Amidst the crowds at popular tourist attractions, Lishui's beauty shines through in a purer and more healing way.
Who understands! The happiest thing about traveling is avoiding crowds and finding hidden gems! ✨ Want to escape the throngs of popular tourist spots? Head straight to Lishui! Praised by National Geographic as "the last hidden gem in Jiangnan," Lishui is full of surprises, from its sea of clouds and terraced fields to its secluded ancient villages and mysterious grottoes. A 6-day, 5-night itinerary connects 14 hidden gems, offering less crowds, beautiful scenery, and a truly therapeutic experience. I personally tested the entire trip and didn't disappoint. Self-driving enthusiasts and those who love off-the-beaten-path travel can easily copy this guide!
【Core Transportation & Accommodation Tips (Precisely Avoiding Pitfalls)】
- Transportation: Lishui's attractions are very spread out; driving or hiring a car is the best solution! It's 3.5 hours from Hangzhou and 5 hours from Shanghai. For car hire, it's recommended to book 3 days in advance. A 6-day car hire costs approximately 1500-2000 RMB (300+ RMB per person, split among 4 people). The mountain roads are winding, so novice drivers should be cautious.
- Accommodation: Split your stay for convenience! Day 1: Stay in Jinyun city (150-200 RMB per person, close to Xiandu, convenient for food, accommodation, and transportation); Days 2-3: Stay in a guesthouse in Songyang Ancient Village (200-300 RMB per person, mountain views from the window, good for photographing the morning mist in the ancient village); Day 4: Stay in a guesthouse with views of Yunhe Terraces (300+ RMB per person, convenient for early morning cloud chasing); Day 5: Stay in Suichang County, making it more efficient to visit Nanjianyan the next day.
- Tickets: Xiandu in Jinyun 100 RMB, Yunhe Terraces 80 RMB, Nanjianyan 80 RMB, many ancient villages are free (subject to official announcements); Important reminder: Grotto No. 2 is under maintenance and temporarily closed, don't make a wasted trip!
🗺️【6 Days 5 Nights Itinerary - Daily Highlights】
- Day 1: Jinyun's Cultural Hidden Gems - Full of Ink Painting Style Upon arrival, head straight to Xiandu in Jinyun. Be sure to go in the early morning or evening to get the classic "Old Man Leading an Ox" photo spot! Morning mist or evening glow shrouds the distant mountains, an old ox leisurely crosses a stone bridge, and every snapshot is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese ink painting, completely avoiding the midday crowds. Next, visit the Yandang Study, a space transformed from a natural quarry with a remarkably stylish design. Sunlight filters through the cracks in the rock walls, casting dappled shadows. Sit down with a cup of coffee, and even breathing becomes pleasant. Capture stunning photos of light and shadow that will instantly flood your social media feed. In the evening, stroll through the ancient dwellings of Heyang. The clean cobblestone paths and the horse-head walls of the Hui-style architecture are particularly charming in the sunset. With almost no tourists, you can quietly soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient village.
- Day 2: Songyang Ancient Village Cluster - A Healing and Oxygen-Relieving Journey. This day is all about forest-like joy! First, head to Songzhuang Village. A popular stone bridge spans a clear stream, reflecting the verdant mountains. Take some atmospheric photos on the bridge, and you'll be bombarded with questions about the location on social media. Next, visit Yangjiatang Village. Two enormous, lush trees, their branches dappled with sunlight, create a vibrant, dappled effect. Standing beneath them and looking up, you're enveloped in a sense of life's vitality. Then explore Chenjiapu Village. The Vanguard Bookstore, nestled in the mountains, exudes an artistic vibe. The winding alleys beside it, with their white walls, black tiles, and lush greenery, are perfect for taking photos. Finally, visit Hengkeng Village. The bamboo forest theater installation is hidden deep within the bamboo sea. The rustling of the bamboo leaves in the wind creates an immersive, healing atmosphere, as if you've stepped into the martial arts world of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
- Day 3-Day 4: Healing Landscapes & Encounters with a Sea of Clouds – Guyan Huaxiang is truly a miniature forest! Lush green vegetation paired with babbling brooks creates a breathtaking scene. A bamboo raft ride on the river offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains reflected in the water, with a gentle breeze caressing your face – a truly idyllic experience. For the Yunhe Terraces, be sure to get up early! With luck, you might witness a sunrise and a sea of clouds, where mist drapes the terraced fields like a veil – a sight to behold. Spend the morning strolling along the terraced paths, experiencing the romance of agricultural civilization. In the afternoon, visit Shisi Temple, an ancient temple nestled deep in the mountains, tranquil and rustic. Its red walls and gray tiles against towering ancient trees create a sense of stepping back in time. Find a quiet corner to relax and unwind, and all your worries will vanish.
- Day 5-6: A Secret Ending: Encountering Pristine Beauty. Dushan Ancient Village is perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty! A Ming Dynasty stone archway stands quietly at the village entrance. The village is largely uncommercialized; the old houses and stone paths retain their original appearance. Occasionally, you can see villagers sunbathing or working in the fields, a scene full of life. The cliffside viewing platform at Nanjianyan is a must-see! Standing atop the mountain, the view is breathtakingly expansive, thrilling, and perfect for taking photos. Finally, visit Longquanyuan Village, a veritable Zhejiang version of "Big Fish & Begonia." The ancient village nestles against the mountains and beside the water, with its blue tiles, white walls, and babbling brooks—it's almost unreal. Before heading back, immerse yourself in the gentle charm of this hidden Jiangnan paradise one last time.
🍲【Lishui Must-Try Foods: Full of Local Flavor】
- Jinyun Baked Cake: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, incredibly fragrant with preserved mustard greens and pork. A simple 10 yuan cake from a roadside stall is all you need to satisfy your craving.
- Jiaotan Fish Head: Incredibly fresh! The fish is tender yet juicy, the broth is rich, and it's perfectly complemented by local vegetables.
- Yunhe Snow Pear: Sweet and juicy, refreshing and not greasy. Qingtian Sugar Cake: Soft, chewy, and sweet with a hint of rice aroma—perfect as a souvenir.
💡【Avoiding Pitfalls & Practical Tips】
- Avoid Pitfalls: ① Grotto No. 2 is under renovation and temporarily closed; don't go there empty-handed. ② Choose popular photo spots in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds. ③ There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the mountains; bring a light jacket.
- Clothing: Light-colored or ethnic-style clothing will look better against the backdrop of terraced fields, ancient villages, and bamboo forests. Wear non-slip sneakers, as many ancient villages have stone-paved roads.
- Booking: During peak season, guesthouses and car rentals are in high demand; book 1-2 weeks in advance. For some attractions, check official opening information beforehand.
Compared to the crowds at popular tourist spots, Lishui's beauty is purer and more healing. Here, there are no noisy crowds, only the elegance of mountains and rivers, the tranquility of ancient villages, and the warmth of everyday life. Traveling here in reverse allows you to avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in the last hidden gem of Jiangnan. Every scene is worth savoring; this healing feeling will truly stay with you for a long time!