Anji Yunshang Caoyuan (Cloud Meadow) is located in Shanchuan Township, Anji County, Huzhou, Zhejiang. The scenic area is built around the summit of Chidouyang Mountain at an elevation of 1,168 meters. The most convenient way to get there is by driving yourself or hiring a private car. Set your navigation to "Yunshang Caoyuan Visitor Center"; after parking, take the scenic area shuttle bus to the cable car station, then ride the cable car up the mountain. According to the scenic area's website, driving takes about one hour from Hangzhou, two hours from Suzhou, and two and a half hours from Shanghai. If you don't have a car, you can take the high-speed train to Anji Station, then catch a taxi for about 30 minutes, or take Bus No. 203 to Shanchuan Bus Station and walk from there. This final stretch "up the mountain" relies mainly on the cable car, so no hiking is required.
Location first: Shanchuan Township, Anji, atop northern Zhejiang's second-highest peak
Yunshang Grassland (Yunshang Grassland), officially the Yunshang Grassland International Mountain Resort, is located in Shanchuan Township, Anji County, Huzhou. According to the resort's page, it sits atop Chidouyang, the second-highest peak in northern Zhejiang, covering about 6.2 square kilometers with 93.2% vegetation coverage and an elevation difference of roughly 700 meters from base to summit. The Yangtze River Delta is mostly plains and hills, so peaks over 1,000 meters are rare—which is exactly why Yunshang Grassland is cool enough for a summer escape and snowy enough for winter skiing.
This location has two key features: first, it's much closer to Hangzhou than to Shanghai, making a same-day round trip from Hangzhou easy; second, the final stretch into the mountains is a mountain road, so on holidays traffic heading up in the morning and down in the afternoon converges, often taking longer than your navigation app predicts. When planning your trip, instead of stressing over which vehicle to take, focus on what time to depart and what time to head back down.
Driving: Navigate to the visitor center, park, then take the shuttle
If you're driving, set your destination to "Yunshang Grassland Visitor Center"—don't navigate directly to any attraction on the summit, as visitor vehicles must park at the base per resort rules. There's a parking lot next to the visitor center with daily rates posted on site. After parking, a free resort shuttle takes you to the cable car station. Searching "Yunshang Grassland" in map apps may return several results, including summit attractions or nearby guesthouses, so always pick the one with "Visitor Center" in the name.
From Hangzhou, take the expressway into Anji and then switch to a county road up the mountain—the resort page estimates about one hour of driving. From Suzhou it's about two hours; from Shanghai about two and a half. These are estimates under normal traffic conditions. On weekends and holidays, morning traffic heading up is heavy, so we recommend leaving before 8:00 AM, or skipping the rush entirely by heading up after noon and staying until evening to catch the sunset and the Xianxia Town night lights before descending.
Mountain roads, holiday traffic and winter conditions
The road up the mountain is mostly winding with many curves. Passengers prone to motion sickness will feel much better sitting in the front seat and taking medication beforehand. On holidays, 3:00–4:00 PM is peak descent time, with lines forming at the parking lot exit and along the mountain road. Families with kids should either head down earlier or wait until after dark to leave.
In winter, the mountain gets snow and ice. The scenic area opens a ski resort during the snow season, and access roads may be temporarily closed due to weather. If you're driving in winter, always check announcements from the scenic area and local traffic authorities beforehand and prepare anti-slip gear. Drivers without experience on icy roads shouldn't drive up the mountain themselves—hiring a driver experienced with mountain roads is much safer.
The season also makes a big difference to road conditions. July and August are peak summer getaway months, and on weekends, traffic heading up the mountain from Hangzhou and Shanghai gets heavy. On snow-season weekends, skiers fill up the morning approach. During these periods, leaving an hour early beats getting stuck at the foot of the mountain. Spring and fall are more relaxed, but treat public holidays like peak season.
No car: high-speed train to Anji Station, then taxi or bus
If you're not driving, take the high-speed train to Anji Station. You can search for trains to Anji Station from Shanghai or Hangzhou on 12306. Some routes require a transfer, so go by what shows up when you book.
There's still some distance after Anji Station: a taxi takes about 30 minutes to the visitor center and is the fastest option; by bus, take route 203 to Shanchuan Bus Station, then walk about 10 minutes to the scenic area. Buses don't run often, so always check the last return time before heading back to avoid missing it in the evening.
