Lishui Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

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About Lishui

19℃

Recommended length of visit

3-4 days

Local currency

CNY

Must-visit attractions in Lishui

Looking for things to do in Lishui? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

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Best Things to Do

Family-friendly

Fall Viewing

Recommended stays in Lishui

Discover the most popular places to stay in Lishui, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

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Must-try food in Lishui

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Lishui dishes and foodie spots.

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Recent events and experiences in Lishui

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Lishui itinerary ideas

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3-Day Jinyun & Lishui Tour: Explore Jiaolong Grand Canyon and Yunhe Terraces

3 Days
  1. DAY01Heyang Ancient DwellingsJiaolong Grand Canyon
  2. DAY02Xiandu Scenic Area
  3. DAY03Ancient Weir Home of Painting
  4. DAY03YunHe Rice Terraces
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3-Day Lishui & Songyang Tour: Mystery of Xiandu Scenic Area, Art of Ancient Weir Home of Painting

3 Days
  1. DAY01Xiandu Scenic Area
  2. DAY02Ancient Weir Home of Painting
  3. DAY02YunHe Rice Terraces
  4. DAY03Shuangtong Mountain Scenic AreaYangjiatang Village
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Lishui Area 3-Day Trip: Ancient Villages and Terraced Days

3 Days
  1. DAY01Chenjiapu VillageSongyang Old StreetYangjiatang Village
  2. DAY02Ancient Weir Home of Painting
  3. DAY02YunHe Rice Terraces
  4. DAY03Heyang Ancient DwellingsXiandu Scenic Area
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Traveler photos and experiences

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Autumn in the Yangtze River Delta is hidden in the mountains, ancient villages, and old trails—a mix of cool breezes, fallen leaves, and a sea of clouds. — traveler post in Lishui

Autumn in the Yangtze River Delta is hidden in the mountains, ancient villages, and old trails—a mix of cool breezes, fallen leaves, and a sea of clouds.

Don't want to deal with crowds? Save this map of off-the-beaten-path autumn spots! Try a "reverse travel" trip for the National Day holiday and reach these hidden gems with beautiful scenery and fewer people in just 3 hours✨ 1️⃣ Taizhou Nanhuang Ancient Trail A seriously underrated top-tier spot for maple viewing in the Yangtze River Delta!👀 Unlike the crowded Xiangshan or Qixia Mountain, Nanhuang Ancient Trail is tucked away in the mountains of Taizhou. It's completely free🆓, uncrowded, and stunning. Centuries-old maple trees line the thousand-year-old stone path. When the October autumn breeze blows, the mountains are painted in layers of red maple leaves🍁. Golden rice paddies contrast with the crimson maple forests, and the stone steps are covered in colorful fallen leaves. Every step is a view, and every photo is a masterpiece📸 2️⃣ Wenzhou Taishun As the hometown of covered bridges in China, Taishun is far from the city hustle and bustle, dotted with countless Ming and Qing dynasty covered bridges and ancient villages🏘️ There are very few tourists, no noisy crowds—just ancient trees, streams, old bridges, and the gentle autumn breeze🍃 In autumn, Taishun's mountains shed their green for a soft caramel hue🍂. Golden rice paddies surround the ancient villages, leaves flutter from century-old trees, and the rustic covered bridges rest quietly above clear waters, like a flowing ink wash painting🎨 3️⃣ Suichang A natural oxygen bar in southern Zhejiang. The cloud sea terraces at Nanjianyan welcome their most beautiful season in October🌄 Layer upon layer of rice paddies glow with gold, and clouds wrap around the mountains, creating an ethereal atmosphere☁️ Dushan Ancient Village is quiet and rustic, with stone-paved roads, old walls, and ancient trees. As the autumn breeze sweeps through the fallen leaves, the ambiance is perfect. Xianxia Lake's waters are crystal clear, reflecting the autumn colors across the sky. With mountains and water intertwined, it's both quiet and healing💆‍♀️ 4️⃣ Xuzhou Pizhou Many people don't know that the Yangtze River Delta hides a national-level, niche hometown of ginkgo trees🌳 Featured in "National Geographic," the Pizhou Ginkgo Avenue boasts a 3km-long ginkgo tunnel that turns completely golden in autumn✨. The branches interweave into a natural dome. Walking along the leaf-covered avenue feels like stepping into a golden fairy tale world🏰 It's not just the ginkgo trees that are stunning; the Grand Canal Maple Forest here is even more breathtaking! With 400,000 maple trees layered together, the autumn red is as vibrant as clouds, painting the entire forest. It's definitely worth a special trip🔥 5️⃣ Anhui Ningguo Bald Cypress Wetland Southern Anhui isn't just about Hongcun and Xidi; there's also the Ningguo Bald Cypress Wetland Park🏞️ In October, the bald cypress trees gradually shed their green, turning orange and caramel🍂. Rows of trees stand above the clear water, with the lake reflecting the colorful shadows. The mountains and water share the same hues, like stepping into a secret oil painting🎨 This place is far from the main tourist crowds—quiet and niche—perfect for a slow-paced road trip, a walk by the lake, or taking photos. As the evening breeze brushes the treetops and leaves drift onto the lake, it's incredibly gentle💕 6️⃣ Yixing Yaohu Town Yaohu Town is nestled against mountains and water. In autumn, the plants are gentle and the lake water is clear🌿. With its antique architecture paired with the autumn colors of the mountains, it's not overly commercialized—just quiet and elegant. The surrounding area connects bamboo forests, Longbei Mountain, and Shushan Ancient South Street. The autumn light is soft, the bamboo forests are breezy, and the old streets are full of life. Opening the window in the morning, you're greeted by a view full of autumn colors—a perfect, relaxing getaway⛰️ This National Day, get away from the crowds and head into the mountains of the Yangtze River Delta to find a gentle autumn scene!🍁✨

