3-Day Travel Guide to Jinyun, Zhejiang

There is a treasure trove of tourist attractions in Zhejiang, located in Jinyun County, Lishui. The scenic spots in Xiandu are absolutely stunning and unrivaled in central Zhejiang. It’s a true paradise, perfect for a three-day trip. Yanxia Stone Village, Heyang Ancient Residences, and Xiandu Scenic Area are all excellent places to visit.

First Stop: Yanxia Stone Village

Yanxia Stone Village is located in Hutou Town, Jinyun County. It’s not technically a “scenic spot”, but rather a village where local people reside. However, it’s more interesting than many so-called A-level scenic spots and holds stories that many attractions lack.

As its name suggests, this village is entirely built with “stone”. Upon entering Yanxia Stone Village, you’ll see a variety of stones – stone-paved roads, stone-built walls, stone houses, stone bridges, and stone-made doors. For photography enthusiasts, this place is a haven for capturing beautiful shots, full of aesthetic appeal.

According to local residents, these stone houses are not only wind and rainproof but also warm in winter and cool in summer, offering a more comfortable living experience than city apartments. It’s truly a remarkable feat!

A winding stream runs through the middle of Yanxia Stone Village, flowing from the mountain through the village to the downstream. Several stone bridges are built over the stream, making it a picturesque sight. This is a great spot for taking portrait photos. As you walk across the stone bridges into the residential area, you’ll encounter numerous elderly men and women basking in the sun. Locals greet you with smiles when they see your camera, creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere – a true sense of paradise.

Since this village remains unconverted into a commercialized scenic spot, there are no shopping places. However, dining, accommodation, and parking are quite convenient. A large parking lot is located at the village entrance, alongside a great shop selling “Jinyun flatbread”. They’re freshly made and incredibly delicious. Order a bowl of small wonton soup to go with it – the perfect combination!

The village is quite small, and it only takes about three hours to explore. Of course, if you have the time, you can follow the small path behind the village towards the mountain. The walk will take longer, but you’ll pass through a stunning bamboo forest and stream, both excellent places to capture photos. Reaching the summit will reveal a breathtaking “Cliff Waterfall”, which was even used as a filming location for a TV series.

Second Stop: Heyang Ancient Residences

This year, besides “Awakening Age”, my favorite short drama was “Ideal Illuminates China”. I was thrilled to discover that Heyang Ancient Residences, the filming location for Chen Wangdao and Jiangliu’s hometowns in the drama, is right here in Jinyun County! The scenery in that episode was absolutely breathtaking, so I wanted to share it with you all. Come quickly, before it becomes too crowded!

The entire Heyang Ancient Residences village is primarily populated by the Zhu family. It is said that their lineage originated during the distant Wu Yue Kingdom period and has been passed down for 42 generations, spanning over a thousand years. Since their ancestral home is in Xinyang City, Henan, they named the village “Heyang”.

As a Zhejiang Provincial-level historical and cultural protection zone, Heyang Ancient Residences is also a representative 4A-level tourist attraction in Jinyun County. It boasts a history of over a thousand years, with numerous ancient buildings throughout the village, making it a sight to behold and a must-visit destination.

Heyang is a land of outstanding talents and deep cultural heritage. It can be considered a “living history book”. According to village documents, the Zhu family alone produced eight jinshi (successful candidates in the imperial examinations). A special “Eight Scholars’ Gate” was built on the Ming and Qing Dynasty old streets to commemorate this achievement.

Many in the village served as officials or merchants, contributing to their prosperity over the millennia. The wealthy families constructed numerous courtyards, which now serve as iconic attractions. Among them, the “Xuzhu Ancestral Hall” is the most prominent. This Suzhou-style garden-like ancestral hall stands at the entrance of the village and is renowned as the most architecturally impressive among the 15 existing ancient ancestral halls in Heyang Ancient Residences. The various unique eaves carvings will leave you in awe.

