[2025 Jingning Attraction] Travel Guide for Yunzhongdaji (Updated Mar)

Hidden deep in the mountains of southern Zhejiang, Shisi Temple is a whisper between time and architecture, a poem of nature and humanity intertwined. Through the eyes of an architect, its structure reveals its essence, and through the pen of a writer, its soul is brought to life. Its core attractions can be summarized as: the Song and Yuan legacy of its wooden structures, the Zen-like dwelling amidst the landscape, and the human epic of the clan. I. Song and Yuan Legacy: A Living Fossil of Jiangnan Architecture Core Attraction: The Grand Hall of Shisi Temple is a rare surviving example of Yuan Dynasty wooden architecture in Jiangnan, alongside Yanfu Temple in Wuyi and Tianning Temple in Jinhua, forming the three great Yuan Dynasty wooden structures of Zhejiang. Although its style dates back to the 16th year of the Zhizheng reign of the Yuan Dynasty (1356), it carries the deep-rooted legacy of the Song Dynasty's *Yingzao Fashi* (Building Standards). What makes it so remarkable? There are three main aspects: The True Ang of Dougong: The dougong (interlocking wooden brackets) of the main hall are built with "true ang" as the core. The ang (bracket arm) is slender and sword-like, with high-rising edges, leveraging its strength to support the eaves, showcasing the mechanical wisdom of Song and Yuan wooden structures. This technique was gradually replaced by "false ang" in the Ming Dynasty, but Shisi Temple, with its Yuan Dynasty origins, continues the legacy of the Northern Song Dynasty. The Mystery of the Zaojing: The octagonal zaojing (ceiling) hangs from the top of the hall, resembling a star-studded sky. Its geometric rhythm, interwoven with mortise and tenon joints, echoes the cosmological concept of "a round sky and a square earth." Its structure is inherited from Baoguo Temple in Ningbo, but due to its sheltered location in the mountains, it has not been covered by later colorful paintings, and the natural color of the plain wood enhances its ancient charm. The Ingenuity of Reduced Columns: The Baoben Hall of the Mei Clan Ancestral Hall uses the "reduced column method" to create an open space. A single tie beam spans three bays, seemingly supporting the roof with an invisible hand. This technique originated from Fujian craftsmen but took root in the mountainous region of southern Zhejiang, becoming a testament to the fusion of regional architecture. II. Zen Dwelling: A Time-Space Fold in a Misty Peach Blossom Spring Core Attraction: The Huguan Bridge in front of the temple and the thousand-year-old Chinese fir king form a feng shui pattern of "water mouth lock and key," weaving the temple, ancestral hall, village, and flowing water into a secluded picture scroll of "Yunzhong Dazhui." III. Clan Epic: A Thousand-Year Echo of Filial Piety and Craftsmanship Core Attraction: Shisi Temple originated from a thatched hut where Mei Yuanyuan, a filial child of the Southern Song Dynasty, guarded his grandfather's tomb. It later evolved into a complex of Buddhist and Taoist faiths and ancestral halls, a cultural specimen of the trinity of "family temple - monastery - ancestral hall." What makes it so profound? There are three main aspects: The Filial Child's Perseverance: In the 10th year of the Shaoxing reign of the Southern Song Dynasty (1140), six-year-old Mei Yuanyuan guarded his grandfather's tomb for three years. Emperor Gaozong of Song honored him as a "filial child" and bestowed the name "Shisi Yuan." An act of filial piety in a hut became the origin of a thousand-year-old temple, where Confucian ethics quietly blend with the detachment of Buddhism. The Accumulation of Craftsmanship: The temple's architecture spans the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The Qing Dynasty carvings in the Maxian Palace, the late Qing Dynasty colorful paintings in the Sanqing Hall, and other details record the evolution of craftsmanship like the rings of a tree. In particular, the "inserted beam construction" technique of the Yuan Dynasty main hall, where the beam ends are directly inserted into the columns, demonstrates the agility of southern wooden structures. The Glory of the Mei Clan: The portraits of nine Jinshi (successful candidates in the imperial examinations) and the plaque of "Martyrs and Heroes" in the ancestral hall demonstrate the dual ideals of a family tradition of farming and studying and loyalty and patriotism. The architecture progresses along the central axis, with each hall higher than the last, symbolizing the family's wish for "generations of rising prosperity." The beauty of Shisi Temple lies not in the splendor of a temple, but in the simple Zen-like charm of "moss marks on the green steps, grass color entering the blue curtains." Its wooden structure is a solidified history book of the Song and Yuan dynasties, its landscape is a flowing poem of time, and its clan is a continuous human gene. If Western architecture is an epic of stone, Shisi Temple is a quiet conversation of wood—with mortise and tenon as punctuation, eaves as rhythm, whispering for a thousand years in the deep mountains, waiting for someone who understands it to push open the door and sit down with time.

