Zhejiang’s Hidden Autumn Drying Secret Spot! Linkeng Ancient Village + Terraced Fields + Sea of Clouds, a 3-Day Escape from the World

Who can resist an ancient village that “dries autumn” on its rooftops? In Linkeng, Yongjia, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, there’s none of the crowds of Hongcun, nor the commercialization of Wuyuan—only wooden houses built along the mountains, layers of drying racks, and misty valleys. This is what autumn drying in Jiangnan should truly look like! Here’s the core guide: The best time to visit is from mid-October to early November, when corn, pumpkins, chili peppers, and rice are harvested one after another. Villagers spread their crops on rooftops and drying yards—vivid reds, bright yellows, and rich oranges set against black tile roofs and wooden walls, every snapshot looks like an oil painting. It’s recommended to drive (about 3 hours from Hangzhou, 1.5 hours from Wenzhou). The village roads are narrow, but there is parking at the village entrance. For public transport, take the high-speed train to Yongjia Station, transfer to the urban-rural bus to Yantan Town, then a 15-minute carpool to reach the village. Day 1: Head straight to Linkeng Ancient Village. Upon entering, you’ll be stunned by the scene: over a hundred stilted wooden houses built along the stream, neatly scattered in the valley. Rooftops and bamboo racks are covered with colorful crops, and even bamboo baskets in the corners are piled with golden corn cobs. Stroll along the bluestone paths, with the stream gently flowing by. Villagers sit at their doorsteps shelling corn and drying rice, occasionally looking up to greet you—full of everyday life charm. It’s recommended to stay at an ancient village guesthouse near the entrance, choose a room with a terrace. Open the window in the morning to see clouds drifting over the rooftops, drying racks glowing warmly in the morning light—every photo is wallpaper-worthy. Day 2: Unlock the “Autumn Drying + Nature” double experience. In the morning, visit the Linkeng terraced fields behind the village. After autumn, the terraces shed their green and don golden attire. The layered terraces stretch along the mountain slopes, harmonizing with the distant drying village and nearby red maples. You can hike along the ridges, closely feeling the fullness of the rice ears. If lucky, you might see villagers harvesting in the fields and experience the joy of farming. In the afternoon, check out Longpu Fairy Cave, about a 20-minute drive from Linkeng. Here you’ll find a waterfall with a drop of over 100 meters and uniquely shaped stalactites. The cave is cool and moist, perfect for relieving fatigue after hiking, and you might even see a rainbow refracted by the waterfall. Day 3: Dive into cultural and niche experiences. In the morning, visit the Linkeng handicraft workshop, learn bamboo weaving and tofu making from local elders, and take home the handmade items as souvenirs. For lunch, be sure to try local specialties: dried bamboo shoots with pork, dried creek fish, pumpkin cakes, and glutinous rice cakes. All ingredients are homegrown or raised by villagers—fresh and delicious. Especially the dried bamboo shoots, soaked in meat juice, fragrant to the bone. In the afternoon, visit Yubei Ancient Village, about a 30-minute drive from Linkeng. This thousand-year-old village preserves complete Ming and Qing architecture, with few tourists. Bluestone paths, horse-head walls, and ancient ancestral halls exude rustic tranquility, perfect for leisurely strolling and photography. Travel Tips: 1. The ancient village has many bluestone paths, so wear non-slip sneakers and avoid high heels; 2. The best photo spots for autumn drying scenes are the viewing platform behind the village and guesthouse terraces, with soft light in the early morning or evening for the best shots; 3. Most guesthouses are run by villagers, so book online in advance and request a room with a view; 4. Respect local customs—ask villagers for permission before photographing and avoid stepping on drying crops. Autumn in Jiangnan is not just about osmanthus and maple leaves, but also hidden autumn drying secrets like Linkeng deep in the mountains. Here there’s no commercial noise, only pure everyday life and natural beauty—perfect for those wanting to escape the city and enjoy a slow life. With autumn in full swing, set off now! 🔥Follow me to unlock more hidden travel destinations!