Day Trips from Lishui. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Several attractions lie within a short day trip from Lishui city, each offering a different kind of experience. Consider booking your day trips through GetYourGuide's day trip section for convenience.

Accessible Locations Within Day-Trip Distance:

Xiandu Scenic Area (缙云仙都): Approximately 1 hour drive.
Guyan Huaxiang Scenic Area (古堰画乡): Approximately 30-40 minutes drive.
Yunhe Rice Terraces (云和梯田): Approximately 1.5-2 hours drive one way.
Longquan (龙泉): Approximately 1.5-2 hours drive for celadon and sword culture.
Jingning She Autonomous County (景宁畲族自治县): Approximately 1.5-2 hours drive for She minority culture.

Planning Your Outing

Transportation: Public buses, taxis (Didi), or private cars are options for Xiandu and Guyan Huaxiang. For Yunhe, Longquan, and Jingning, long-distance buses or private transport are also suitable.
Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel: Independent travel offers flexibility but a tour may suit those with language concerns. Local agencies arrange tours.
Time Allotment: Plan a full day for each major site like Xiandu or Yunhe. Combining Xiandu and Guyan Huaxiang requires an early start and private transport.
Suggested Itineraries: Xiandu/Guyan Huaxiang: Full day each. Yunhe Rice Terraces: Full day, depart early for best light. Longquan/Jingning: Full day for 1-2 attractions.

Natural Escapes

Lishui's surroundings present various natural retreats, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking picturesque scenery and tranquility.

Protected Areas & Reserves

Lishui is home to significant biodiversity hotspots where natural beauty can be experienced.

Nature Reserves

Qingyuan Baishanzu National Nature Reserve: A significant area for biodiversity, with opportunities for hiking in surrounding zones.
Fengyang Mountain-Baishanzu National Nature Reserve: Pristine mountain landscapes, similar to Baishanzu.
While core areas are restricted, other parts of these reserves are open to visitors for natural immersion.

Diverse Landscapes

The region offers varied scenic beauty from terraced fields to river valleys and ancient villages.

Landscapes & Rural Charm

Scenic Views: Xiandu's karst peaks, Guyan Huaxiang's riverine charm, and Yunhe's terraced fields stand out.
Rural Areas: Ancient villages in Songyang County or She minority villages in Jingning present immersive rural experiences.
The entire Lishui prefecture has mountainous ground with numerous opportunities for exploration.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Yunhe Rice Terraces

Late Spring (May-June): Water fills the fields, creating stunning reflections.
Autumn (September-October): The fields turn golden, ideal for harvest scenery.
Consider Weather: Heavy raduring the month of may reduce visibility.
Early Morning: Best for photography plus tranquil views.

Waterfalls

Summer Monsoon Season: Cascades are at their most spectacular due to increased flow.
Be prepared for rain if visiting during this period.
Check local weather for safety during heavy rains or storms.
Less impressive during drier seasons.

Planning for Outdoor Experiences

Footwear:Comfortable hiking shoes it is advisable to for highland and terrace visits.
Hydration:Carry water, especially during warmer months.
Navigation:Offline maps (e.g., Baidu Maps or Amap) are beneficial.
Sun Protection:Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are useful.

Layered Clothing:Weather can change rapidly in mountainous areas.
Camera Equipment:Extra batteries and memory cards are often appreciated.
Local Guides:Consider a local guide for understanding nature.
Trail Markings:Stay on marked trails for safety and conservation.

Traveler Tip

Many outdoor attractions may not have extensive English signage. A translation app or local guide can enrich your exploration.

Cultural Excursions

Venture beyond the city to uncover historical sites, traditional villages, and unique cultural experiences.

Historical Sites

Explore Longquan's rich heritage of celadon porcelain and ancient kiln sites, offering a glimpse into centuries of craftsmanship.

Rural Villages

Visit Songyang's well-preserved ancient villages like Pingshan or Yangjiatang for a step back in time, or Jingning for She minority culture.

Agricultural Areas

Discover local tea plantations, like Dajian Mountain Tea Garden, for a taste of Lishui's agricultural traditions.

Longquan Celadon & Swords

Longquan is famed for its exquisite celadon porcelain and traditional sword-making.

What to See & Do

Visit the Longquan Celadon Museum to trace the history and artistry.
Explore ancient kiln sites to witness the traditional production process.
Learn about the craft of Longquan swords, known for their sharpness and elegance.

Songyang Ancient Villages

Songyang County houses a cluster of traditional villages recognized for their preservation.

Village Exploration

Wander through villages like Pingshan, Yangjiatang, or Cengkeng.
Engage with local residents and observe traditional rural life.
Many villages present picturesque scenes for photography.

She Minority Culture in Jingning

Cultural Immersion:Experience the unique traditions of the She ethnic minority.

