Anji County is dense with bamboo forest covering the hills, and the Bamboo Sea scenic area is the main way to see it: boardwalks and cable cars run up through stands of bamboo that stretch across the ridgelines. Part of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed in bamboo forest in this area, and the scenic area draws on that association. This is a nature and scenery trip rather than a cultural-sites one - there isn't a historic town or set of named monuments to see, just the bamboo landscape itself from various vantage points.
The Anji Bamboo Sea lies about 120 km northwest of central Hangzhou in Anji County, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, reached in roughly 2-2.5 hours by a direct or connecting bus to Anji County bus station followed by a local taxi, or directly by private car or DiDi. Anji County is one of China's largest bamboo-growing regions, and the Bamboo Sea scenic area covers rolling hills entirely blanketed in moso bamboo, some of which was used as filming locations for wuxia films for its otherworldly green corridors. A day trip typically starts with a walk along the scenic area's boardwalk paths through the densest bamboo groves, followed by a cable car or chairlift ride to a hilltop viewpoint overlooking the sea of green stretching to the horizon. In the afternoon, visitors can try a bamboo-themed lunch at a nearby restaurant, featuring dishes made with fresh bamboo shoots, before browsing the county's bamboo-craft workshops that produce items from baskets to bamboo charcoal products. Because the scenic area involves several kilometers of walking between the entrance, boardwalks, and viewpoints, comfortable shoes are recommended, and a full day allows time for both the lower groves and the hilltop views. Spring brings fresh bamboo shoots and vivid green color, while autumn offers cooler, drier walking conditions; summer can be humid but the bamboo canopy provides shade.
| Distance | 120 km (75 miles) northwest of central Hangzhou |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2-2.5 hours by bus or car |
| Getting there | Direct or connecting bus from Hangzhou to Anji County bus station, then a local taxi to the Bamboo Sea scenic area, about 2-2.5 hours total; private car or DiDi covers the route directly |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Anji Bamboo Sea Scenic Area, Anji County, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province 313300 |
How to get there
- Bus to Anji + local taxi: approx ¥50-70 (~$7.45-10.43) total
- Chartered car/DiDi round trip: approx ¥450-550 (~$67.06-81.97)
- Bamboo Sea scenic area entrance ticket: approx ¥90-115 (~$13.41-17.14)
Location
Anji Bamboo Sea Scenic Area, Anji County, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province 313300
30.6150, 119.6820 View on map
Highlights
- Dense moso bamboo groves used as film locations
- Boardwalk paths through the bamboo corridors
- Cable car or chairlift ride to hilltop viewpoints over the bamboo sea
- Local bamboo-shoot dishes at scenic-area restaurants
- Bamboo-craft workshops in Anji County
Tips for visiting
- Arrange a chartered car or DiDi for the full round trip, since public transit only reaches Anji town and not the scenic area itself
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the boardwalk paths and viewpoint climbs cover several kilometers
- Take the cable car or chairlift up if time is limited, saving the walk down through the groves
- Visit in spring for the freshest bamboo shoots or autumn for cooler, drier trail conditions
- Bring water and snacks, since dining options thin out away from the main entrance area
When to visit
April through June brings fresh bamboo shoots and vivid green color, while September through November offers cooler, drier conditions for the walking paths.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Anji Bamboo Sea difficult to reach without a car?
Public buses reach Anji County town, but a taxi or chartered car is needed for the final stretch to the scenic area entrance, making a private car the more convenient option.
How much walking is involved?
The scenic area covers several kilometers of boardwalk paths and hillside routes, though a cable car or chairlift can shorten the climb to the main viewpoint.
Is the Bamboo Sea associated with any films?
Parts of the bamboo forest have been used as filming locations for wuxia (martial arts) films, drawn to the dense green corridors.