Heyang Ancient Residences is known as “Eight Hundred Smoke-filled Kitchens, Three Thousand People”. Over a hundred Ming and Qing Dynasty residences remain. Stepping inside is like time travel, with countless ancient objects providing unique experiences. What makes it even more special is that, despite being awarded a 4A-level tourist attraction, Heyang Ancient Residences retains its authentic charm. You’ll be greeted with smiles everywhere you go, and the cost of food, lodging, and transportation is significantly lower than other scenic spots. You might even spot elderly people doing laundry by the pond – who wouldn’t love this sight? So, pack your bags and head to Heyang! This is a truly wonderful place.

Third Stop: Xiandu Dinghu Peak

Xiandu, Jinyun, A Celestial Realm

The “Xiandu Scenic Area” in Jinyun County, Lishui, Zhejiang, is said to be the site where the Yellow Emperor ascended to heaven. It possesses a certain spiritual aura. Furthermore, the name “Xiandu” was bestowed by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty himself, making it unique among China’s many scenic areas.

The Jinyun “Xiandu Scenic Area” is renowned for its spectacular peaks and rocks, picturesque mountains and waters, and rich local historical and cultural customs. It has been developed into a comprehensive national key scenic spot and a 5A-level tourist attraction. The entire park covers a vast area and features numerous attractions, both large and small. My visit focused on its core representative – the “Dinghu Peak”.

Dinghu Peak is hailed as the “No. 1 Bamboo Shoot in the World”. It resembles a massive bamboo shoot rising from the ground. It stands at a height of 170 meters and covers a base area of 2,787 square meters. What’s truly magical is that, within a 700-square meter area at the top of Dinghu Peak, there lies a small lake hidden beneath the pines. It can be observed using a drone or by climbing to the viewing pavilion on the adjacent mountain. The Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi wrote the lines, “Sometimes the wind stirs the waves of Dinghu Lake, scattering into raindrops on a clear sky”, to describe this extraordinary wonder. If you’re lucky, you might witness the scene described in the poem.

At the foot of Dinghu Peak lies the “No. 1 Yellow Emperor Temple in the World”. This was one of the three main palaces of the Yellow Emperor and is believed to be where he ascended to heaven on a dragon.

The temple was built in 326 AD, making it almost two thousand years old. It echoes the Yellow Emperor’s Mausoleum in Shaanxi, creating a “Northern Mausoleum, Southern Temple” layout. The Yellow Emperor Temple mainly features humanistic landscapes, with numerous exquisite classical buildings. Many costume dramas have been filmed here. You can search online for celebrity-inspired photo poses.

Beyond this, the national intangible cultural heritage project “Xuan Yuan Festival” is a must-see. The grand sacrificial ceremony and captivating performance will leave you in awe. The show starts at 9:30 AM in June, but be sure to check with the scenic area when you enter, as the time may vary.

Fourth Stop: Dufen Academy + Chuyang Valley

Dufen Academy and Chuyang Valley Scenic Area are adjacent sites located on the Jinyun Most Beautiful Trail. They face the stream and have a mountain behind them, offering a prime location and stunning scenery. The origins of Dufen Academy are particularly remarkable. It was the site of lectures by Zhu Xi, a leading figure in Neo-Confucianism, making it a place with over a thousand years of historical legacy.

Furthermore, Dufen Academy is an excellent location for photography. Various spots are ideal for portrait photos. Couples, don’t forget to capture memories together!

Chuyang Valley is just a few dozen meters away from Dufen Academy. This site is also a literary paradise, with countless treasures left by poets and scholars throughout history. If you’re passionate about ancient poetry and calligraphy, you’re sure to find fulfillment on this journey.

Beyond these two representative attractions, the Jinyun Most Beautiful Trail features numerous other must-visit spots. Discover them on your visit.

Fifth Stop: Jinyun Small Red Cliffs

When you hear “Red Cliffs”, you probably think of the Three Kingdoms relic in Hubei. However, Jinyun also has its own “Red Cliffs”, albeit a “Small Red Cliffs”. It’s located in Xiandu’s Xiyang Village, with mountains to the left and a river to the right, creating a breathtakingly perilous landscape, reminiscent of the “Difficult Path to Shu”.

