMB) remains important. Some small vendors may not accept cards or foreign mobile wallets — carry sufficient cash and confirm payment options in advance.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March–May) brings mild temperatures, blooming vegetation and occasional rain; trails become green and lively, but bring a light rain jacket and layers for variable weather.
Summer (June–August) is warm and humid with the highest rainfall — expect lush landscapes and possible afternoon storms; mornings are best for outdoor activities to avoid heat and humidity.
Autumn (September–November) offers crisp air, pleasant temperatures and clear skies — a great time for hiking, photography and local festivals, with reduced insect activity.
Winter (December–February) is cool and damp rather than severely cold; higher elevations can be chilly and misty. Many rural businesses may have reduced hours, so plan ahead.
Songyang at Night
Hiking in Songyang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of local trails near the ancient town providing moderate hikes through forested ridges and viewpoints over terraced fields — good for short half-day excursions.
Walking routes that wind through agricultural terraces and villages, offering close-up views of rural life and seasonal planting or harvesting scenes.
Streams and small gorges near the county have trails and stepping-stone crossings; expect uneven terrain and scenic refreshment stops in summer.
Airports
How to reach Songyang by plane.
Regional airport serving the Lishui area — offers the most convenient access when available, with ground connections by taxi or bus and onward road travel to Songyang (typically under 2 hours depending on service).
A major nearby airport with more domestic connections; travel time to Songyang is approximately 2–3 hours by car or a combination of train/bus, making it a common gateway for international and domestic travelers.
A larger international airport with many domestic and international flights; travel to Songyang requires a high-speed train or long-distance bus to Lishui followed by local transport — typically 3–5 hours total travel time.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population is Han Chinese, with local families often having lived in the area for generations and maintaining agricultural livelihoods and village traditions.
Like many rural counties in China, Songyang has a relatively older resident demographic as younger adults often move to larger cities for work; this influences the community rhythm and local services.
Seasonal or migrant workers may be present during harvests or construction; market days and festivals bring people from surrounding areas for trade and celebration.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a popular recreational sport among young people and in school programs; community courts are common in towns and villages.
Indoor racket sports like table tennis and badminton are widely played for exercise and socializing, especially in community centers or school gyms.
Along rivers in the region there are occasional traditional boat activities and local rowing events linked to festivals, though these are more common in riverside communities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Songyang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; request dishes made with vegetables, tofu and egg, and ask servers to avoid fish sauce or meat stock. Bring a translation card that explains dietary needs in Chinese to avoid misunderstandings.
Cross-contamination with meat and fish stock is common. For strict vegan or allergy-sensitive diets, prepare by carrying snacks, learning key ingredient phrases in Chinese, and shopping at markets for fresh produce.