Autumn in the secret realm of Southern Zhejiang: Yunhe Rice Terraces! Carry the autumn of the mountains in your pocket — traveler post in Lishui

Autumn in the secret realm of Southern Zhejiang: Yunhe Rice Terraces! Carry the autumn of the mountains in your pocket

📍Location: Yunhe Rice Terraces Scenic Area 🌾Embark on an autumn journey to the rice terraces and embrace the autumn vibes of the mountains. Standing at the Jiuqu Yunhuan Viewing Platform, look out as layers of rice terraces stretch toward the distant mountains. If you're lucky, you might encounter a sea of clouds rolling over the ridges, with the mirror-like terraces glowing softly under the sky. Every frame is a healing masterpiece.🌤️ Ride the Guanyun Cable Car to soar through the air and overlook the entire landscape, where the green rice fields slowly fade into light yellow, and the rich autumn atmosphere spreads across the hills✨. 🍂Wander through ancient villages and mountains, and enjoy the slow-paced life of the rice terraces. Drive to Kenggen Stone Village, where old wooden houses are tucked away among the forests, and rustic stone paths wind through, full of the relaxed atmosphere of an ancient village. 📍Must-visit spots list ▫️Jiuqu Yunhuan | Best spot for sunrise and sea of clouds, a must-shoot for the National Geographic photo frame ▫️Qixingdun Viewing Platform | High-altitude panoramic view of the rice terraces, wide field of view for great photos ▫️Farming Trail | Hike along the ridges, a perfect place for an autumn experience ▫️Baiyin Valley · Kenggen Stone Village | Stroll through the ancient village and feel the autumn vibes 📝Travel tips ▪️Transportation: Take the scenic shuttle bus from the Visitor Center to travel between attractions, or choose the Guanyun Cable Car for an effortless panoramic view ▪️Outfit: Prioritize light colors and wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for walking on the ridges ▪️Travel advice: Reserve 1–2 days to wait for a sunrise over the sea of clouds and slowly enjoy an autumn wander Coming to Yunhe Rice Terraces is more than just checking off scenery. Step on the ridges, collect autumn leaves, and smell the rice fragrance. Let go of the city hustle, and have a wonderful encounter with the autumn of the mountains🍂.

