Today, I want to introduce you to a little-known secret paradise – Xiandu, which lies quietly in the embrace of Jinyun County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province.
Xiandu has an inexplicable connection with Zhang Ruoyun, the male protagonist of the TV series “Joy of Life.” He once filmed another masterpiece, “Sword Snow Stride,” here. The dreamlike scenery was so stunning that many people mistook it for post-production magic, but it was actually shot on location!
Xiandu, as its name suggests, is like a fairyland where immortals descend, and the air is filled with an otherworldly aura. In ancient times, it was called Jinyun Mountain and was said to be the place where the Yellow Emperor ascended to heaven, a gathering place for immortals. Nature’s masterful craftsmanship has endowed this land with endless charm.
With verdant mountains, rippling waters, and a profound cultural heritage, this place brings together the dual treasures of nature and humanity.
Dinghu Peak, in particular, is known as the “No. 1 Peak in the World,” soaring into the clouds with an awe-inspiring presence.
Whenever it’s misty and foggy, it appears like a giant ship sailing in the vast sea of clouds, appearing and disappearing, evoking endless imagination.
The great Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi once praised it in a poem: “The Yellow Emperor’s banner left and never returned, a lonely rock stands tall and solitary. Sometimes the wind stirs the waves of Dinghu Lake, scattering them into raindrops on a sunny day.” This is the most vivid portrayal of this fairyland.
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Lishui
When Xiandu is mentioned, the name Lishui naturally comes to mind.
This is a secluded wonderland hidden in the southern part of Zhejiang. The essence and characteristics of southern Zhejiang shine like pearls, and Lishui is a dazzling star in this brilliant galaxy.
Here, the air carries the freshness of the mountains, the mountains are dressed in emerald green, the rivers meander like silk ribbons, the lakes are clear as mirrors, and the fields are as wide as woven brocade.
This land undergoes seasonal changes, displaying a myriad of colors and different atmospheres, as if it were nature’s palette.
In spring, everything comes back to life, and peach blossoms spread across the mountains like pink clouds, making people feel as if they are in a dreamy fairyland;
In summer, the gentle breeze caresses the swaying lotuses on the lake, competing for beauty and charm, like a movement of life’s symphony, intoxicating those who witness it;
In autumn, the golden wind brings a refreshing coolness, and the red leaves are like a raging fire, covering the mountains and fields like burning flames, forming a magnificent painting;
In winter, the cold wind is harsh, and the mountaintops are wrapped in silver, covered in white snow, outlining a tranquil and magnificent winter scene.
The beauty of Lishui is like a flowing painting, always worth savoring and quietly awaiting.
In Guyantownscape, the most authentic Jiangnan charm is hidden within.
The water here is different from the ordinary “small bridge over flowing water”; it is the water of the 800-li Ou River, carrying a unique tenderness, like the soft, flowing hair of a Jiangnan woman, praised as the Lijiang River of East China, fully displaying the gentle beauty of a river like a green silk ribbon.
The thousand-year-old ancient trees by the river are nestled with the ancient town, and the deep alleys and streets of the ancient town crisscross like the root system of an old locust tree, tightly connecting the ancient dwellings with modern buildings.
Although tourists are scarce, every corner exudes a charming allure, worthy of your exploration.
The buildings in the ancient town are built along the river, which is an inherent characteristic of the water towns in Jiangnan, resembling an ink painting that makes people linger and forget to leave.
Strolling through the streets of Guyantownscape feels like traveling through a tunnel of time, returning to an ancient era where culture and landscapes coexisted. In the shops along the street, an elderly person is mending clothes with an old sewing machine, a scene that seems to tell ancient yet vivid stories.
The tranquil beauty of Guyantownscape makes you feel as if you are in a utopia, far away from the noise and complexity of the city.
Qingtian County, a place with over 300 years of immigration history, has more than 300,000 overseas Chinese scattered around the world. The county is filled with European-style architecture, exuding an exotic charm.
In the early years, Qingtian people crossed the ocean, and most of them settled in Europe. Nowadays, many of them have chosen to return to their homeland, leaving behind unique cultural imprints.
Even in the local farmers’ markets and among the elderly, you can sense a distinctive international atmosphere.
Mr. Jiang, an overseas Chinese who does business in Venice, shared his peculiar experience: once, when he returned to his hometown for the Spring Festival, he only had euros with him. To his surprise, the taxi driver also accepted payment in euros.
This experience is truly unique: unlike those deliberately constructed European-style attractions in China, the “Shanghai-style” ambiance here is a genuine representation of everyday life and is a part of every Qingtian person’s daily routine.
