Lishui People Keep Their Secrets Well - This is What It's Really Like

In the vast land of China lies a city that shines like a pearl - Lishui, quietly nestled in the southwestern part of Zhejiang Province. Like a modest yet profound sage, this city possesses an irresistible charm and unique character. Time has left deep footprints here, endowing it with rich historical and cultural heritage, while nature has generously bestowed its masterful craftsmanship, creating distinctive and captivating natural landscapes. ### Attractions Features - **Natural Scenery**: Lishui appears to be nature's carefully crafted masterpiece with its exceptional landscape. The magnificent terraced fields are like movements in earth's symphony, spiraling from the foot to the peak of mountains with graceful, flowing lines, as if sketched by nature's giant hand. When morning sunlight falls, the terraces shimmer like countless brilliant pearls. The serene mountains are like a peaceful paradise, with lush trees creating dappled sunlight through interwoven branches. Walking through the forests, you'll hear birds' crisp songs and leaves rustling in the breeze, as if in a dreamlike world. The beautiful rivers flow like ribbons across the land, with crystal-clear waters where fish swim freely, while the green mountains reflect in the water, creating a poetic scene. - **History and Culture**: Across Lishui's landscape, numerous ancient villages and relics are scattered like thick history books, carrying the city's deep historical memories. In these ancient villages, every brick, tile, and plant tells stories of the past. Villagers have lived here for generations, preserving unique folk customs. During traditional festivals, villagers hold grand celebrations with dragon and lion dances and opera performances, creating a rich traditional cultural atmosphere. - **Artistic Atmosphere**: Places like Guyan Painting Village are undoubtedly artistic sanctuaries, filled with rich artistic ambiance. Walking through the streets of Guyan Painting Village, you can almost hear art's heartbeat. Galleries and art studios line the streets, displaying various artworks including oil paintings, watercolors, and ink paintings, each piece full of the creator's inspiration and emotion. Many artists are drawn here by the beautiful scenery and artistic atmosphere, setting up their easels to capture the local landscapes and cultural elements, making Guyan Painting Village an artistic cradle. ### Recommended Attractions - **[Guyan Painting Village]**: Like a brilliant pearl on the Oujiang River, Guyan Painting Village welcomes visitors all day, though some attractions within have specific opening hours. The Oujiang River naturally divides it into two parts: Guyan and the Painting Village. Guyan features the thousand-year-old Tongji Weir, a testament to ancient wisdom. The old stone dam lies quietly across the river, remaining strong despite centuries of weathering. The Painting Village is rich in artistic atmosphere, with galleries and art studios standing side by side, creating an artistic world where you can appreciate various styles of artwork and watch artists at work. - **[Xiandu Scenic Area]**: Famous for its unique peaks, picturesque pastoral scenery, and Yellow Emperor culture, Xiandu Scenic Area is open from 7:30 - 17:30. The famous Dinghu Peak stands like a giant stone pillar reaching into the clouds. The Yellow Emperor Temple stands solemn and dignified, housing the deity's statue and carrying profound historical and cultural significance. - **[Yunhe Rice Terraces]**: As the largest terraced fields in East China and dubbed "China's Most Beautiful Terraces," Yunhe Rice Terraces are open from 8:00 - 16:30. The terraces spiral from mountain foot to peak, creating a magnificent sight. In spring, they're filled with water like mirrors embedded in the earth; in summer, green rice seedlings sway in the breeze like a green ocean; in autumn, golden rice ears create a bountiful scene. - **[Songyang Ancient Villages]**: Songyang's well-preserved ancient villages, including Yangjiatan and Youtian Villages, are open all day. These mountain-nestled villages feature traditional houses with yellow walls and black tiles. Stone-paved paths wind through the villages, where residents maintain traditional lifestyles and warmly welcome visitors to experience local culture and cuisine. - **[Baiyun Mountain]**: As Lishui's urban forest park, Baiyun Mountain is open all day. With dense vegetation and fresh air, it's perfect for leisure walks and nature appreciation. Attractions include Baiyun Temple and Taishan Temple, both rich in religious atmosphere and cultural significance. - **[Heyang Ancient Village]**: Open all day, this thousand-year-old village is famous for its unique ancient architecture and folk culture. Well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty residences line the crisscrossing streets, offering glimpses into past prosperity and rich folk traditions. **Address**: Lishui City, Zhejiang Province. ### Local Cuisine While in Lishui, don't miss the local delicacies. Jinyun Pancake, made with flour, pork, and preserved vegetables, offers a crispy exterior and savory filling. Lishui Yellow Rice Cake, made from glutinous rice through multiple steaming and pounding processes, can be stir-fried, boiled, or grilled, each method offering a different taste. Anren Fish Head, prepared with fresh fish head and various seasonings and vegetables, features tender meat and rich soup. Lishui is like an endless book, with each page offering something fascinating. Its natural scenery, historical culture, artistic atmosphere, and cuisine captivate visitors, making them reluctant to leave. If you haven't visited Lishui yet, find time to experience this city's unique charm for yourself.