Lishui: A 3-Day Trip That Shattered My Budget! Inspired by a Song to Visit a City

“Endless green hills, ever-flowing streams, Lishui's landscapes, hiding thousands of lines of poetry and paintings, Guyan Huaxiang, the fragrance of ink, Yunhe Rice Terraces, reflecting the skylight…” 🎵 Every time I hear this self-composed "Lishui Ballad," my heart is filled with longing for this famous city of mountains and waters. In this vibrant March, with a yearning for natural wonders, I embarked on a leisurely spring trip to Lishui. Follow this guide and let's set off together! ✈️ Getting to Lishui Although Lishui doesn't have an international airport, the surrounding transportation is very convenient. You can first fly to Wenzhou Longwan International Airport ✈️. The waiting hall is spacious and bright, with advanced facilities. While waiting, you can stroll through the specialty stores and taste Wenzhou's snacks, experiencing the southern Zhejiang flavor in advance. From the airport, you can transfer to high-speed rail or bus, and arrive in Lishui in no time. If you are closer to Hangzhou, you can also choose to depart from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and transfer to high-speed rail, which is equally easy. 🚄 Lishui Station has many train services. After exiting the station, buses, taxis, and other means of transportation are readily available. Popular attractions such as Guyan Huaxiang and Yunhe Rice Terraces are within easy reach. Lishui East Station focuses on some short-distance or specific routes. Pay attention to the station information before traveling, and remember to book tickets in advance for a smooth Lishui trip. 🏠 Accommodation Reference 🧸 [Near Guyan Huaxiang Scenic Area] This is the best choice for accommodation 👍! Step out the door and you'll find yourself in the picturesque Guyan Huaxiang. In the morning, the Ou River is shrouded in mist, like a fairyland. During the day, stroll along the old streets, watch the painters sketching on the roadside, and feel the artistic atmosphere. At night, fall asleep to the gentle lapping of the river against the shore. It's incredibly comfortable. The surrounding accommodations are mostly guesthouses with a strong artistic atmosphere. The rooms are elegantly decorated, and you can enjoy the river view and the scenery of Huaxiang from the window. The prices are affordable. 🧸 [Near Yunhe Rice Terraces Scenic Area] If you yearn for magnificent terraced landscapes, you must come here. Farmhouses and guesthouses are scattered around the terraces. In the morning, open the window and you can see the beautiful scenery of the terraces in the morning light, surrounded by clouds and mist, like a paradise. During the day, walk along the terrace trails, breathe in the fresh air, and admire the different scenery of the terraces in different seasons. At night, fall asleep to the tranquility of the mountains. Reservations are required in advance during peak season. 🧸 [Lishui City Center] The city center has mature accommodation facilities, ranging from star-rated hotels to budget-friendly express hotels. If you want to experience the local customs, stroll through the night market, and taste authentic snacks, the city center is a good place to stay. Transportation is convenient, with buses and taxis at your disposal, allowing you to start your "shopping and eating" mode at any time. 🏞️ Popular Attractions 🌊 Guyan Huaxiang: In March, Guyan Huaxiang is full of spring. Take a boat trip on the Ou River, with green hills facing each other on both sides and lush trees. The ancient camphor trees cast dappled shadows. After disembarking, wander through the ancient streets and alleys, admire the unique shops, and taste local delicacies such as Anren fish head and maci. You can also visit Tongji Weir and experience the wisdom of ancient water conservancy projects. 🏯 Yunhe Rice Terraces: It is just before the spring plowing season, and the terraces are starting to fill with water. Under the sunlight, they shimmer like huge mirrors. Overlooking from different viewing platforms, the lines of the terraces are graceful, forming a beautiful picture with the sea of clouds and mountains. If you're lucky, you can also see the spectacular sunrise over the sea of clouds. It's a paradise for photography enthusiasts. 🌸 Nanming Mountain: In spring, Nanming Mountain is lush and green, with wild flowers blooming all over the mountain. Walking up the mountain trails, you can not only admire historical relics such as cliff carvings and feel the cultural heritage, but also overlook the entire Lishui city and breathe in the fresh air, relaxing your body and mind. 🌳 Xiandu Scenic Area: This area is characterized by its unique peaks and rocks, and beautiful mountains and rivers. In March, Xiandu is picturesque. The Zhutan Mountain scenic spot attracts countless tourists to take photos because of the classic picture of a farmer leading a cow across a bridge. Dinghufeng Peak stands tall, showing the magnificence of nature. 🍜 Popular Food 🔖 Jinyun Shaobing: A traditional Lishui delicacy. The crust is crispy, and the filling is made of streaky pork and dried plum vegetables. It is baked over charcoal fire and has a fragrant aroma. One bite is full of the taste of home cooking 😍. 🔖 Anren Fish Head: Made with high-quality local fish heads, stewed with tofu and other ingredients. The soup is delicious, the fish is tender, and it is served with smooth handmade noodles. It's a warming and satisfying dish. 🔖 Suichang Long Zongzi: Slender in shape, with a rich filling of red bean paste, fresh meat, and other options. The fragrance of the zong leaves blends into the glutinous rice and filling. It has a soft and glutinous texture and a unique flavor. Lishui in March is picturesque with spring scenery, ancient charm, and tempting food. Come to Lishui for a spring date 🎉!