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The Guyan Painting Village Scenic Area is located in Bihu Town and Dagangtou Town, Liandu District, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province. The core area includes Dagangtou, Yantou, Pingdi and Baoding. It is a famous Chinese art sketching base and the main photography creation base of China's photography hometown.
The area is dotted with historical and cultural relics, including clusters of ancient camphor trees, ancient towns, villages, ancient celadon kiln sites, ancient steles, and Song Dynasty tombs. The ancient town of Dagangtou was a key shipping hub in ancient Zhejiang and a landmark of the Guyan Painting Village. The town's ancient streets are built along the river, and a row of "beauty chairs" still stand, offering a breathtaking view of the river. Beginning in the 1980s, a group of painters and photographers, drawing on the techniques of the French Barbizon School, came to Bihu, Dagangtou, and other places to sketch and create, gradually establishing the Lishui Barbizon School.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Best in spring and summer
Combined ticket: 40 RMB
Dagangtou: 20 RMB
Weir head: 20 RMB
One-way boat tour: RMB 10
08:30-16:30 (Summer)
08:30-16:00 (winter)
Guyan Painting Village in Zhejiang has gained popularity for its unique combination of traditional Chinese art and rural life. The village is known for its long history of painting culture, where local artists have continuously contributed to the local art scene. The paintings on village walls reflect the culture, history, and daily life of the people, making it a living art gallery.
Guyan Painting Village is located in Lishui, Zhejiang. The easiest way to get there is by taking a bus or taxi from Lishui city center. For those driving, the village is accessible by car and can be reached in about 30-45 minutes from downtown Lishui.
The village is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild. Opening hours are generally from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but this may vary depending on the season and specific events. It's recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
Entrance to Guyan Painting Village is free, but certain art galleries or workshops may charge a fee for entry or participation in painting classes. Tickets, if applicable, are typically purchased on-site.
No advance booking is typically required, except for special art workshops or events. If you wish to join a workshop or guided tour, it's recommended to book 1-2 days in advance, especially during busy seasons.
It takes about 2-3 hours to fully explore Guyan Painting Village, depending on how much time you spend in the galleries or participating in activities like painting workshops. For a more leisurely visit, you may want to allocate half a day.
Guided tours are available, and they are typically conducted in Mandarin. It's advisable to request an English-speaking guide in advance, as they may not be readily available. Audio guides are generally not offered at the village.
Start at the village entrance and take a stroll through the central square. Walk along the main streets to explore the murals on the walls of the buildings. Then, visit the galleries and attend any art workshops. End your visit by relaxing at a local café or enjoying the scenic countryside views.
Night visits are not typically available. The village is primarily a daytime attraction, and there are no regular light shows or special night events. However, the murals are sometimes illuminated at night, providing a different atmosphere for photography if you're nearby after dark.
The village can get crowded on weekends and public holidays, especially during art festivals or events. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when fewer tourists are around.
The village has basic facilities including toilets, rest areas, and small local food stalls. There are no large restaurants or shops inside the village, but you can find local eateries and souvenir shops in the nearby town.
The village is generally accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, some of the streets and alleyways may be narrow or uneven, so people with mobility issues may find some parts of the village challenging to navigate. It’s best to plan for a slower pace if needed.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are more commonly used. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it's best to carry cash or use mobile payments during your visit.
There are a few local eateries and small cafés in the nearby town of Lishui, where you can enjoy local Zhejiang cuisine, including seafood and vegetarian dishes. The village itself has a few small snack stalls but no formal restaurants.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants, but vegan and halal food options may be more limited. It’s a good idea to check with the restaurant staff about specific dietary preferences before ordering.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels in Lishui city, about a 30-45 minute drive from the village. For a more immersive experience, you can also consider staying at local homestays or guesthouses in the area.
There are small souvenir shops near the village where you can purchase local handicrafts, artwork, and paintings created by the village's artists. Popular items include painted scrolls, traditional Chinese art, and pottery.
After visiting Guyan Painting Village, you can take a bus or taxi back to Lishui city. From there, you can continue your journey to nearby attractions or take a bus to other cities in Zhejiang province.
