Embarking on our inaugural family road trip as a trio, with our toddler of three and a half years old in tow, we opted for a leisurely itinerary, mindful of our young companion’s energy levels. Unable to secure tickets to Qingdao during the National Day holiday, we improvised, planning our self-drive adventure and packing our belongings until the wee hours of the morning, booking hotels on the spur of the moment, predominantly with Quanji Hotels averaging between 300 and 400 yuan. Anticipating the unknown with eager anticipation, we embarked on our journey filled with excitement.
Transportation: Remarkably, our journey was largely unhindered by traffic congestion, a testament to the wisdom of traveling southward during the holiday. Moreover, tolls were waived during the National Day period, adding to the allure of the trip.
Day 1: We embarked from Suzhou, heading towards Shaoxing. Our first stops were Cangqiao Zhijie and Lu Xun’s former residence, where we sampled the local yellow wine popsicles. We spent the night in Shaoxing, taking it easy after a late night of preparation.
Day 2: From Shaoxing, we journeyed to Lishui, visiting the scenic Xiandu area. Despite the sweltering heat, we found the trip to be surprisingly enjoyable as we traveled by scenic bus, stopping at various attractions along the way. It’s crucial to plan ahead and know which attractions you want to visit to avoid missing stops.
Day 3: Our journey continued from Lishui to Xiapu and then to Fuding. We visited Dongbi Village and Sansha Sheltered Harbor, enjoying a seafood feast and the thrill of catching crabs. We spent the night in Fuding, where we were delighted by the local cuisine.
Day 4: In Fuding, we explored the city center and the Niulanggang Beach, before heading to Wenzhou for the night. The beach was a highlight of our trip, and we enjoyed another round of delicious meals in Fuding.
Day 5: Our journey took us from Wenzhou to Ningbo, where we visited the Songlan Mountain Tourist Resort. Our schedule in Ningbo was more relaxed, allowing us to enjoy the beach, albeit with a much larger crowd than at our previous beaches.
Day 6: On our final leg, we traveled from Ningbo back to Suzhou, stopping to sample the renowned cuisine of Yongshang Mingzao. Our journey drew to a satisfying close, with fond memories and delicious meals to cherish.
This road trip was a blend of discovery and delight, from the scenic vistas to the culinary treats. We looked forward to our next adventure together.