This is Songyang! My social media feed is blowing up with questions—the Yangtze River Delta's alternative to "Little Tibet" — traveler post in Lishui

This is Songyang! My social media feed is blowing up with questions—the Yangtze River Delta's alternative to "Little Tibet"

🖐💬Hello~ I'm your travel scout 🙋‍♀️ · I can't believe I found this hidden gem in the Yangtze River Delta—I'm so good at finding these spots‼️‼️‼️ I originally just wanted to wander around the area, but I stumbled upon Shuangtong Mountain in Songyang, Lishui, and was immediately blown away by the Tibetan-style scenery! It was a surprise destination that wasn't even on my itinerary🚗 · You really don't need to go to Tibet or travel all the way to Western Sichuan! Hidden in the mountains of southern Zhejiang is an incredibly authentic Tibetan vibe. The lush green mountains paired with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind—it looks even better in person than in photos, and every shot is Instagram-worthy🎞️ · My favorite thing about this place: it's not tiring at all! While others were exhausted from hiking, we had a relaxing time the whole way. It's perfect for lazy travelers, beginners, couples, and families with kids. It's definitely a great spot for a getaway in the Yangtze River Delta for the Mid-Autumn Festival or National Day holidays🍃 · Standing on the high-altitude glass skywalk, feeling the mountain breeze, and looking out over the rolling valleys and forests—at that moment, it really felt like I was traveling far away. It's great value for money, and I had a blast🧡 ⭐️My personal, energy-saving route: Scenic Area Entrance (Shanye Cangyun Camp) → Flying Carpet → Lingbo Weibu Glass Bridge (Shanye Cangyun Camp) → Shuangtong Wentian Glass Skywalk (Cloud-top prayer flags) → Shuangtong Bridge → Lingyun Glass Plank Road → A Thread of Sky → Xiashan Fidu Zipline → Time Travel Glass Slide 📸Photo tips: ✔️Must-visit spot: The cloud-top prayer flags! Low-angle shots give off major Western Sichuan vibes ✔️The glass bridge and glass plank road make for high-end, scenic shots effortlessly ✔️Wear solid-colored, simple clothing for clean and beautiful photos 🧩Travel tips: 📍Address: Shuangtong Mountain Scenic Area, Yanxia Village, Shuinan Subdistrict, Songyang County, Lishui City 🚗Transportation: Driving is recommended! The road conditions are great, and parking at the scenic area is convenient 🖼Nearby: You can visit the ancient villages of Songyang along the way—perfect for a day trip ✨Reminder: It's quite windy on the mountain, so remember to bring a light jacket!

Reverse tourism during the National Day holiday: a hidden gem in southern Zhejiang – a less crowded canyon. Escape the crowds at popular tourist spots during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays by discovering the Jiaolong Grand Canyon in Jinyun County. — traveler post in Lishui

Reverse tourism during the National Day holiday: a hidden gem in southern Zhejiang – a less crowded canyon. Escape the crowds at popular tourist spots during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays by discovering the Jiaolong Grand Canyon in Jinyun County.

Reverse Tourism During National Day Holiday ✨ A Hidden, Less-Visited Canyon in Southern Zhejiang 🌿 Don't want to crowd into popular tourist spots during Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day? 🙅‍♀️ Discovered the Jiaolong Grand Canyon in Jinyun! Escape the city, breathe in the fresh air, and hike – it's so relaxing! A secluded paradise nestled amidst mountains 🌲 82% forest coverage, a provincial-level forest oxygen bar Full of negative oxygen ions, dotted with unique rock formations, tranquil and serene 🗺️Hiking Route|Approx. 2.5 hours total Cliffside Plank Road → Fairy Water Cave → Titanic Viewpoint → Divine Turtle Rock → 360° Viewpoint → Lingyun Sky Bridge → Love Island → Fairyland → Ancient Path → General Bridge 📸Must-Visit Spots ▫️Cliffside Plank Road: Built against the mountainside, surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for capturing stunning forest-themed photos ▫️Titanic Viewpoint: A giant rock protruding 5 meters from the cliff, resembling a ship's bow overlooking the canyon, incredibly photogenic ⛰️ ▫️360° Viewpoint: Panoramic views of the canyon, with distant views of Jiaokeng Ancient Village ▫️Lingyun Sky Bridge: A glass sky bridge shaped like a guqin (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument), spanning the canyon with an ethereal feel 👟Small Tips ✅ Wear non-slip sneakers and light-colored clothing for better photos. ✅ Suitable for beginners and families with children. 📍: Jiaokeng Village, Huyuan Township, Jinyun County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province ⏰ 8:00-17:00|Last entry at 16:00, don't make a wasted trip!

