Three hours from Suzhou is the largely undiscovered sea of bamboo: Anji. Previously known as “the place they filmed Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, Anji China vacation deals is now a thriving weekend getaway. As you drive up the mountain, roll down the window to hear running water crashing against rocks alongside the road and you’ll know why.

Credit for the current attention goes to co-owners of the Forest Holiday House (Tel: 400-8310-051). These pioneers who previously helped develop the resort scene in Moganshan have found new lands in Anji. Young Chinese entrepreneurs who used to be backpackers, they’ve brought eco-friendly accomodation at reasonable prices to Anji and its 60,000-plus hectares of bamboo forest.

The B&B creatively re-constructs into furniture numerous antiques common to the everyday lives of the villagers top China tours, including farmers’ raincoats and straw hats and drinking funnels used by horses. Our favourite features, though, are the swinging hammocks and three-meter bench on the front porch of House 1. Both spots enjoy panoramic views of the bamboo sea.

Farm-fresh food is one of the best parts of any country holiday. Local Anji delicacies include wild mushrooms, bamboo shoots, wild boar, rabbit and even deer. Forest House’s cooks make up some of the best grub around.

Anji is home to eight main hiking routes ranging from easy to challenging including one which takes you to the source of the Huangpu river. We recommend Jing Kong Li, Anji’s “Grand Canyon”, where you hike through eight kilometers of rock valley, crystal clear pools of water, narrow pathways and a sweeping plantation of Anji’s famed white tea. For other hiking tips and recommendations, seek out 30-year-old American Brendon Mueller, fondly referred to as “Ah De” by the local villagers. This friendly, outgoing hiking enthusiast resides at the Forest House popular China travel package.

Another place to explore is Shan Gou Gou, 30 minutes from the resort. If you’ve got the legs, hike up Yaotou Shan, the tallest mountain in the area, where you can spot some deer. If you’re after quieter pursuits, check out the Maotang historical village, where elderly villagers go about their daily agricultural business. There’s a beautiful waterfall there for some photo taking. It also happens to be a famous “red tourism” spot. The village was the site of the Communist Army’s first uniform factory—40 sewing machines and 100 workers. The original linen plant has been destroyed but the original accounting office, warehouse and fabric cutting room are still intact.

To get to Anji, hop a gaotie train to Hangzhou. Your guesthouse should be able to arrange transport from there.

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