If you're coming from Hangzhou without a car, besides the train you can also take a long-distance bus to Anji county town and transfer to Shanchuan Township. Schedules and departure stations depend on the day, so check with the bus station. This route involves multiple transfers and takes longer, making it better suited to backpackers with plenty of time who prefer a slower pace.
When returning to Anji Station from the scenic area, taxis at the foot of the mountain can be hard to find in the evening. It's best to book one in advance, or arrange a pickup time with your driver before heading up. If you're traveling as a family with luggage, combining the train and taxis means several transfers, which may not be any easier than simply booking a private car.
How to plan your trip from Shanghai, Hangzhou or Suzhou
From Hangzhou: The easiest option—a same-day round trip is totally doable. Leave in the morning, arrive by late morning, have lunch on the summit, enjoy the activities in the afternoon, watch the sunset, head back down, and be back in Hangzhou by evening. If you want to add another stop along the way, pair it with Anji's bamboo forest attractions or the Yucun area. Handing the whole drive over to a Huzhou private car or a Hangzhou private car makes things much simpler.
From Shanghai: It takes about 2.5 hours each way. A same-day round trip means an early start and a late return, with over 5 hours spent on the road—tiring for families with seniors or kids. We recommend staying one night on or near the mountain instead: head up on the first afternoon to catch the sunset and the night views of Xianxia Town; wake up early the next day for the sea of clouds and sunrise, do more activities in the morning, and head down after noon. For accommodation and a two-day itinerary, see Yunshang Grassland 2 days 1 night.
From Suzhou: About a 2-hour drive, falling between Hangzhou and Shanghai. A weekend day tour works, but we still suggest leaving early to beat the crowds heading into the mountains. If your family is also planning to visit Hangzhou, slot Yunshang Grassland in as a stopover day between Suzhou and Hangzhou, then continue straight to Hangzhou to stay the night—it saves a lot of backtracking.
If you're traveling from Shanghai and don't want to ride in a car the whole way, take the high-speed train to Hangzhou first, then book a private car or taxi from Hangzhou to Anji. Letting the train handle the longest stretch means just over an hour in a car at the end, which is much better if you get motion sickness.
International visitors flying into Shanghai or Hangzhou who want to go straight to Yunshang Grassland can share their flight details with a travel consultant. After pickup, you'll be driven directly to Anji with no transfers. If you need Chinese commentary or help communicating, consider adding a Huzhou guide.
Inside the scenic area: shuttle bus, cable car and getting around the summit
The trip from the visitor center to the summit has three stages: shuttle bus, cable car, and summit area. The free shuttle bus takes you from the parking lot to the cable car station. The cable car is the main way up the mountain, and the scenic area has more than one line. According to published travel guides, the Yunshanjing Cable Car is about 2.3 km long with a vertical drop of about 754 meters, while the Yunduo Farm Cable Car is about 2.4 km long and takes about 7.5 minutes one way. Different cable cars serve different areas, so check the scenic area's daily announcements for which lines are open and their operating hours.
When you reach the visitor center, do two things first. Check that day's cable car schedule and attraction notices—high winds or heavy fog can close some rides temporarily. Then confirm the last cable car and shuttle bus back down, and save a photo on your phone. With those two times in hand, it's easy to plan your time on the mountain.
At the summit, the meadow, Cliff Heartbeat Park, Hobbit Town, Xianxia Town and other areas are spread across the ridge and slopes. You walk between them, and some sections involve inclines and stairs. For how to explore each area and choose the high-altitude rides, see the Yunshang Grassland alpine ride list; for what to see in each season, see Yunshang Grassland in four seasons.
Heading down and returning
Going down reverses the route: take the cable car to the lower station, then the shuttle bus back to the visitor center parking lot. The last cable car varies by season, so follow the scenic area's daily announcements. If you stay for sunset or the Xianxia Town night session, double-check the last cable car and shuttle bus times before heading down.
Driving down after dark means long stretches of winding mountain road without streetlights and poor visibility on curves, when drivers who have been behind the wheel all day tire most easily. If you're self-driving and plan to catch the night show, it's best to stay overnight on or below the mountain and leave the next day. With a private car, your driver waits the whole time, so there's nothing to worry about on the way back.
