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Things to Do in Lishui

Things to Do in Lishui

Lishui Zhejiang, China Travel Guide

Outdoor Explorations

Embrace Lishui's natural landscapes through various outdoor activities.

Hiking & Trekking

Xiandu Scenic Area

Provides different hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging ascents to viewpoints like Dinghu Peak.

Yunhe Rice Terraces

Numerous paths for walking through the terraces, ranging from easy strolls to moderate hikes.

Baishanzu National Nature Reserve

Provides serious trekking options for experienced hikers, with challenging mountain trails.

Water & Adventure Sports

  • Bamboo Rafting: Available in some sections of the Jinyun River within Xiandu Scenic Area.
  • Boating: Scenic boat excursions on the Oujiang River (e.g., Guyan Huaxiang).
  • Rafting: Some rivers in mountainous counties (e.g., Suichang) at times have seasonal whitewater rafting.

Cycling Routes

  • Pleasant cycling routes along the Oujiang River.
  • Around scenic areas like Guyan Huaxiang.

Mountain Biking

  • Opportunities on rural roads and trails in mountainous counties.
  • Dedicated mountain biking public parks are rare.

Wildlife Viewing

  • Lishui is not a typical safari destination.
  • Wildlife viewing is opportunistic within nature reserves (e.g., Baishanzu).
  • Birdwatching can be rewarding.

Important Note for Trekking

Access to deep remote natural areas in nature reserves sometimes requires permits. Always check local regulations.

Cultural Connections

Connect with Lishui's rich heritage through workshops, performances, and community interactions.

Hands-on Workshops

  • Longquan Celadon Workshops: Observe production, sometimes make/glaze pieces.
  • Wood Carving Workshops: Observe demonstrations or take basic classes.
  • Art Studios in Guyan Huaxiang: Short painting or calligraphy lessons available.

Local Traditions

She Ethnic Minority Performances

In Jingning She Autonomous County, cultural centers sometimes arrange traditional She songs, dances, and ceremonies.

Local Opera

Occasionally performed at the Lishui Grand Theater or during local festivals, offering a glimpse into regional theater and dance.

Community-Based Tourism

Homestays (nongjiale) in rural villages and She minority areas offer direct interaction with local families and customs.

She "San Yue San" Festival

Most important festival for the She people, with traditional songs, dances, and dark rice. (Third Day of the Third Lunar Month).

Local Harvest Festivals

Seasonal festivals celebrate local produce, offering a taste of Lishui's agricultural bounty.

Lishui Photography Festival

Held biennially, this festival attracts photographers and enthusiasts from around the world.

Relaxation & Rejuvenation

Find opportunities for rest and rejuvenation amidst Lishui's serene environment.

Wellness Services

  • Spa and Wellness Centers: Higher-end hotels sometimes offer spa services.
  • Hot Springs: Resorts like Wuyanling Hot Spring in Suichang County offer natural baths.
  • Traditional Healing Practices: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics are available.

Mind & Body

Yoga and Meditation

Specialized retreats are limited in Lishui. This is not a prominent feature of Lishui tourism.

Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM

TCM clinics in Lishui hospitals offer acupuncture, cupping, or herbal remedies.

Pools & Aquatic Facilities

No sandy shores in Lishui. Some hotels sometimes have indoor or outdoor swimming pools for guests.

Featured Wellness Spots

Wuyanling Hot Spring

Located in Suichang County, offering natural hot spring baths for relaxation.

Local TCM Clinics

Consult with local practitioners for traditional healing practices and remedies.

Hotel Spas

Higher-end hotels in Lishui city sometimes provide a range of spa services.

Evening & Entertainment

Lishui's nightlife offers local entertainment options, which differ from major international cities.

Evening Entertainment

  • Live Music Venues: Limited options, KTV (Karaoke Television) saloons are popular.
  • Theater and Performance Spaces: Lishui Grand Theater hosts various performances.
  • Nightclubs and Dancing: Few nightclubs exist, typically catering to a local, younger crowd.

Local Pastimes

Karaoke KTV

KTV is a very popular local pastime and can be found throughout the city. A common social activity.

Late-Night Dining

Some restaurants stay open late, offering opportunities for late-night meals and snacks.

Local Bars

No dedicated "bar districts" exist, however standalone bars can be found in the city center.

Cultural Events

  • Check Lishui Grand Theater for local opera or dance.
  • Occasional traditional performances during festivals.

KTV Fun

  • Experience a popular Chinese pastime.
  • Plenty of KTV establishments in the city.

Late-Night Bites

  • Many local eateries stay open late.
  • Enjoy street cuisine in bustling night markets.

Planning Your Evening

Local Focus
  • Nightlife caters mainly to local residents.
  • It differs significantly from major international cities.
  • A language barrier sometimes has a challenge.
Engagement
  • For a relaxed evening, explore local restaurants or small bars.
  • Consider KTV for an interactive and fun local experience.
  • Check local listings for cultural performances at the Grand Theater.

Pro-Tip for Nightlife

For live music beyond KTV, some larger hotels sometimes have a lobby bar with occasional performances.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Highlights

  • Explore hiking trails in Xiandu or Yunhe Rice Terraces.
  • Enjoy bamboo rafting on Jinyun River or scenic boat trips on Oujiang River.
  • Pedal along the Oujiang River or explore rural roads.
  • Birdwatching within nature reserves.

Cultural & Relaxation Pursuits

  • Visit Longquan Celadon workshops or art studio apartments in Guyan Huaxiang.
  • Immerse in She racial minority culture through homestays and performances.
  • Seek relaxation at natural hot springs or local TCM clinics.
  • Explore local markets for unique crafts and souvenirs like Longquan Celadon.