Lishui: The Last Secret of Jiangnan
Hi everyone! 👋 I'm a travel enthusiast who loves exploring mountains and rivers. This trip to Lishui was like entering a fairyland. Let's embark on this wonderful two-day journey together!
🌟 Lishui is located in southwestern Zhejiang Province and is like a green gem favored by nature. With a high forest coverage rate, rolling mountains, and crisscrossing streams, it is known as the "Green Valley of Zhejiang." Lishui boasts unique natural scenery, with the picturesque Guyan Huaxiang, the magnificent Yunhe Terraces, and the mysterious Xiandu, which seems like a place where immortals reside. The rich She ethnic culture adds a unique cultural charm to the city, making it a place where people linger and become enchanted by the blend of nature and culture.
🚗 Transportation Tips:
✈️ You can fly to Wenzhou Longwan International Airport and then take a car to Lishui, which takes about two hours. Lishui has a high-speed rail station, and Lishui Station has many trains, making transportation convenient. Within the city, buses can reach some attractions. If you want to visit remote attractions like Yunhe Terraces, it is recommended to rent a car or take a direct bus to the attractions. This way, you can enjoy the scenery along the way more freely and make travel arrangements more convenient. 😜
🌟 Recommended Itinerary:
Day 1️⃣: Guyan Huaxiang - Dongxiyan Scenic Area
In the morning, head to Guyan Huaxiang, take a boat tour on the Oujiang River, and enjoy the green mountains and rivers on both sides and the ancient Yantou Village. Experience the perfect blend of nature and cultural landscapes, stroll through the ancient streets, admire the art paintings along the street, and immerse yourself in the rich artistic atmosphere. In the afternoon, head to Dongxiyan Scenic Area, where the Danxia landform is unique, with various rock formations and many caves and canyons to explore. Walk along the mountain trails, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the unique natural scenery.
Day 2️⃣: Yunhe Terraces - Xiandu Scenic Area
In the morning, head to Yunhe Terraces to admire the spectacular terrace scenery, especially in the early morning or evening when the sunlight shines on the terraces, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow. You can walk along the terraces, feel the hard work of the farmers, and marvel at the wonders of nature. In the afternoon, arrive at Xiandu Scenic Area, known for its unique peaks and beautiful landscapes. The fairy dike of Zhutan Mountain is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, and the majestic Dinghu Peak is like a pillar piercing the sky. You can take a sightseeing bus in the scenic area to easily enjoy the various attractions.
🌟 Must-Visit Spots:
📍 Yunhe Terraces: The layers of terraces are shrouded in mist, resembling a giant landscape painting. Standing on the viewing platform, overlooking the lush green terraces, with the breeze blowing and the rice swaying, it feels like you can hear the whispers of nature. It is an excellent place for taking photos, and every photo can be as stunning as a wallpaper, leaving people in awe. 👏
📍 Xiandu Dinghu Peak: This 170.8-meter-high stone pillar rises from the ground, standing alone and majestic. The surrounding lake is clear, reflecting the grandeur of Dinghu Peak. No matter from which angle you take a photo, you can capture its magnificence and wonder. It is a landmark attraction in Lishui, and seeing it in person is the only way to truly feel its breathtaking beauty. 🥰
🌟 Travel Experience:
The trip to Lishui was a delightful and relaxing experience for both the body and mind, as well as a visual feast. 💕 In Guyan Huaxiang, I was captivated by the tranquil water town atmosphere and the rich artistic vibe, as if time had slowed down. The unique landform of Dongxiyan made me appreciate the magical creativity of nature. The magnificent scenery of Yunhe Terraces filled me with respect for the wisdom and hard work of the farmers, while the beautiful landscapes of Xiandu made me feel like I was in a fairyland. Every scene was deeply imprinted in my heart. Lishui, with its purity, nature, and unique charm, conquered me. I left with a heavy heart, looking forward to returning to this pure land to continue exploring its unknown beauty.
🍱 Local Food Recommendations:
🥘 Jinyun Pancake: The crust is crispy, and the filling is fragrant with preserved vegetables and pork, sprinkled with sesame seeds on top. With one bite, the aroma fills the air, and the salty preserved vegetables perfectly blend with the savory pork, creating a rich and delicious taste. Whether as breakfast or a snack, it leaves a lasting impression and is one of Lishui's specialty foods that you must try. 😍
🍜 Suichang Hot and Sour Noodles: The noodles are smooth and chewy, with a tangy and spicy flavor. The soup base is carefully prepared with chili, vinegar, and spices, resulting in a rich and spicy yet savory taste. Paired with smooth noodles and various toppings like bean sprouts, greens, and crushed peanuts, one bowl will whet your appetite. It is a popular snack. 🥰
🐟 Anren Fish Head: The fish head is large and tender, made with fresh local fish heads. After stewing, the soup is thick and white, with a rich and savory flavor. The fish meat is tender and juicy, with no fishy taste. Adding tofu and other ingredients that absorb the fish soup's flavor makes it even more delicious. It is one of the delicacies on Lishui's dining table, and fish lovers should not miss it. 😎
🥟 Mountain Flour Dumplings: The outer skin is made of sweet potato starch, translucent and elastic. The filling is usually made of pork, mushrooms, and dried bamboo shoots, with a soft and glutinous texture and a delicious taste. They can be steamed or cooked in soup, offering a unique flavor. It is a traditional Lishui food with a strong local flavor. 😋
🌰 Braised Bamboo Shoots: Made with fresh spring bamboo shoots, braised in oil until they are red and shiny, with tender and crispy bamboo shoots and a savory and sweet taste. The aroma is irresistible. Braised bamboo shoots are delicious and nutritious, a must-eat seasonal delicacy in Lishui during spring. With one bite, you can taste the flavor of spring. 👍
🥘 She Tofu: Made with fresh tender tofu as the main ingredient, cooked with minced meat, mushrooms, and greens. The tofu is tender and smooth, with a rich and savory soup, making it a nutritious and delicious dish. It is one of the traditional foods of the She ethnic group, reflecting their unique culinary culture. It is warm and comforting to eat. 🥣
Lishui is truly a treasure city, and you must come and experience it for yourself!