Cable car lines are normal on holidays. Mornings are usually the busiest going up, and the downhill rush starts around 3 or 4 pm. To avoid crowds, head up right at opening or around midday to miss both peaks. Cable car and attraction ticket types and prices follow the scenic area's official announcements.
Where to stay for the easiest access
Accommodation around Yunshang Grassland falls into three categories: hotels and campsites inside the mountain resort area are few but best for sunrise viewing—book early in peak season and follow the hotel's instructions for vehicles and luggage; guesthouses in the villages at the foot of the mountain offer more choices, some close to the cable car entrance, though you may have to queue again the next morning to go up; hotels in Anji county town are near Anji High-Speed Railway Station, ideal if you're heading to another city the next day.
Where you stay depends on your plans for the next day: stay on the mountain for a sea-of-clouds sunrise; stay at the foot for a relaxed morning and flexible budget; stay in the county town if you're catching a high-speed train the next day. For details on each area and a two-day itinerary, see Yunshang Grassland 2 days 1 night.
Temperature difference between summit and base
The attraction page lists an average annual temperature of 14.7°C, noticeably cooler than downtown Hangzhou. The summit is over 1,000 meters above sea level and several degrees colder than the base, feeling even chillier when windy. If you wear short sleeves at the bottom in summer, bring a light jacket for the top; bring a thicker jacket in spring and autumn; dress for snow in winter. UV rays are strong at the summit, so pack sunscreen too.
Practical tips for international visitors
Anji is a county town surrounded by mountains, so English signage on the roads and at the attraction is limited. When hailing a taxi, write your destination in Chinese as “云上草原游客中心” and save a copy of the Chinese address to show the driver; use DiDi or the ride-hailing feature in Alipay to book a car. If real-name registration is required for tickets, international visitors can simply use their passports—remember to carry yours with you. Mobile payment dominates here, so overseas travelers can link an international credit card to Alipay in advance.
The weather at the summit changes quickly. The cable car and some high-altitude attractions may close during fog, strong winds, or thunderstorms. Check the forecast before you go, and be prepared that some attractions may not be open on rainy or foggy days.
How to choose
Self-drive: If you have a car, are comfortable driving mountain roads, and want a flexible itinerary, driving yourself gives you the most freedom—except in winter icy conditions.
High-speed train plus taxi: Works well for one or two people traveling light on a day trip. Book your return ride in advance.
Private car: For families departing from Shanghai or Hangzhou, or if you'd like to visit another Anji attraction along the way, a private car offers the easiest door-to-door service.
Custom tours: If you want to combine Yunshang Grassland with a multi-day itinerary in Hangzhou or Shanghai, ask a travel consultant to arrange a Shanghai custom tour or Hangzhou custom tour.
FAQs
How far is Anji Station from Yunshang Grassland?
A taxi takes about 30 minutes to the visitor center. By bus, take route 203 to Shanchuan Bus Station, then walk about 10 minutes. Buses run infrequently, so check the last departure time before heading back.
Can I drive straight to the summit?
Generally no. Visitors must park at the visitor center lot as required by the scenic area, then take a free shuttle to the cable car station and ride up. If you're staying at a mountaintop hotel, follow the parking instructions provided by the hotel and the scenic area.
Can I do a day trip from Shanghai to Yunshang Grassland?
You can, but it's rushed. The one-way drive takes about 2.5 hours, so you'll spend over 5 hours on the road round-trip. We recommend staying overnight—you can even catch the sunrise the next morning.
Is it convenient to take the bus to Yunshang Grassland?
You can get there, but it's not very convenient. You'll need to reach Anji first, then take bus 203 to Shanchuan Bus Station and walk to the scenic area. Buses are infrequent and transfers are required, so this option is best for travelers with plenty of time and light luggage.
Are the roads to Yunshang Grassland easy to drive in winter?
After snowfall in winter, mountain roads may be icy or temporarily closed. Check announcements from the scenic area and traffic authorities before you go. If you're not experienced driving on icy roads, it's safer to hire a driver familiar with mountain routes. For opening hours and attraction details, see the Yunshang Grassland page.