I've checked it out for you! This is the most underrated Huizhou-style getaway in the Yangtze River Delta. — traveler post in Lishui

I've checked it out for you! This is the most underrated Huizhou-style getaway in the Yangtze River Delta.

I've been seeing recommendations for Huizhou-style ancient villages everywhere lately, but the popular spots are as crowded as a market... So, I asked an insider and booked a stay at Zhici Xianjing Senbo Homestay in Longquan, Lishui. It's a real-life version of "Big Fish & Begonia," and the experience really stays with you 😭 📍Mifengling Village, Lanju Township, Longquan City, Lishui 🚗 A 20-minute drive from downtown Longquan. Driving is recommended—the deeper you go into the mountains, the more serene the road becomes. 🏡 Stay in a 200-year-old Huizhou-style historic building The moment I opened the door, I was stunned—there are five Huizhou-style historic houses, plus a 200-year-old building relocated entirely from Jiangxi, featuring carved beams, painted rafters, and staggered horse-head walls. I stayed in a courtyard king room, which was furnished with Chinese solid wood pieces and warm lighting, exuding classical charm. Opening the window reveals a courtyard that changes with the seasons. The cleanliness was also excellent; it was so spotless that I fell asleep the moment I lay down. ☔️ Rainy days are the most therapeutic It was drizzling the day I checked in. The front desk staff was super thoughtful and brewed a pot of tea for me. I just sat in the pavilion, listening to the white noise of raindrops hitting the bluestone slabs. That sense of being "forced to slow down" is truly more effective than any meditation app 🍃 📸 Save these atmospheric photo spots · Sit sideways in front of the carved wooden window of the historic building, rest your hand on the sill, and take a profile shot—the light and shadow are incredible. · Capture the hem of your skirt while walking around the corners of the pavilions (wearing New Chinese style or a cheongsam looks amazing!). · Take a panoramic shot of the courtyard from the second floor of the Carved Building Cafe; the celadon-toned decor is very atmospheric. · In the evening, photograph the warm glow of the lanterns in the pavilion. 🍵 How to spend your time Spend the afternoon in the tea room drinking tea and reading, or head to the Carved Building Cafe for a pour-over coffee. Facilities also include a chess and card room, KTV, billiards, a gym, and a lobby bar, so you won't be bored at night. The bamboo shoot and pork buns served at breakfast are made fresh that morning—you can't buy these online! Before it gets popular, hurry up and visit this magical Huizhou-style historic house 🍂

A National Day getaway with kids to escape the crowds and explore the hidden gem of Yunhe – a reverse tour! We wanted to avoid the hustle and bustle of crowds during the National Day holiday, but still find a scenic spot not too far away. — traveler post in Lishui

A National Day getaway with kids to escape the crowds and explore the hidden gem of Yunhe – a reverse tour! We wanted to avoid the hustle and bustle of crowds during the National Day holiday, but still find a scenic spot not too far away.

