Breaking into the "Cloud Palace" of Southern Zhejiang: Self-driving the "Cave Palace Sky Road"

Deep in the folds of the Oujiang River basin, the "Cave Palace Sky Road" is a breathtaking masterpiece carved by the mountain god’s axe. Hanging on a sheer cliff a thousand meters high, it winds through the sea of clouds at the summit, connecting stone villages forgotten by time. Here, there is no gentle West Lake mist and rain, only peaks that pierce the chest, magnificent terraced fields, ancient dwellings coexisting with cliffs, and a wild Jiangnan dream unexpectedly meeting the sea of clouds at sunrise. Trip Highlights The ultimate driving experience of "Jiangnan Bingchacha": Challenge the perilous road winding along ridges at 800-1200 meters elevation. On one side, steep rock walls; on the other, deep valleys filled with clouds. Continuous hairpin turns bring adrenaline surges and panoramic breathtaking views. Ink-wash scroll-like three-dimensional terraced fields and sea of clouds: At Xiaozuo or Jinshan terraced fields, see thousands of acres of terraces carved into the mountains faintly appearing in the morning mist, like contour lines of the earth. After rain clears, you are likely to encounter the magnificent sea of clouds, with villages floating like celestial palaces in the sky. Visit the "living fossil" ancient villages on cliffs: Step into ancient villages such as Shimen Cave, Kaokeng, and Huangzhuang, where houses are uniformly built from creek stones, rustic and rugged. Villagers still maintain traditional lifestyles, making these places treasures for photography and cultural exploration. Discover the fjord scenery of "Qingtian Thousand Gorge Lake": Along the way, encounter Thousand Gorge Lake created by the Tankeng Hydropower Station. The emerald lake forms countless "fjords" among the mountains, comparable to Zhejiang’s "Little Three Gorges." You can take a boat or drive around the lake to enjoy the tranquility. Itinerary Plan: 4 Days 3 Nights Landscape Painting Exploration Tour Day 1: Arrive at the "Hometown of Stone Carving," a waterside first night by the Oujiang River Itinerary: Arrive in Qingtian County, Lishui City. This overseas Chinese hometown has a unique city style, blending European architecture with traditional Chinese elements. In the afternoon, stroll along Linjiang East Road, relax in street cafes, and feel the "Little Europe" atmosphere. Visit the China Stone Carving City to admire the world-renowned Qingtian stone carving art. In the evening, enjoy the night view by the Oujiang River. Overnight: Qingtian County, choose a riverside hotel. Food Recommendations: Must-try Qingtian mountain powder dumplings, field fish (rice field fish farming), and bayberry wine (if visiting in summer). Day 2: Venture into the "Cave Palace Sky Road," encounter the cloud-top Shimen Morning: Depart from the county town to officially start the "Cave Palace Sky Road" adventure. Navigate to Shimen Cave Scenic Area, first take a boat across the Oujiang River, visit waterfalls hidden in mountain hollows, cliff inscriptions, and the study place of Liu Bowen, experiencing the blend of culture and nature. Afternoon: Drive up the winding mountain road, steadily climbing in elevation. Pass through towns like Linggen and Wanshan, where scenery changes from creek valleys to high mountain terraces. Aim to reach Kaokeng or Huangzhuang ancient villages. These stone-built villages glow golden in the sunset, peaceful except for the sound of wind and chickens. Overnight: Choose a mountain homestay (such as near Huangzhuang Township) to prepare for the next day’s sea of clouds viewing. Driving Tips: Mountain roads are narrow and sharp; control speed, honk frequently, and enjoy the journey. Day 3: Chase terraced field sea of clouds, explore Thousand Gorge Lake scenery Early morning: If your accommodation is well located, wait for the sea of clouds sunrise. Then head to Xiaozuo terraced fields (or nearby terraces). Spring’s water-mirror terraces and autumn’s golden rice waves are stunning visual feasts. Morning: Continue driving along the sky road toward Jingning She Autonomous County or Yunhe County. This section is the essence, often driving along cliff edges with extremely wide views. Afternoon: Arrive at the Thousand Gorge Lake area. You can choose to overlook the panorama from viewing platforms like Beishan Bridge or take a boat tour (check schedules in advance) to explore the fjords and feel the poetic scene of "mountains and waters seeming to have no way." Overnight: Stay in a resort town around Thousand Gorge Lake or return to Qingtian County. Core Experience: Within one day, travel from rustic stone villages to magnificent terraced fields and vast lake views, experiencing the density and contrast of Southern Zhejiang’s landscape. Day 4: Leisurely return or extend exploration Option A (Easy return): Return from the Thousand Gorge Lake area via National Highway 330 or expressway to Qingtian County or Lishui High-Speed Rail Station, ending the trip. Option B (In-depth extension): If you want more, continue exploring Yunhe terraced fields or Longquan Fengyang Mountain, deepening your Southern Zhejiang secret journey. Photography Tips: All day is great for shooting, especially the soft light at dawn and dusk. Practical Travel Information Transportation Guide: Core method: Self-driving is the only recommended way to explore the sky road. SUVs or vehicles with higher chassis are preferred. Major transport: Take high-speed rail to Qingtian Station (from Wenzhou direction), or fly to Wenzhou Longwan Airport and rent a car to Qingtian (about 1.5 hours drive). Best Seasons: Spring (April-May): Terraces filled with water like mirrors embedded in mountains, with frequent mist, full of fairy atmosphere. Autumn (September-October): Golden rice, gradually colored forests, stable weather, the golden season for viewing and photography. Summer is cool and pleasant but prone to afternoon thunderstorms; winter may have thin ice and frost on some high-altitude roads. Gear and Clothing: Mountain climate is changeable with large day-night temperature differences; bring windproof jackets and fleece. Comfortable hiking shoes for exploring ancient villages and terraces. Photography gear: Wide-angle lenses for terraced fields and sea of clouds, telephoto lenses to compress mountain lines. Drones can capture the sky road’s grandeur (observe safety and regulations). Sunscreen, sunglasses, motion sickness medicine, plenty of drinking water and snacks (few supply points on the road). Notes: Driving safety: Some sections of the sky road are not fully paved, making passing difficult; novice drivers should be cautious. Beware of falling rocks in rainy season and slippery roads in winter. Respect locals: Ancient villages are quiet; speak softly and protect the environment. Some villages have mostly elderly residents; greet them kindly. Flexible planning: Weather greatly affects sea of clouds and scenery; keep itinerary flexible. Supply tips: Stock up on water and food in Qingtian County before entering mountain areas. Budget Reference (per person) Item Economy (CNY) Comfortable (CNY) Transportation (4-day car rental + fuel, split by 4) 600 - 900 1000 - 1500 (SUV) Accommodation (3 nights, homestay/inn) 300 - 600 900 - 1500 (boutique homestay/lake view hotel) Meals (4 days) 400 - 600 800 - 1200 Tickets (Shimen Cave, boat, etc.) about 100 - 150 about 100 - 150 Total Estimate 1400 - 2250 2800 - 4350 We hope this guide to Southern Zhejiang’s "Cave Palace Sky Road" helps you unlock a completely different, hardcore yet poetic Jiangnan. It is secretive, rugged, and rich enough to match your pursuit of niche and ultimate travel. On this road, every turn refreshes your established impression of "Mountain and Water Zhejiang."