Lishui is located in the southwest of Zhejiang province🌄. Tucked away in the mountains of southern Zhejiang, it’s known as the last hidden gem of Jiangnan. It features misty terraced fields and ancient villages surrounded by streams. The landscape is rustic and peaceful, without the usual crowds. I planned a 3-day trip, hitting Xiandu, Guyan Huaxiang, and Yunhe Terraces in order. The pace was relaxed, allowing me to visit popular spots while also strolling through ancient villages to soak in the quiet, pastoral atmosphere🍃.
Day 1: A day of wandering in Xiandu Scenic Area⛰️. You need to buy a joint ticket for the core attraction, Dinghu Peak. Head straight to Zhutan Mountain early in the morning; it’s a classic photo spot. With the stream, stone bridge, and distant peaks, it feels like walking into an ancient painting when the mist rolls in. Afterward, walk along the Hao River to visit Furong Gorge, where the cliffs are steep and the water is crystal clear. The riverside trail along the Hao River outside Dinghu Peak is free, so you can get great photos without entering the paid scenic area. My honest take: Xiandu is definitely worth seeing, but the downside is that the scenic area is huge. Walking the whole thing is exhausting, so definitely take the scenic shuttle bus. It looks cool under the trees, but the UV rays are still strong, and you’ll get tired by the afternoon. Stayed in Jinyun County that night.
Day 2: A slow stroll through Guyan Huaxiang🌿. You need to buy a ticket for Guyan Huaxiang, which includes the ferry. Tongji Weir is free to visit; the thousand-year-old weir flows quietly, and the ancient camphor trees rooted on the banks are over a thousand years old, creating a great atmosphere. The old street is filled with art studios and creative shops, and boats drift slowly along the Ou River. It’s incredibly comfortable to sit by the river in the afternoon and enjoy the breeze. Evening is the most beautiful time here, when the sunset dyes the river a warm yellow. The downside: there’s a long wait for the ferry on holidays, and some restaurants by the river are noticeably overpriced—ordering casually can get expensive. Headed to Yunhe County that night.
Day 3: Morning views at Yunhe Terraces🌤️. The ticket for Yunhe Terraces includes viewing platforms like Jiuqu Yunhuan. Get up early and head to the terraces. Layer upon layer of fields cover the hillside, with clouds and mist flowing with the wind. Standing on the viewing platform, you can’t see the end of it. Kenggen Stone Village is free to visit; old stone houses are scattered around, and the village is quiet and uncrowded. After watching the sunrise, take your time wandering through the ancient village before packing up to head home. A quick tip: the temperature is low in the mountains in the morning, and the mountain roads are winding, which can cause motion sickness. Be prepared if you’re getting up early for the sunrise.
🚌 [Transportation Guide] Out-of-town visitors can take the high-speed train to Lishui Station or Jinyun West Station🚄. Lishui’s attractions are scattered across different counties and are quite far apart. If traveling in a group, renting a car is the best option. Although the mountain roads are winding, it gives you the freedom to go anywhere. Solo travelers can choose the tourist shuttle buses, but they are infrequent, and the last bus ends very early, so don’t stay out too late. Taxis are convenient within the county, but you can only walk inside the ancient villages.
🏨 Accommodation Advice. Stay in Jinyun County for the first night; there are plenty of dining options, and it’s more cost-effective than the homestays in the scenic area. For the second night, prioritize Yunhe County. If you want to catch the sunrise at the terraces, choose a homestay halfway up the mountain—you can see the sea of clouds right from your window. However, mountain homestays often have average soundproofing and can be damp, so think twice if you have high standards for accommodation. Try not to stay in remote ancient villages, as it’s inconvenient to buy things at night.
🥢 Local Cuisine. Jinyun Shaobing (baked cake) has a crispy crust and a savory, juicy filling of preserved vegetables and meat—it’s fragrant with every bite. Qiaorou Geng (beaten meat soup) has a smooth texture, with minced meat, mushrooms, and starch, making the broth thick and refreshing. She Ethnic Tofu is stuffed with meat and absorbs the savory broth, making it flavorful. There’s also bamboo shoot stewed chicken; the meat is tender and carries the unique, sweet taste of mountain ingredients. It goes perfectly with rice.
⚠️ Tips to Avoid Traps. Don’t listen to villagers on the side of the road who offer to lead you on "shortcuts" to the terraces; it’s easy to get stuck in the mud and there are safety risks. Don’t take private, unlicensed boats at Guyan Huaxiang, as the prices are inflated. Don’t impulsively buy local specialties in the scenic area; go to the county farmers' market for bamboo shoots and preserved vegetables—they are much more affordable. The weather in the mountains is changeable, so carry rain gear, mosquito repellent, and wear non-slip shoes.
Lishui isn’t crowded with throngs of people. The morning mist, evening river water, and thousand-year-old villages are all intertwined here. You don’t need to rush; just quietly experience the landscape. If you’re tired of the city hustle and want to find a quiet place to relax, Lishui is definitely worth adding to your travel list to immerse yourself in the unique poetry of the Jiangnan countryside.