A National Day Getaway with the Kids 🏃 A Reverse Trip to Yunhe, a Treasure Trove of a Small Town If you don't want to queue in the crowds during National Day 🥵, but are looking for a place that's not too far away, has beautiful scenery, and where your kids can burn off energy, I highly recommend Yunhe!!! 🌆This isn't a high-intensity hiking route 🥾, nor is it just a photo op; it's a small town where you can stroll and play at your own pace, where kids are happy and adults can relax 🍃 We took the kids for 2 days and 1 night, a relaxed pace that we personally found very comfortable 😌. Lazy people can just copy our experience 👇 Day 1: In the morning, we went to the Wooden Toy Fairy Tale Town 🏰. Kids are absolutely powerless against wooden toys and fun installations; they can play while also experiencing wooden toy culture. You can also check out the county museum nearby 📜 (closed on Mondays). The indoor area is cool and perfect for escaping the midday sun 🌞 🌿In the afternoon, head to Yunhe Lake Fairy Palace Scenic Area 💧. This is ideal for a leisurely stroll with kids. The lake is tranquil, and the mountains are lush and green 🌲. Children can enjoy watching the boats, the water, and the mountains ⛰️, while adults can take photos. If the weather is good, the lake view is truly photogenic. 🌆In the evening, definitely visit Changting Beach 🏖️. The beach nestled in the mountains offers a striking contrast. Kids can play in the sand and watch the sunset 🌇, while adults can relax nearby. We brought picnic mats and snacks 🍪, and enjoying the evening breeze was much more comfortable than rushing from one tourist attraction to another 😌 Day 2: Yunhe Terraces 🌾 I recommend going to Jiuqu Yunhuan early in the morning. If the weather is good, you can see the terraces, sea of ​​clouds, and sunrise 🌅 The scenery is truly breathtaking 👍 With kids, don't try to do too much; just choose a few viewpoints to explore. Qixingdun is good for panoramic views, while Baiyingu and the farm trails are better for slowly appreciating the rural landscape. 👧🏻 When traveling with kids, I increasingly dislike overly packed schedules 📅 Yunhe is perfect for a "daytime sightseeing, evening rest in the city" pace—it's not tiring for the kids or physically demanding for the parents 💪 If you're looking for a less-traveled family-friendly destination near Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai during the National Day holiday ✈️ Yunhe is definitely on your list ✅

Lishui family outing: this interactive zoo is so fun my kid didn't want to leave — traveler post in Lishui

Lishui family outing: this interactive zoo is so fun my kid didn't want to leave

I'm obsessed! Finally found a magical zoo where you don't have to worry about the weather 😭 The worst part about traditional zoos is the scorching sun or rain, but this place solves that problem completely! A massive 10,000-square-meter, 2-story indoor climate-controlled venue 🌡 Ten ecological themed zones, from the prehistoric deep sea to the Amazon tribe and Gondwana continent... It feels like stepping into a fantasy animal world. Over a hundred small animals roam freely with no cages or nets, so you can get up close and personal. The red pandas, ring-tailed lemurs, Asian small-clawed otters, and prairie dogs are all super friendly 🦦 Kids can interact with them just by reaching out. Watching the otters high-five and the red pandas tilt their heads to be cute made my kid's eyes light up the whole time. It's not just for show; kids learn animal facts while they play, making it a great educational experience. I heard the National Day activities have been upgraded 🎉 Besides the usual animal interactions, there are tons of fun "Cute Beast Coin" games! Audio-visual challenges, bean bag tosses, ring tosses, giant dice, and rock-paper-scissors with NPCs to win snacks—there are 13 interactive games in total that both adults and kids will get hooked on. Play games to earn "Cute Beast Coins," which you can use for DIY activities, opening treasure chests, or redeeming limited-edition gifts 🎁 Collect stamps at 7 locations in the park to get even more prizes! Post on Xiaohongshu/Douyin with the hashtag to get extra coins—the rewards stack up, they really know how to do it. The schedule is packed with performances all day, so you'll never be bored 📣 Opening welcome, happy stage shows, peacock releases, interactive situational dramas, NPC flash mob parades, and the evening carnival parade—the atmosphere is electric! We checked the performance schedule, and there are shows from morning till night, so remember to check the times so you don't miss out. 💡 My honest tips ▪️ The indoor venue is huge, so you don't have to worry about wind or rain—perfect for National Day. ▪️ "Cute Beast Coins" are only valid in the park on the day you earn them and expire at closing, so make sure to use them up. ▪️ It's located right next to Guyan Huaxiang, a half-hour drive from the city center, making it a great stop on your trip. ▪️ I recommend setting aside at least half a day to have enough time for games, shows, and animal interactions. If you don't know where to take the kids for National Day, you should definitely check this place out! An immersive experience playing with animals, plus games and performances—it's a one-stop shop to give parents a break 👨‍👩‍👧

