Jinyun Lishui | Rated by National Geographic as "The Last Secret Realm of Jiangnan," its fairy-like charm rivals Huangshan!

In the southwest corner of Zhejiang, there lies a city of mountains and waters forgotten by time—Lishui Jinyun. Here, there are no crowds of tourists, only the faintly visible Dinghu Peak in the morning mist, the silhouettes of old farmers and yellow cattle by Zhutan Mountain, and the ink-wash painting scrolls that have flowed for a thousand years in the ancient dam painting village. Xiandu, a place whose very name carries a celestial aura. At 5 a.m., when the first ray of sunlight pierces through the thin fog and Dinghu Peak is reflected in the mirror-like lake, you will understand why the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan practiced alchemy and ascended here. Follow the footsteps of the old farmers across the Dengbu Bridge, and every shot you take is a National Geographic-level scenic masterpiece. In the afternoon at the ancient dam painting village, sit by the thousand-year-old Tongji Dam and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sail shadows on the Ou River. The Barbizon school here makes time stand still, and the mottled walls still carry the scent of 1980s movie posters. Under the horse-head walls of Heyang ancient residences lie the relics of Zhu Xi’s lectures. The lotus pond in front of the Bashi Gate blooms with colors like Monet’s garden in midsummer. The aroma of Jinyun sesame cake has long drifted through 1,500 years. When night falls, the starry sky over Yunhe terraced fields begins to twinkle. Stay at the cloud-end homestay on Qixing Dun, and open the window the next morning to see tens of thousands of terraced fields waking in the morning mist, as if you are in a fairyland among the clouds. The beauty here is unpretentious, yet it captivates you for a lifetime. 2. Travel Guide 📅 Recommended itinerary (3 days 2 nights) - Day 1: Xiandu Scenic Area (Dinghu Peak - Zhutan Mountain - Little Red Cliff) - Overnight at Xuanyuan Street Homestay - Day 2: Heyang Ancient Residences - Ancient Dam Painting Village - Overnight at Painting Village Homestay - Day 3: Yunhe Terraced Fields (Nine-bend Cloud Ring - Silver Valley) 📍 Must-visit spots 1. Old man leading cattle at Zhutan Mountain (best shooting time 6:00-7:30, rainy days add more atmosphere) 2. Aerial photography of Dinghu Peak (recommended to use telephoto lens to capture the full panorama of Tianzhu Peak) 3. Sketching at Ancient Dam Painting Village (Ou River sail shadow shooting spot: Painting Village Pier) 4. Heyang horse-head walls (shooting location: alley behind Bashi Gate) 5. Yunhe sunrise sea of clouds (Qixing Dun viewing platform, most beautiful during May irrigation period) 🍜 Taste of Jinyun - Must-try: Jinyun sesame cake (recommended "Jinyun Sesame Cake Main Store" with preserved vegetable and meat flavor) - Hidden delicacies: Tushuang noodles (perfect with dried bamboo shoots), duck soup (at farmhouse in Xiandu Scenic Area) - For dessert lovers: Qiao meat soup (Lishui version of spicy soup) 🚗 Transportation Tips - High-speed rail to "Jinyun West Station," 1.5 hours from Hangzhou - It is recommended to purchase a combined ticket for Xiandu Scenic Area (including shuttle bus) - Yunhe terraced fields have many mountain roads; beginners should be cautious when driving 📸 Photography tips - Xiandu mist season: October to March next year - Ou River sail shadow shooting requires advance booking of model boats - Heyang ancient village has the best light and shadow at 4 p.m. 🏡 Accommodation recommendations - Xiandu: Xuanyuan Cultural Street Homestay (200-500 RMB) - Painting Village: Zhu 85 Coffee Homestay (river view rooms are very healing) - Yunhe: Yunyi Courtyard (excellent terraced field view) 💡 Fun facts - Xiandu was a filming location for "The Journey of Flower" and "Nirvana in Fire" - Jinyun sesame cake is baked in traditional ceramic ovens, an intangible cultural heritage skill - Heyang ancient village once flourished with "800 smoke stoves" during the Ming and Qing dynasties When the city heatwave hits, why not hide in this 21℃ mountain and water paradise? In Jinyun, even the wind carries the scent of poetry.