Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) & Sequences within Anji Bamboo Forest, Jiangsu, China.?

House of Flying Daggers (2005) also contained some gorgeous sequences filmed within Tea Mountain, Bamboo Sea Scenery Park, Yongchuen, Chongqing, China.



1) Have any of you ever traveled to either one of these places in China or any other bamboo forest or grove?

2) Is this a difficult excursion for Westerners to undertake?



I've never been to China, but after watching these two movies, I am tempted to start thinking about such a possibility...especially if visiting these bamboo "gardens" is a possibility.



Thanks in advance for any help.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) %26amp; Sequences within Anji Bamboo Forest, Jiangsu, China.?
I can't say I've travelled to either of these places, but I've done a lot of travelling all over China, including several towns and villages that have starred in major movies but aren't really on the main tourist trails for foreigners (though are often popular for chinese tourists). I've been to plenty of sights with small bamboo forests/groves, but nothing yet that really that stands out in my mind as a spectacular bamboo forest. The photos of Anji look spectacular, though.



Most tourist sights in China are very easy to get to if you can speak a little bit of Chinese. While Anji may not cater much to Western tourists, it is sure to be well set up for receiving Chinese tourists. You don't need much Chinese: greetings, prices and simple directions. A short course in your home country may be all you need (say, 1 lesson a week for 10 weeks) - but will make a huge difference in giving you the ability to stray a bit from the standard tourist trail that most Westerners follow, and visit some sights that really interest you.



If you're willing to spend extra money - if cost is no object - then anything is possible in China. Top western-run hotels all over the country can arrange these things for you in English without you needing to know a word of Chinese. However, just rudimentary Chinese goes a long way in making your experience more enjoyable and making more of your trip.



Check this out:

http://community.travelchinaguide.com/d_...

http://annatam.com/anji-the-bamboo-fores...

http://annatam.com/anji-bamboo-forest-2n...



Hangzhou is fairly close to Shanghai and a very pretty city with lakes and tea fields. It is very easy to get to from Shanghai and very popular with both Chinese and Western tourists. Given that the Anji forest is just an hours drive from Hangzhou, you (or your hotel) can easily arrange a taxi or car to drive you there (and possibly stay the night) for less than a few hundred US dollars (and possibly a lot cheaper).



So to answer your question: while Anji isn't on the standard tourist trail for Westerners, it should be straightforward and easy if you're flexible, somewhat adventurous and patient.



Just keep in mind that while much of China is very stunning and impressive, nothing ever looks exactly the way you pictured it from a movie.



Hey, I'm also very tempted to go to Anji Bamboo Forest now. If I do go (probably over a weekend), I'll let you know how it went.
Reply:Thank you, Benjamin...



I have been traveling so could not vote on the "best answer" to my question. But I agree, yours is definitely the best...if you ever do travel to great bamboo forests, please do let me know about them and your reaction to them.



Many Thanks,



Gerdenmoma Report It
Reply:I've been to Anji and it really isn't all that spectacular. The bamboo forest there is maybe 1 mile by 1 mile (max). i was extremly exited to go to Anji after all i'd watched Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon several times. I was utterly dissapointed. its a nice place to hang out for a day, but would make it the main reason to come to china, i suggest going to beijing first, do the tourist things there, then going to shanghai, do some of the tourist things there, take a bus up to Anji, check out the forest, take a boat ride, and then go back to shanghai the next day. the bus trip is about 3 hours each way.



Good luck.