 Yunhe Rice Terraces are truly worth visiting! A guide for the non-touristy traveler — traveler post in Lishui

Yunhe Rice Terraces are truly worth visiting! A guide for the non-touristy traveler

When it comes to seeing rice terraces, many people worry they "only look good in photos." But my feeling about Yunhe Rice Terraces is: as long as you pick the right season and time, the scene is even more stunning than in the lens. This isn't a place just for checking in at a single observation deck, but a mountainous pastoral landscape combining layered rice fields, valley cloud seas, ancient villages, and streams. It's suitable for a slow two-day stroll, not for rushing through to take photos. Highlights The most worth-seeing aspects of Yunhe Rice Terraces are the "layering effect" and "seasonality." During the spring plowing and irrigation period, the terraces look like countless mirrors covering the hillside, reflecting the sky and distant mountains. When the rice waves mature in autumn, the entire hillside turns golden, and the layers of rice fields as the wind blows are especially beautiful. The scenic area is quite large, so I suggest focusing on the Jiuqu Yunhuan, Baiyin Valley, and Kenggen Stone Village areas. View the panoramic terrace view in the morning, walk the streamside trails in the afternoon, and return to the observation point at dusk to wait for the sunset. Photo spots For panoramic shots, I suggest getting up early and heading to the vicinity of Jiuqu Yunhuan. The probability of morning mist and cloud seas is higher. Use a vertical composition to capture the curves of the ridges, distant mountains, and the village together. To shoot the mirror-like terraces, choose the morning or evening during the irrigation period when the light is soft and the reflection on the field surface is cleaner. Kenggen Stone Village is suitable for shooting the "ancient village + rice terrace" combination. Frame your shot from the stone paths outside the village or on the hillside trails, and don't just shoot the front of the houses. The Baiyin Valley route is suitable for shooting bamboo forests, streams, and stone steps. Having the subject stand by the trail and look back is more natural than facing the camera directly. Tips to avoid pitfalls Don't just wear light-colored long skirts to step on the ridges; the edges of the terraces are slippery and narrow. When taking photos, be sure to use the official trails and observation decks. There will be more people at the sunrise spots, so I suggest arriving 30–40 minutes early. If you encounter heavy fog, don't leave immediately. The 10-plus minutes when the clouds and mist disperse are the most photogenic. Regarding transportation, there is distance between the scenic spots, so driving yourself or hiring a car is more convenient. Reserve time for parking and dining during peak season. For accommodation, you can choose a homestay near the scenic area to make getting up early to see the terraces easier, but confirm the room's soundproofing and hot water situation in advance. Overall, Yunhe Rice Terraces are best suited for people who love pastoral scenery, slow travel, and nature photography. There's no need to carry the pressure of "getting the perfect shot." Watching the mist in the morning, strolling through the village in the afternoon, and waiting for the light in the evening makes it easier to encounter surprises.

Escape the crowds! Xinxikeng, Jinyun: A colorful fairytale village nestled in nature. The perfect choice for family fun/laid-back vacations!   Location: Xinxikeng, Rongjiang Township, Jinyun, Lishui — traveler post in Lishui

Escape the crowds! Xinxikeng, Jinyun: A colorful fairytale village nestled in nature. The perfect choice for family fun/laid-back vacations! Location: Xinxikeng, Rongjiang Township, Jinyun, Lishui

Escape the crowds! Xinxikeng, Jinyun: A colorful fairytale village nestled in nature. The perfect choice for family fun/laid-back vacations! 📍 Location: Xinxikeng Village, Rongjiang Township, Jinyun, Lishui (Navigation: Yunqi Lake Waterfront Park) Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery! A hidden gem near Xiandu, peaceful and pristine, free from commercial hustle. 🌸 Colorful fairytale village! Colorful cabins by the lake reflect in the water, picturesque and healing, perfect for photos! 🌿 Family paradise! Yunqi Lake Waterfront Park: Beach water play, interactive facilities, kids have fun, adults relax. ✨ Starlit camping! Fully equipped campsite, watch clouds by day, count stars by night, perfect for cozy BBQ gatherings. 🏠 Quality homestays! A variety of stylish high-to-mid-range homestays available. 🚗 Smart itinerary planning: Close to Xiandu and Yanmen scenic areas. Explore attractions during the day, return to the village to rest in the evening—the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.

