Lishui Xiandu Scenic Area Travel Guide

【🌐】There are many places in Zhejiang Province with the "Sunny Stone Pillar" landscape, but Dinghu Peak in Lishui Xiandu Scenic Area is famous for its association with the legend of the Yellow Emperor's ascension, making it a renowned historic site. The entrance ticket is 90 yuan, and the shuttle bus costs 20 yuan. 🗺️ The guide map shows that the scenic area includes multiple sub-attractions. We took a bus to Zhutan Mountain and toured back from the farthest point. Does this bridge look familiar? In the promotional video of Jinyun Xiandu, the old man leading the ox crosses this narrow stone bridge. It is said that during the Song Dynasty's Chunxi period, Zhu Xi lectured at Xiandu and often came here to boat on the clear pond and enjoy the mountain scenery during his leisure time, hence the name "Zhutan" (Zhu's Pond). The mountain by the pond is Zhutan Mountain. Many photography enthusiasts choose this angle to shoot Dinghu Peak. If you want the scene of the old man leading the ox, you need to arrange it at your own expense. 🚌 One stop back is the core area of Dinghu Peak. This place is revered by Taoism as the 29th of the "Thirty-Six Heavenly Caves." It is said that during the Tang Emperor Xuanzong's reign, the Jinyun governor reported a miraculous sight of "colorful clouds and celestial music" here. Emperor Xuanzong exclaimed, "This is the gathering place of immortals!" He personally inscribed the characters "Xiandu" (Immortal Capital) and ordered a ban on logging and hunting within 300 li around. In feudal society, such orders indicated a close connection to the royal family, highlighting Jinyun's special status. Emperor Xuanzong also decreed the construction of the Yellow Emperor's temple and sent officials annually to hold grand ceremonies. Today, two large Yellow Emperor festivals are still held here each year, becoming a local cultural highlight. 📸 At the end of the bridge, find a good angle to take a photo with the stone pillar for an outstanding effect. Walking about 5 minutes forward leads to the Yellow Emperor Temple, where daily performances are held. Today, a group of elementary school students happened to be watching. Such cultural experiences are worth promoting to immerse children in local culture from a young age. ⛰️ Leaving the Yellow Emperor Temple, turn right and hike about half an hour to climb Buxu Mountain, which is over 300 meters above sea level, offering a close-up view overlooking Dinghu Peak. A poem by Zhang Jizhong is engraved on the rock. From the pavilion, you can see Dinghu Peak, which is about 160 meters high and is known as the "Number One Peak Under Heaven." There is a small lake at the summit. Legend has it that the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan once refined elixirs here, and when he ascended to heaven riding a red dragon, the cauldron fell and formed the lake, hence the name "Dinghu" (Cauldron Lake). ⬇️ Follow the signposts downhill toward Xianshui Cave. Xianshui Cave is located at the foot of Dinghu Peak. During the Tang Dynasty, Taoist priest Zhou Jingfu once lived here in seclusion. The cave contains over 40 cliff inscriptions by Ma Xun, Zhao Bian, and others. Standing at the foot of Dinghu Peak and looking up, it truly feels like "a pillar holding up the sky, piercing the clouds." 🌉 Cross the bridge along the riverside trail to exit the scenic area. Don't underestimate this bridge; it is said to be over 1,300 years old. The ancient-style buildings along the riverbank, with their beautiful scenery, have been filming locations for many TV dramas such as "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," "Swords of Legends," and "Monk Comes Down the Mountain." ➡️ The next stop is Niweng Cave, where you can see the Yellow Emperor's Seal, Wulao Peak, and Fairy Peak. This area has a wide lawn suitable for outings or large events. There is a camping base by the river. The innermost part is the Dufeng Academy where Zhu Xi lectured, next to which is Niweng Cave—said to be the retreat of Ji Ran, the teacher of Fan Li. The cave preserves more than 60 cliff inscriptions from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing, Republic, and modern periods, making it the most concentrated site of cliff inscriptions in Xiandu and a nationally protected cultural relic. 🎵 About a 10-minute walk from Niweng Cave, you will find two libraries and a music hall converted from abandoned rock quarries, cleverly blending culture and nature. They are exemplary cases of waste reuse and worth visiting. 🏞️ Xiandu Pavilion connects to Little Red Cliff. You can get off at Xiandu Pavilion, then after touring, follow the signs to Little Red Cliff. This sheer cliff is over 600 meters wide east to west and about 60 meters high. The cliff face is red and white, resembling the Red Cliffs of the Yangtze River, hence the name. Walking up the steps, there is a recessed trail into the mountain. After about 5 minutes, you can descend and take the shuttle bus back to the visitor center, completing the trip perfectly.