Plan at a glance
Location and ticketing
Song Well is at Song Well Scenic Area on the southeast beach of Aoqian Village, Yun'ao Town, and is entered from the scenic area’s main gate. Adult entry is listed at CNY 12–16 and concessions at half price, with no reservation; reference hours are 08:00–17:30, extending to 18:30 in some seasons, and the small site normally takes 30–50 minutes.
How to fit it into your day
Use this as a short eastern-island history and coast stop, centred on the Ma Well, Prince’s Building ruins, Wanghai Pavilion and rocky shore. Visitors with little interest in late Southern Song history should not expect a reconstructed palace: the site is primarily remains, stone figures and interpretation linked to the well.
Ready to book?
Use the standard admission package for the core shuttle route; confirm the visit date and current opening hours before checkout.
Book Ticketsvia Trip.comChoose your visit
30 minutes: well and Wanghai Pavilion
Enter through the main gate, see Ma Well, continue to Wanghai Pavilion and view the shore rocks only within safe areas. Low tide makes the well and intertidal edge easier to see; at high tide, stay away from the outer well area and shore rocks.
Around 2 hours: Yun'ao east route
Continue from Song Well to Jinyin Island, then use Yun'ao Fishing Harbour for coloured boats and a meal; the drive is short and combines history, rocks and seafood. If you continue to the General’s Office or Houzhai Town, first check closing and transport times.
Island-circuit connection
After Changshanwei, Qian'ao Bay, Sancong Cliff, Qing'ao Bay and the Natural Gate, continue to Song Well and the General’s Office. With so many stops, keep Song Well as a 30–50 minute practical stop and do not delay until you miss later entry times for photographs.
Build your day
Use Ma Well to understand the coastal freshwater story
Local history associates the site with three wells dug at the end of the Southern Song, of which Ma Well remains; it is close to the sea and regularly affected by tides, yet can be observed again at low tide. The Prince’s Building ruins, Southern Song stone figures and excavation information supplement the story rather than forming a large building visit.
Continue to the pavilion and rocky shore
From Wanghai Pavilion, look over the dark shore rocks and sea; clear weather normally gives more distinct water colour, and low tide permits a short safe rock walk. Frog-pool folklore can be part of the background, but route decisions must follow the tide, barriers and walking safety.
Get there
Driving and bus
Drivers can use the free car park at Song Well Scenic Area; circular buses 601 and 602 reach Song Well stop, followed by about 10 minutes along the coast on foot. With long bus intervals, driving or a vehicle is better if you also intend to visit Jinyin Island, Yun'ao Fishing Harbour or the General’s Office.
Moving within the site and shore
The site is small and visited on foot, but the shore has uneven sand, rock and slippery surfaces, so non-slip shoes are more suitable than sandals. Do not follow unlicensed guides or solicitors at the gate; signed paths are sufficient for the core route.
Know before you go
Tides and safety
High tide and wet rocks restrict access near the well and coast, while low tide is better for the well, rocks and intertidal zone; never cross safety boundaries. Bring sun protection, water, insect repellent and non-slip shoes, and shorten all rock activity after rain.
Spending and expectations
Food, drinks and souvenirs at the gate may be more expensive, so eat at clearly priced businesses in Yun'ao Town or Houzhai Town instead. Song Well’s value is its well, coastal setting and historic clues; with limited time, it does not need more than an hour as the main attraction.
---