Say goodbye to rushed travel! A slow travel guide to Xiandu, Jinyun, Lishui — traveler post in Lishui

Say goodbye to rushed travel! A slow travel guide to Xiandu, Jinyun, Lishui

I wasted a lot of time rushing through Xiandu before. This time, I specifically set aside two days to wander slowly, and realized that this fantasy wonderland, made famous by The Journey of Flower and Chinese Paladin, doesn't need to be rushed. A slow pace is the right way to experience it✨. You don't need to pack your itinerary; the relaxed vibe of going wherever you please is what makes Xiandu so attractive. Xiandu is actually an area made up of 5 scattered small attractions. Legend has it that the Yellow Emperor cast a tripod, practiced alchemy, and ascended to heaven at Dinghu Peak. The Yellow Emperor Shrine is still preserved in the scenic area, and a large-scale sacrificial ceremony is held every year. Walking on the stone paths in the mountains, looking up at Dinghu Peak piercing the sky, with the murmuring Hao River by your feet, and the wind rustling through the bamboo forest, it really feels like you have stumbled into a fantasy world🌿. You don't need to rush through the attractions in order when visiting Xiandu. These spots are worth exploring slowly: ⭐Dinghu Peak: The core landmark. If you don't want to hike, you can take the cable car to the top for a panoramic view of Xiandu's landscape. You can get free incense at the Yellow Emperor Shrine at the foot of the mountain. If you get tired, sit in the corridor for a while and watch the wind chimes on the eaves sway—it is very healing. ⭐Zhutan Mountain: The most popular old farmer leading an ox across the bridge photo spot is here. You don't need to rush to the paid performance. If you are lucky in the early morning or evening, you can often see local villagers crossing the bridge. With the reflection of Dinghu Peak in the water, every shot looks like a stunning, ink-wash-style photo. ⭐Niweng Cave: A niche spot with very few people. There are many cliff carvings from the Tang and Song dynasties on the rock walls. After visiting, you can walk along the Hao River greenway for half an hour to reach Little Red Cliff. The red Danxia cliffs stand against the water, and the trail is almost empty, making it very comfortable for a breezy walk. Here are a few slow travel tips for you⚠️: The scenic area pass is valid for two days, so you don't need to rush to finish it in one day. I recommend staying at a homestay in the scenic area; many offer views of Dinghu Peak right from your window, and you can avoid the crowds in the early morning to take photos. If you don't want to walk, you can take the scenic area sightseeing bus. There are stops at the entrance of every attraction, and it is very convenient to hail one. You must try the local Jinyun shaobing; the preserved vegetable and meat filling is baked until crispy. Pair it with a bowl of hot local Suo noodles for a home-cooked taste you can only find here. You don't need to specifically chase internet-famous spots, and you don't need to rush to finish all the attractions. Find a nice day to come here and wander for two days, look at the mountains and water, eat some hot farm-style food, and let your tired body and mind relax. That is the true meaning of visiting Xiandu. Jinyun Xiandu Niche Travel Style Check-in Spot

What people are saying about Lishui

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Xiandu Scenic Area

It's a great attraction, and the two-day pass is a nice bonus. The day we went was cloudy, so we couldn't visit the Iwatoro Bookstore, but we went the next day when the sun was shining. It was definitely worth it.

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YunHe Rice Terraces

The ticket price is too expensive; 50 yuan is the most it should be. The Jiuqu Yunhuan Scenic Area is a meticulously crafted terraced field for tourists; it's okay for taking photos. Qixingdun is best viewed from a distance. The Yunhe Terraces can't compare to the Yuanyang Terraces in Yunnan. Just take a casual look.

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Ancient Weir Home of Painting

Guyan Huaxiang Tourist Resort is a 4A-level tourist attraction worth visiting; the scenic area boasts beautiful mountains and clear waters, an elegant environment, and is full of the charm of a Jiangnan water town; the ticket price is reasonable.

