A few days in amazing Anji
- Elizabeth Hamstra
- 20 sep 2025
- 2 minuten om te lezen
Bijgewerkt op: 4 jun
Practical Information
I have been to Anji three times and stayed twice at the same hotel. One thing I would recommend is choosing your accommodation and location carefully before you go.
I have found that Anji offers both very popular hiking routes and much quieter, lesser-known trails. The more famous hikes can become particularly crowded on weekends and public holidays. Don't hesitate to ask your hotel host for recommendations, as they often know excellent routes that are not listed in most travel guides.
In Anji, I used the 2bulu app for the first time and found it extremely useful. My hotel host was able to send hiking routes to me through WeChat, which I could then access in the app. I am by no means an experienced user and am still figuring out all its features, but once you have a hike on your screen it's very easy to use.
You can reach Anji either by high-speed train from Shanghai or by car in just a few hours. Not all hotels are located close to the train station, so it is worth checking the location carefully when booking.
Little Forest Anji Hotel
I have stayed at Little Forest Anji twice, and I would happily return again. The rooms are very comfortable, the garden is a wonderful place to relax, and the location is perfect. The area is peaceful and quiet, and even during public holidays we never felt overwhelmed by crowds. The hosts are incredibly relaxed, welcoming, and helpful. They are always happy to recommend hiking routes and local attractions, and if they have the time, they may even drive guests to nearby trailheads.
The breakfast is excellent, and the garden is a lovely place to sit with a drink after a day of hiking.
That said, if you can't appreciate the charm of a laid-back local country side experience, Little Forest might not be your place. It is not a hotel with staff constantly on hand to serve you. For us, that relaxed atmosphere is part of the charm. It feels more like staying in a beautiful countryside home than in a hotel.
There are a number of local Chinese restaurants nearby, but don't expect international dining options or Western-style cafés.
Hikes and activities
As mentioned, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in the area. Some beautiful walks start directly from the hotel, while others require a short taxi ride, ranging from about 10 to 60 minutes. There is a good mix of well-known, popular trails and quieter, less-visited routes, so it is definitely worth discussing your preferences with the hosts, who know the area extremely well.
There is also much more to do than hiking alone. Across from the hotel, you can go rafting on the river, and there are opportunities to book paragliding nearby. Even if you have no intention of jumping off a mountain, I would still recommend going up to the launch area for the spectacular views and the excellent café overlooking the valley.
You can also rent ATVs in the area, and the hotel has bicycles available for guests. With the combination of hiking, outdoor activities, and simply relaxing in the countryside, there is easily enough to keep you occupied for a full week.
