1.5h from Shanghai|Avoid the crowds at Thousand Ancient Love during Chinese New Year around Hangzhou!
For a peaceful Chinese New Year near Hangzhou without the crowds and rushed sightseeing, we sincerely recommend coming to Yanguan Chaole City. Here, there’s no over-commercialized noise; the perfect blend of tide-watching, music, ancient architecture, festive atmosphere, and hotel vacations awaits. Spend your days exploring the ancient town and your nights enjoying the lantern tide, with one-stop dining, accommodation, and entertainment to easily unlock the Chinese-style romance of the Year of the Horse.
During the Spring Festival in Yanguan, the day and night activities never repeat, immersing you in the vibrant New Year tide atmosphere. Start your day at the Confucius Temple and Academy, strolling among red walls and black tiles to feel the millennia-old Confucian culture, perfect for photos with a classical filter; then check in at the House of Music Museum, one of only three in the world and the only one in Asia dedicated to music. The interactive sound installations are fun for all ages, whether for children’s art education or friends taking photos, it’s easy to enjoy.
The New Year’s limited Good Luck Market kicks off lively, featuring intangible cultural heritage crafts, special snacks, and festive goods; follow the musical instrument parade through the ancient streets, with music blending with the tide sounds, creating an immersive atmosphere; be sure to try the feast at Yanqiu Street, savoring authentic Haining New Year delicacies full of local flavor; finally, visit the Sea God Temple to pray for family safety and wealth at the “Southern Forbidden City,” full of ritual significance.
As night falls, Yanguan transforms into a dreamy Chaole world. Carry a fish lantern and stroll the streets, where flickering lights resemble stars flowing into the sea; walk slowly along the Zhou River nightscape, where water and light reflect each other, making the Jiangnan night incredibly gentle; the must-eat Spring Festival city wall hotpot dinner warms you as you sit around the stove, enjoying the ancient town’s night view, a perfect blend of festive flavor and warmth; plus, lively bonfire parties with music and dancing push New Year joy to its peak.
Staying at the right hotel in Yanguan means a winning start to your holiday. This hidden gem hotel is a safe bet.
🏨 Xuandemen Old Residence
When traveling with kids, peace of mind is key. We highly recommend the family-friendly Xuandemen Old Residence, a true treasure hotel steeped in history.
Converted from the former residence of Zhu Xi, every brick and tile holds a thousand years of cultural heritage. The former top scholar Zhang Jiucheng once passed through here during a parade, enriching the cultural atmosphere. Staying here with children is like attending a vivid history lesson. The hotel houses a royal garden similar to Emperor Qianlong’s, with poetic Jiangnan scenery at every step, where kids can run and play freely, experiencing the beauty of classical gardens. Adjacent to Lu Xun’s General’s Platform, the history of the Three Kingdoms’ military training is right before your eyes, perfect for storytelling and parent-child interaction. The hotel’s thoughtful facilities make access to the ancient town convenient and worry-free, allowing easy visits to key attractions without rushing, maximizing comfort for family vacations.
Ps: Hotel stay benefits
Welcome fruit, first round of minibar drinks, double tickets to Yanguan Chaole City, double tickets to the Tide-Watching Park, double tickets to Asia’s first Austrian House of Music authorized interactive museum, plus 5 VIP benefits during your stay (unlimited park entry, free shuttle, free luggage handling, double buffet breakfast, free gym access), and a 5-minute walk from the city wall directly to the Tide-Watching Park.
No need to rush or queue—take your time exploring and enjoying Yanguan, watch the tides rise and fall, admire the ancient town’s lights, and stay in charming historic accommodations. This is the most comfortable way to celebrate Chinese New Year near Hangzhou. This Spring Festival, bring your family to Yanguan for a date with Chaole and ancient charm, unlocking a uniquely Chinese-style romance here.