The most iconic part of the Small Red Cliffs is the Dragon Cultivation Road, shown in the two photos I’ve included. Many people have shared photos on the internet, so search for them and see how beautiful this view is. The surrounding area also features small attractions like the Mother-in-Law Rock and the Uncle’s Sedan Chair Rock, each with its own historical anecdote. Take a look at the picture and text materials or ask a tour guide for explanations – they’re packed with stories.

A walk through the Small Red Cliffs takes about 20 minutes. However, this short 400-meter path is quite strenuous. As the saying goes, “The Path to Shu is difficult, as hard as ascending to heaven”. The Small Red Cliffs might not be as perilous as the Path to Shu, but it’s still a challenging trek. Women should avoid high heels and skirts, opting for comfortable attire.

The mountains are clear and the waters are pristine. A journey through this wonderful place is truly rewarding!

Sixth Stop: Tianmenping Rafting

The “Tianmenping Rafting” is located in Sanxi Township, Jinyun. It’s also one of the “Top Ten Beautiful Villages in Zhejiang”, no wonder the village looks so picturesque from the aerial view!

Utilizing its unique natural terrain, Tianmenping Rafting has created a nearly 3-kilometer long natural waterway. As Jinyun County’s “First Canyon Rafting Experience”, it drew in a significant number of tourists upon opening. It’s the perfect time to come and enjoy the water with the scorching summer heat. The waterway with its 4-meter drop will provide a thrilling experience as you cool off this summer.

While the rafting is certainly exciting, some travelers may be hesitant about getting wet. Don’t worry! At the beautiful starting point of Tianmenping, there’s a canyon lake and romantic pink sandy beach, along with various recreational activities like archery, water golf, kayaking, and glass boats – all guaranteeing an enjoyable experience.

Seventh Stop: Xiandu Homestay

On my first trip to Jinyun County, Zhejiang, I visited the renowned paradise, the Xiandu Scenic Area. The stunning scenery along the way was truly captivating – a day of pure visual delight.

The daytime natural beauty was already satisfying, and the nights couldn’t be any less impressive. This time, I booked the “Jingtai Yinshu Homestay”, located at the entrance of Xiandu’s core scenic area, Dinghu Peak. It’s just a 3-minute walk from the scenic area, offering convenient access. The garden-style homestay is exceptionally beautiful, with charming details perfect for capturing photos. The interior design is top-notch, making it a truly delightful stay.

What’s even better is that the homestay boasts a large viewing platform and a “Sky Bar”. After watching the sunset, you can come here and relax with grilled skewers, ice-cold beer, moonlight, stars, and gentle evening breezes. This vacation experience is truly incredible!

Highlights: A sky viewing bar, unique tatami bedding, a view of Xiandu’s core landscapes just beyond your balcony, breathtaking vistas, and nighttime barbeque and live music on the rooftop, creating an exceptional ambiance.
Hotel Environment: A garden-style public area, unique Japanese-style room layout, a delicious breakfast, and stunning views, all at an excellent price. However, the only drawback is that the lush surroundings attract many mosquitos, so wear long sleeves and pants and apply mosquito repellent.

Detailed Address: Opposite the main entrance to Dinghu Peak in Xiandu Scenic Area, Jinyun County, Zhejiang Province. Walk into the village and follow the first road uphill to find it.
Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Jinyun West Station and transfer to the tourist shuttle bus going to Xiandu Scenic Area. Driving is also convenient, as it’s only a 25-minute drive from the high-speed rail station.

Jinyun is truly an underestimated travel treasure. If you have the time, come and explore it. You won’t be disappointed by the scenery. I’ve only seen a small portion of Jinyun County and have already encountered so many wonderful places. Imagine how amazing it would be to see it all! No wonder so many celebrities have visited this year – it’s truly impressive!