Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Lishui, Zhejiang – Have You Checked Them Off?

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Lishui, Zhejiang – Have You Checked Them Off? In southwestern Zhejiang lies the poetic and naturally enchanting city of Lishui, hailed as the "Green Valley of Zhejiang." With its stunning landscapes and pristine ecological environment, it boasts numerous captivating tourist destinations. Today, we present the top five must-visit attractions in Lishui. Jinyun Xiandu Scenic Area: A Fairy-Tale World of Spectacular Peaks and Rocks Renowned for its extraordinary peaks and mystical landscapes, Jinyun Xiandu is often praised as having "the elegance of Guilin, the wonder of Huangshan, and the thrill of Huashan." Covering 5.23 square kilometers, it comprises five major sites: Dinghu Peak, Little Red Wall, Xiandu Temple, Niweng Cave, and Zhutan Mountain. The 160-meter-tall Dinghu Peak, shaped like a bamboo shoot piercing the sky, features a perennial pool at its summit, said to be left by the Yellow Emperor during his alchemy practices, earning it the title "Number One Peak Under Heaven." Niweng Cave houses over 60 cliff inscriptions, a must-see for calligraphy enthusiasts. The Little Red Wall boasts a natural stone corridor hundreds of meters long, offering an exhilarating walk. The iconic Dingbu Bridge on Zhutan Mountain is a popular photo spot, providing breathtaking views of the towering Dinghu Peak against the serene landscape. The area has also served as a filming location for numerous movies and TV series, such as *Chinese Paladin* and *The Journey of Flower*, immersing visitors in a fairy-tale realm. Yunhe Terraced Fields: A Misty Rural Masterpiece Dubbed "China's Most Beautiful Terraces," Yunhe Terraced Fields are the largest terraced group in East China, with origins dating back to the early Tang Dynasty and flourishing during the Yuan and Ming dynasties—over 1,000 years of history. Stretching from 200 to 1,400 meters in altitude, the terraces feature a vertical drop of 1,200 meters across more than 700 layers. From the viewing platform, the cascading fields resemble a vast landscape painting. At dawn, mist shrouds the terraces, creating an ethereal scene; at dusk, the golden glow of sunset bathes the fields in dazzling beauty. Beyond nature's splendor, the area preserves ancient farming culture, with the lively Plowing Festival during the Grain in Ear season offering an authentic glimpse into traditional agriculture. Ancient Weir and Painting Village: Where Millennia-Old Charm Meets Art Located in Liandu District, this scenic area combines the 1,500-year-old Tongji Weir (a UNESCO-listed irrigation heritage site since 2014) with an artsy village. The weir, built during the Southern Dynasties, is Zhejiang's oldest large-scale hydraulic project, and its Water Conservancy Museum showcases ancient irrigation ingenuity. The painting village serves as a creative base for over 300 art schools nationwide, hosting 150,000 sketching students annually. Stroll along the bluestone-paved streets lined with galleries and workshops, and try traditional crafts like handmade paper and indigo dyeing. At dawn or dusk, the misty Ou River dotted with sailboats becomes a photographer's paradise. Nanjianyan: A Photographer's Haven of Natural Wonders Dubbed "Little Huangshan of Western Zhejiang," Nanjianyan features towering peaks, bizarre rock formations, and 30+ unique sights. The majestic Tianzhu Peak and Shentan Peak stand side by side like hundred-meter stone pillars. The nine-tiered waterfall cascades like a white ribbon from the sky, while the miniature stone forest showcases lifelike rock sculptures. At the summit lies a 2,000-square-meter alpine lake with thriving trees, a testament to nature's artistry. The high altitude ensures pleasant weather and abundant negative oxygen ions, making it a natural "oxygen bar." After rain, the area often transforms into a sea of clouds, drawing photographers to capture its breathtaking moments. Longquan Mountain: An Adventurous Ecological Paradise As Zhejiang's largest nature reserve, Longquan Mountain boasts rolling peaks, dense forests, and rare wildlife. Longjing Gorge, known as "Zhejiang's Little Zhangjiajie," amazes with its peculiar rock formations. The highlight is the thrilling 538-meter-long glass walkway at 1,400 meters above sea level—Asia's longest. Walking on the transparent path above sheer cliffs is heart-pounding, but the panoramic mountain views are worth it. The area also features Huangmaojian, the highest peak in Jiangsu-Zhejiang at 1,929 meters, where summiting rewards visitors with a "commanding view of all mountains." Each of these five attractions offers unique experiences, whether you're a nature lover, culture seeker, or thrill-chaser. Pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to Lishui!