Jingning, Zhejiang, is a seriously overlooked destination. Did you know? Zhejiang has an ethnic minority autonomous county, which I had never heard of before! It's Jingning in Lishui, Zhejiang, the only She Autonomous County in China. With its high altitude and beautiful scenery, it is known as the "Little Tibet of Zhejiang." The rolling mountains, babbling streams, ancient villages, and rich ethnic minority customs make it a must-visit. Here's a 2-day, 1-night itinerary for you to save! Itinerary: Day 1: She Ancient Town → Yunzhong Daji → Xiaozuo Village Day 2: Sky City → Dajun Village → Shawan Town Accommodation recommendations: There are many homestays and inns in Yunzhong Daji, or you can stay at the Cloud Resort in Sky City, which is also convenient for driving. Highlights: 1. From Yunzhong Daji to Xiaozuo Village, you can visit the thousand-year-old Shisi Temple, take photos at Xuehuaji Waterfall, and then drive 6 km to Xiaozuo Village, known as the "No. 1 Terrace in Jiangnan." 2. She Ancient Town is a newly built ancient town, also known as Phoenix Ancient Town because the She people love phoenixes. There aren't many people, so put on ethnic costumes and take some photos for a blockbuster feel. 3. Sky City is a resort built in the mountains and valleys. You can buy tickets to visit even if you don't stay there. Taking the small train feels like entering a Hayao Miyazaki anime world. 4. Dajun Village is an ancient village built in the late Tang Dynasty, known as the "Window of She Township." It's very rustic, so don't forget to check in under the "Tang Zhang" tree at the village entrance. 5. From Wutong Township to Shawan Town, self-driving friends can continue along Xinshan Road, where you can enjoy the beautiful mountains and rivers and go fishing and camping.

Clouds of Daji, located in the highland basin known as the "Clouds of Peach Blossom Land," with green peaks on both sides, streams rushing out of the gorge, rushing down the hundred-meter cliff, and the sound shaking the valley. "The Milky Way pours down the white clouds, the thunder and lightning snow rolls" is the best description of its steep cliffs and snow-like waterfalls. "Mountains in the clouds," "cliffs by the mountains," "water on the cliffs," every inch of this place is full of blooming tension.