The density of coffee shops in the county is on par with that of Europe. These small shops are filled with the aroma of coffee and the fragrance of pizza, which is far more authentic and delightful than those grand Baroque buildings.
Yunhe Terraces, the largest terraced field group in East China, is known as “China’s Most Beautiful Terraces.”
These terraces are like green stairs on the earth, stacked one after another, extending from the foot of the mountain to the top, arranged in an orderly manner. Under the sunlight, the contours of the terraces are clearly visible against the sky, resembling the fingerprints of nature, leaving a deep impression on people.
Standing on the Nine Bends and Clouds, overlooking the layers of terraces, it feels like entering a colorful dreamland. The green rice fields and golden falling leaves intertwine, forming a magnificent painting that captures the heart and mind.
Longquan Mountain, a secret paradise in Lishui, is like a dazzling pearl embedded in the earth.
Its main peak, Huangmao Jian, stands tall and majestic, with an altitude of 1,929 meters, overlooking Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and is truly the crown of the peaks. The mountain is steep, with peaks and ridges piled up, as if it were a masterpiece carefully crafted by nature, giving people a sense of awe-inspiring grandeur.
In spring, Longquan Mountain is in full bloom, with flowers competing for beauty, as if it were the earth’s color palette, bursting with vibrant colors; in summer, the green trees provide shade, and the cool breeze brings a touch of coolness, making people feel refreshed; in autumn, the red leaves cover the mountain, dyeing the layers of forests, creating a poetic and picturesque scene that enchants people; and in winter, the white snow blankets the mountain, making it a silver-clad wonderland, like a fairy tale world that makes people linger and forget to leave.
Nanjianyan, a national first-class photography base, boasts enchanting scenery that needs no further explanation. Amidst the lush forests and bamboo groves, peaks stand tall and rugged, strange rocks abound, and valleys are deep and secluded. The flowing streams, cascading waterfalls, and the ever-changing sea of clouds create a serene and rustic atmosphere in the mountain villages.
The high-altitude terraced fields resemble steps on the earth, and the “One Line Sky” area maintains a pleasant temperature throughout the year, never exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal summer retreat.
Here, you can experience the incredible craftsmanship of nature and its endless charm. As the seasons change and the sea of clouds transforms, each transformation captivates the heart and makes it difficult to leave.
In spring, the fresh green of the terraced fields and the blooming flowers create a delightful contrast; in summer, the sea of clouds and the green vegetation merge into a beautiful painting; in autumn, the golden rice fields and the sea of clouds reflect each other’s brilliance, creating a breathtaking sight; and in winter, the snow-covered terraced fields and the sea of clouds complement each other, adding a touch of mystery and tranquility.
Yangjiawang Village, known as “the last secret land,” is a place where stepping into this ancient village feels like traveling back in time to a distant and beautiful era. The black-tiled houses with yellow walls are arranged in an orderly manner, and the winding paths are paved with bluestone. The ancient architecture and folk culture evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Walking through the narrow alleys of the village, it seems as if you can hear the rhythm of people’s lives and their laughter from years past. The simplicity and authenticity of the atmosphere are captivating.
The small stream in the village surrounds it like a jade belt, forming a beautiful feng shui layout. For hundreds of years, this village has enjoyed the protection and blessings of nature, avoiding geological disasters and maintaining its original ecological appearance.
The scenic pavilion is the best photography spot in Yangjiawang Village. Standing here, you can overlook the entire village. The golden houses glisten under the sunlight, resembling a beautiful painting. Even on rainy days, the village possesses a unique beauty and charm.
Henggang Village, on the other hand, is like a secluded hermit, beautiful and mysterious.
Every household here seems to live in a poetic painting, with water surrounding the flowers. Opening the windows, one can appreciate the lush green grass and the blooming flowers everywhere. The beauty here is naturally formed, requiring no deliberate embellishment, allowing people to experience the wonder and charm of nature.
“A thousand miles of warbling orioles, green reflecting red, water villages and mountain towns, and the wind of wine flags,” “Spring water bluer than the sky, a painted boat listens to the rain and sleeps,” “A small building listens to the spring rain all night, and apricot blossoms are sold in the deep alley the next morning.”
These poetic lines describing the beauty of Jiangnan can all be found in the real scenes of Lishui. It is as if the place is a ink painting in the world, with every stroke and every line filled with poetic meaning and historical atmosphere.
Therefore, if you have the opportunity, why not take a trip to Lishui? Here, you can experience the long-lost tranquility and serenity, and appreciate the beauty and mystery of nature. I believe this place will provide you with an unforgettable travel experience.