Architecture:Discover distinctive She minority architecture in traditional villages.

Local Activities:Opportunities for regional pastimes if arranged with a guide.

Cuisine:Taste unique She minority dishes.

Festivals:If dates align, experience traditional She festivals.

Handicrafts:Look for local She handicrafts as souvenirs.

Pilgrimage Note

Lishui city itself features temples on Mount Nanming.
On a national scale, Lishui does not serve as a major pilgrimage site.
For specific religious interests, consult local sources.
Local temples are often peaceful places for quiet reflection.
Observe considerate actions in all religious settings.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your journey to neighboring regions for a exploration of Zhejiang and outside the area.

Adding 1-3 Days

Extra time allows for a slower speed and a fuller immersion into specific areas.

Extension Options

Songyang County (2-3 days): Explore multiple ancient villages and stay in a traditional guesthouse.
Jingning She Autonomous County (2-3 days): Focus on She minority culture, hiking, and remote mountainous zones.
Yunhe Terraces (Add a day): Stay overnight for sunset and sunrise views over the rice terraces.

Logical Next Destinations

Lishui serves as a gateway to other prominent cities and natural wonders in Eastern China.

Popular Connections

Hangzhou: Provincial capital known for West Lake and tea culture. Reachable by high-speed train.
Wenzhou: A coastal city with a distinct culture and food, accessible by high-speed train.
Shanghai: Major international metropolis, about 2.5-3 hours by high-speed train.

Transportation Connections

Lishui's transportation network facilitates onward travel to major destinations.

Connecting from Lishui

High-speed rail from Lishui Railway Station connections to Hangzhou, Shanghai, Wenzhou, and Fuzhou.
Long-distance there are buses from Lishui to various provincial destinations.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): Reachable via coach or train connections, an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Suggested Regional Routes

Regional Exploration

Zhejiang Loop: Begin in Hangzhou, visit Lishui (Yunhe, Xiandu, Guyan Huaxiang), then potentially Wenzhou, returning to Hangzhou or continuing to Shanghai.
Eastern China Cultural Route: Combine Lishui with Fuzhou (Fujian), Wuyishan (Fujian), then travel north to Jiangxi or Anhui.
A private driver can ease travel between these destinations.

Explore Diverse Interests

Each region surrounding Lishui has opportunities for different travel interests.

History Enthusiasts

Longquan's celadon history and Songyang's ancient villages offer deep historical dives.

Nature Lovers

Yunhe's terraces, Xiandu's peaks, and Baishanzu's reserves await.

Culture Seekers

Jingning She Autonomous County contains one-of-a-kind ethnic minority traditions.

Advanced Planning for Long Trips

For multi-day or regional travel, securing high-speed rail tickets and accommodation in advance is a very good idea, especially in the high season.

Getting Around Lishui Region

Navigating Lishui and its surrounding areas can be done through various local ways of getting around.

Local Transport Options

1

Public Buses

An economical way to move within Lishui city and to nearby towns/scenic areas. Check routes and schedules locally.

2

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Readily available in Lishui city. Use ride-sharing apps like Didi for convenience and transparent pricing. Essential for reaching a few remote spots.

3

Private Cars / Tours

For maximum flexibility, especially for multi-stop day trips or accessing less connected areas, hiring a private car with a driver is an option.

Navigation Tips

Baidu Maps / Amap: These local navigation apps are more dependable in China than international alternatives. Download offline maps.
Mandarin: A basic grasp of Mandarin phrases for directions or showing characters of your destination is beneficial.
Local Advice: Hotel staff or guesthouse hosts can offer valuable guidance on the best transport options.
Translation Apps: Have a translation app ready to assist with communication with vehicle pilots.
WeChat: Often used for payment and communication with local services.
Early Departure: Starting early can reduce travel time and crowds, especially for popular sites.

Safety and Logistics

Proof of Identity: Always carry your passport, as it may be required for bus tickets or check-ins.
Cash/Digital Pay: While digital payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widespread, a small amount of cash is good for rural areas.
Book in Advance: For popular routes or during holidays, book bus or train tickets ahead of time.
Emergency Contacts: Keep local emergency numbers and your embassy/consulate information accessible.
Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance for unexpected situations.
Check Schedules: Public transport schedules can vary and may be reduced on weekends or holidays.

Accessibility Considerations

Limited Infrastructure

Older areas and many natural sites might not have ramps or easy-to-access facilities.

Newer Facilities

Modern hotels, malls, and high-speed train stations generally offer better accessibility.

Pre-Check for Attractions

Verify accessibility directly with specific attractions or hotels if specific requirements are present.

Local Travel Advisory

For efficient and comfortable travel, especially to multiple sites outside the city, a private car hire or organized tour often has the most straightforward option.

Day Trips from Lishui