Choosing the right time to travel is important. Travel to Jingning during off-peak season|||I prefer Jingning at this time of year, when it is less crowded and more peaceful. You can enjoy the view of the moon from the balcony of Sisi Temple, or take a walk in the rain in Dongnong Garden.🌾 · This trip includes Yunzhong Daji, where Sisi Temple is located, Dajun Ancient Street, and Shexiang Ancient City. The trip takes about two days and one night.🚌 1️⃣ Arrive at Yunzhong Daji at noon on the first day. Buy a ticket package and visit Xuehuaji Waterfall (not the whole route). Then visit Sisi Temple. After dinner, return to Yunhe Shuian B&B near Dajun Ancient Street. The B&B is cost-effective during the off-peak season. Enjoy the rural life and find yourself here.🛏️ 2️⃣ Wake up naturally on the second day. After breakfast, visit Dajun Ancient Street. The street is small, and is mainly for taking photos. There are also interactive activities for She ethnic group wedding customs. For lunch, you can choose Yijiangnan in Shexiang Ancient City. Then visit the ancient city and return.🥘 · ⚠️The biggest advantage of traveling during off-peak season is that there are fewer people, and accommodation and transportation (flights) are much cheaper. You can enjoy the trip at your own pace. ⚠️It is recommended to drive to Jingning. If you don't have a driver's license, you can also take a bus (between Jingning downtown and Yunzhong Daji, passing by Dajun Ancient Street).

Yunzhong Daji, Jingning, Zhejiang Daji Scenic Area is located more than 40 km from Jingning County, at an altitude of 1,600 meters. The rolling hills, idyllic villages, and steep mountains surrounding the area make it a beautiful place to visit. The mountains are so steep that they are said to reach the sky, and the area is known as "Santoutian" (Three Skies). The scenic area is home to a 100-meter-high waterfall that resembles snowflakes, hence the name "Xuedaji" (Snow Daji). The waterfall is majestic and thunderous. The area is also home to ancient buildings, such as the Shisi Temple, which was built in the 10th year of the Shaoxing period of the Song Dynasty. Next to the temple is a thousand-year-old Chinese cedar tree with a diameter of 4.47 meters. The area is also a filming location for the movie "The Monkey King 3."

The "Yunzhong Daji - Shisi Temple" in Jingning County, Lishui, Zhejiang, is located in Jingning She Autonomous County, Lishui. The entrance fee is 40 yuan. Due to inconvenient transportation, it is recommended to drive there. There are many mountain roads, so please be careful. To this day, there is not a single Buddha statue or scripture. More historical relics are stored in the Mei Family Ancestral Hall on the right. However, the thousand-year-old Chinese cedar is still lush, and the crabapple flowers bloom every year in front of the gate. There is no incense burner, no prayer strips, and no place for religious artifacts in the courtyard. Even the stone bricks previously laid have been removed. This shows the restraint in cultural relic protection and tourism development here. The rare Song and Yuan dynasty religious architecture itself also makes it particularly unique in Zhejiang and even nationwide. One must visit in person to truly appreciate it. Public transportation: High-speed train to "Lishui" station, then take a bus from Lishui to Jingning County, and a bus from Jingning to Yunzhong Daji. Besides Shisi Temple, the Yunzhong Daji Scenic Area also includes attractions such as Xuehuaji and Xiaozuo Terraces. If you have time, you can visit them all.