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Yangjiatang Village

The village is small and quite rustic, with initial signs of commercialization. It's worth a visit for photos, especially at sunset when the scattered ancient villages are accompanied by wisps of smoke rising from their chimneys – a truly beautiful sight. A word of caution: the village's pebbles are difficult to walk on, so wear appropriate shoes. Also, there's a 500-meter-long winding mountain road in and out of the village with extremely high oncoming traffic, making it quite challenging to drive. Traveling during the off-season is strongly recommended.

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Deep World

Well, this place is okay for bringing kids. You can go rafting, there are hot springs, and you can collect rocks and minerals – it's quite fun. The 200-meter underground space, with all sorts of lights, makes for great photos. However, the price is a bit high and not very good value. You need to bring your own swimsuit for the hot springs.

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Chenjiapu Village

After visiting Yangjiatang Village, on the way back to the hotel, we made a special trip to Chenjiapu Village, known as "a utopia atop the clouds, an ancient village on a cliff." There's a Librairie Avant-Garde bookstore there, which is also quite nice.

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Heyang Ancient Dwellings

The scenic area was very quiet after the long holiday, perfect for photography enthusiasts. I took many photos I love. The villagers and staff were very welcoming and polite. What impressed me most was the village restrooms—they were incredibly clean, cleaner than any I've seen in major tourist attractions. A truly worthwhile trip; highly recommended.

Anonymous userAnonymous user

Songyang Old Street

Songyang Old Street, also known as Nanzhi Street, is located in Songyang County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province. It is one of the oldest ancient streets in the area. It began in the Tang and Song Dynasties, flourished in the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, and still retains a large number of buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is the longest county town old street in Zhejiang Province, with a core line length of 1.9 kilometers, a total planning area of ​​about 7.68 hectares, and a total length of the core pedestrian street of about 640 meters.

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Dinghu Peak

#Jinyun Xiandu Scenic Area Dinghu Peak rises abruptly from the ground like a pillar supporting the sky, shrouded in mist like a fairyland. Before Zhutan Mountain, an old farmer leads his ox across a stone bridge; every frame is a picturesque ink painting. Strolling through Niweng Cave and Xiao Chibi, the cliff carvings tell the story of a thousand years of cultural heritage. The Yellow Emperor's Temple is solemn and dignified, with the rising incense smoke evoking images of the Xuanyuan sacrificial ceremony. This place is imbued with spirit; every step reveals a new scene, washing away all worldly worries—truly a "fairyland"!

Anonymous userAnonymous user

Yunzhong Daji

The ancient Song Dynasty architecture scenic area, with its elegant and tranquil Shisi Temple and picturesque Xuehuaji Waterfall, is perfect for family trips. If driving, you can park next to the Lingyun Tingpu Pavilion at the entrance of a guesthouse in Xuexiang, enter Xuehuaji Waterfall after ticket inspection, descend 560 steps to the valley floor to view the waterfall, then ascend 560 steps back to the entrance to retrieve your car and head to Kuixing Tower. There is parking available downstairs, and it's a 1-minute walk to the Shisi Temple ticket gate. Finally, you can visit the free attractions Daji Yuyu, Jinshi Mansion, and Weiling Baodian.

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Lishui FAQ

How many days should I spend in Lishui?

Based on Trip.com user data, Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 day(s), allowing you to cover the main attractions while enjoying shopping, dining, and other experiences.

What currency is used in Lishui?

The standard currency in Lishui is CNY

How do I exchange currency in Lishui?

Current exchange rate approx.: TWD ≈0.2CNY (actual exchange rates depend on the bank). Currency exchange tips:
1. Exchange currency at your local bank before departure, as rates are usually better than at the destination.
2. You can also withdraw cash from local ATMs.
3. Avoid exchanging currency at airports or hotels, as they offer the worst rates.

Destinations near Lishui

Taizhou travel destination

Taizhou

41% Users' choice

1 hr 36 mins

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

Songyang travel destination

Songyang

32% Users' choice

1 hr 30 mins

Recommended trip: 2–3 day(s)

Jinyun travel destination

Jinyun

21% Users' choice

48 mins

Recommended trip: 1–2 day(s)