After traveling through Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, I finally found a lesser-known, less crowded small town in Zhejiang—'Jingning'. Jingning is located in Lishui City and is the only She Autonomous County in China, offering a rare glimpse of minority culture in Jiangsu and Zhejiang 🏯 The scenery here is stunning, with unique attractions such as Yunzhong Daji, Shisi Temple, and Shexiang Ancient City. Traveling here allows you to avoid the crowds. 🚶 Jingning One-Day Tour Route '📍Shisi Temple→Xuehuaji→Shexiang Ancient City→She Nationality Museum' ⛰️ Must-Visit in Jingning 1️⃣ Shisi Temple 🎫 Ticket: 40r For this thousand-year-old temple in the deep mountains, I traveled hundreds of kilometers to Yunzhong Daji in Jingning. Shisi Temple was built in the Song Dynasty and is considered the most beautiful temple in China. It has no Buddha statues or incense but retains the extremely beautiful and simple architectural style of the Song Dynasty 🎐 Crossing the thousand-year-old cypress tree at the entrance feels like stepping through a time portal, allowing you to converse directly with ancient people. Besides Shisi Temple, the nearby King of Cryptomeria and Xuehuaji Waterfall are also worth visiting, all included in the Yunzhong Daji ticket. 2️⃣ Shexiang Ancient City 🎫 Free Shexiang Ancient City is also known as Phoenix Ancient City. The She people worship the phoenix 🐦‍🔥, and this place is a concentrated display of She architectural style. When I visited, there were almost no tourists, making it a bit deserted. But the She architectural complex, reminiscent of 'Spirited Away,' made it feel very worthwhile. Apart from She architecture, I found the most beautiful spot to be the Millennium Bridge by the river in the ancient city. The distant mountains, mist, river, and ancient bridge resemble a landscape painting ☁️ Shisi Temple and Shexiang Ancient City can each be explored for half a day. If you have more time, you can visit the 📍She Nationality Museum in the county to experience local history and customs, which is very interesting. 🚗 About Transportation & Accommodation Driving can directly reach each attraction. For public transportation, you can refer to: Lishui High-Speed Rail Station➡️Lishui Bus Station➡️Jingning Bus Station 🏨 It is recommended to stay near Jingning Bus Station, where there are many hotels, and transportation and dining are very convenient. I stayed in Jingning for two days and marveled at how Zhejiang hides such a unique small town. It is not commercialized like many other places, making it a true treasure in my heart.

Clouds Over Daji · Shisi Temple. The mountains are silent and the clouds are deep, searching for a piece of tranquility hidden in the deep mountains. Coming to an extremely niche place, Jingning is sparsely populated, and even fewer people are at Shisi Temple. Here comes the no-nonsense guide. Take the high-speed train to Lishui Station. Right outside the high-speed train station is the Lishui Bus Terminal. Buy a bus ticket directly to Jingning. The journey takes 1-1.5h. Shisi Temple is located deep in the mountains of Jingning. You can either drive or take the bus to Shisi Temple. For accommodation, it is recommended to stay in the town of Jingning. Choose a bus near Jingning Bus Terminal to Shisi Temple, heading towards Daji. There are buses at 8:10, 12:25, and 14:10, with the journey taking 1.5-2h. Shisi Temple and Clouds Over Daji have a joint ticket for 40 yuan. The ticket office is at the gate of Shisi Temple. Since Shisi Temple and Clouds Over Daji are not together, keep your ticket after leaving Shisi Temple as you will need it for the next site. Inside Shisi Temple, there is a thousand-year-old Cryptomeria tree, the oldest Thuja. The temple is empty, with no Buddha statues or incense, offering a rare tranquility. Next to it is the Mei family ancestral hall, with the ancestors of the Mei family still placed in the main hall. Shisi Temple was also the location for this year's Lululemon Spring Festival advertisement, featuring Michelle Yeoh and Wing Chun dancers. Leaving Shisi Temple for Clouds Over Daji, there is a large expanse of rice fields between the two attractions, which is particularly pleasing to the eye. Walking on the path beside the rice fields, with fine rain falling from the sky and looking at the mist winding through the distant mountains, it feels like a paradise. Due to its location deep in the mountains, there are few tourists. Take the bus back to the county town from the mountain. There are buses at twelve o'clock and three o'clock, with the last bus at three o'clock. It's rare to find a place with few people and beautiful scenery during the May Day holiday. Next door, Yunhe Terraces are crowded with people, but here it is serene and peaceful. If you come to Lishui and want to recuperate, why not try walking in the rain in search of spring and take a deep breath in the forest?

📍Location: Sishi Temple in Yunzhong Dajiu 📍Positioning: Xiyi Village, Dajiu Township, Jingning She Autonomous County, Lishui City 🚗Travel: There is an hour's mountain road, which is not easy to travel, it is recommended to drive there during the day (except for experienced drivers) 🈺Time: 9 am - 6 pm (subject to the scenic area on the day) Stepping into Sishi Temple is like entering a world beyond the mundane. The ancient architectural complex stands quietly, with each brick and tile bearing a thousand years of history. The wind blows, the bells at the eaves sway gently, making a crisp and pleasant sound, as if telling ancient legends. ✅Travel Tips: Route: Sishi Temple - Yunzhong Dajiu (It is recommended to buy a joint ticket for 40 yuan) Accommodation: The village where Sishi Temple is located has a very beautiful environment. Many locals have converted old houses into homestays, and it is recommended to stay for one night. Restaurants: There are restaurants in the village, all using local ingredients. The food is especially fresh, tastes good, and is not expensive! The shopkeepers are quite Buddhist, and they close after 4 pm, so it's best to prepare some dry food in advance Photography: The temple is not big, but very photogenic. Especially on rainy days, Sishi Temple is truly an ideal world for humans! ✅Best Travel Time: March-June, September-November Sishi Temple is not only an ancient temple but also a place where people can find peace of mind. Here, you can let go of the troubles of the world and quietly feel the tranquility and peace. It's as if opening this door is like returning to the Southern Song Dynasty in 1140!

I drove more than 400 kilometers just to take a look at the Yunzhong Dajie and Shisi Temple built in the Yuan Dynasty!! Shisi Temple is located in Dajie Township, Jingning She Autonomous County, Zhejiang Province Here are 1500-year-old ancient fir trees, here is the historic Shisi Temple! Here is the Mei Family Ancestral Hall that was built without a nail or rivet and does not form spider webs all year round!! Here are large areas of ancient trees and forests! Here is the snowflake waterfall that pours down! It took us about two hours from the Window of She Township to Yunzhong Dajie. The main reason is that the road is always mountainous and particularly narrow, so we drove very slowly. However, the houses of the She nationality we saw along the way were very distinctive. It's quite interesting to shuttle back and forth in the middle of the minority villages! The ticket is 40 yuan, including the Shisi Temple scenic spot, and the two scenic spots are about 800 meters apart! The village is really super clean. This is the first time I have seen all the fish in a village river are koi, and the river water is clear to the bottom! Ducks walk around in the water, they don't disturb each other, it's particularly harmonious! Shisi Temple is a Yuan Dynasty building with dense vegetation around it. It is not only a temple, but a group of ancient buildings located in the deep mountains, including the Daxiong Treasure Hall, Sanqing Hall, Ma Xian Palace, Mei Family Ancestral Hall, etc. However, most of the things inside have been moved away now! There is a record of the construction process of the Mei Family Ancestral Hall inside, which is very interesting. If you go there, you can take a look! This is a building without a nail. Especially in the rainy Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, it still stands tall today despite the wind and rain. The wisdom of the ancients is really admirable! The Snowflake Waterfall is 800 meters down from the Shisi Temple. The treasures can go straight down to the bottom of the waterfall all the way. It is possible to go around and return! But be careful if you can't climb the mountain, it is recommended to return the same way! Although going around can return to the original point, they are all very straight uphill steps! Be cautious! Then if you don't go back, go down the road from the old tree sign at the fork, don't go down from the visitor center! Going down from the old tree sign is directly to the starting point of your scenic spot, you can walk a lot less! You don't need to go back, the scenery is really beautiful! It's very suitable for the treasures who love to climb mountains! There are people selling lemon soda at the scenic spot! It is recommended for the treasures going to Yunzhong Dajie to arrange their time reasonably, because it takes more than five hours to drive back to Hangzhou from Yunzhong Dajie! And the road into Yunzhong Dajie is not easy to drive, you need to drive carefully! But after going in, it's like going into a paradise. Their village is also called Taoyuan Village, which is isolated from the world and romantic. Highly recommended Geographical location: Dajie Township, Jingning She Autonomous County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province Opening hours: April 1-October 31 8:30-17:30, stop admission at 16:00 November 1-March 31 of the following year 8:30-17:00, stop admission at 16:00