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Enjoy boat rides on the river, explore the surrounding scenic areas, visit local villages, and experience traditional fishing methods. Hiking the nearby trails and visiting local temples are also popular activities.
Nanxi River is known as the "Cradle of Chinese Landscape Painting" and is famous for its unique features of "beautiful water, strange rocks, numerous waterfalls, ancient villages, and beautiful beaches and forests". It is the only national scenic spot in my country that is famous for its pastoral landscape.
It still retains cultural relics from the Neolithic Age, ancient towers, bridges, road pavilions, archways and battlefields from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, and ancient villages built based on the "Seven Stars and Eight Buckets" and "Four Treasures of the Study" as well as the Yin-Yang Feng Shui concepts; and a large number of complete genealogies and family trees of hundreds of family names.
Spring and autumn are the most beautiful seasons for the Nanxi River, and are also the peak tourist seasons. With its picturesque scenery and pleasant climate, the Nanxi River feels like spring all year round.
Shiweiyan Scenic Area
Located in the northeastern part of the Nanxi River Scenic Area, in the canyon of Xia'ao Village in Hesheng Township, Shimai Rock rises from the sky, earning it the reputation of "the Pillar of Heaven in Southern Zhejiang" and the crown of China. A 306-meter-tall, pale red boulder, its summit resembles twin lotus buds, towering side by side and resembling a ship's mast, hence the name Shimai Rock.
Lion Rock
Located in the Dananxi Scenic Area, these two small islands are nestled in the Qiantan Lake of Xi'an Village, Yantou Town. Standing on the shore, the peculiar rocks in the water look like lions playing with a ball, hence the name Lion Rock. This enchanting scenery is a natural bonsai of the Nanxi River. One of the Lion Rock islands resembles a lion, its body clad in jagged rocks, its head held high and mouth open, facing the current. The other island, named "Lion Ball Island," is shaped like a ball, covered in dense trees and lush grass. The river breeze sways the treetops, resembling a lion ball rolling.
Recommended play time: about 1-2 days
Nanxi River tickets are divided into combined tickets and single tickets. If you are considering an in-depth tour or a panoramic tour of the Nanxi River, it is more cost-effective to choose a combined ticket. If you only stay in Nanxi River for 2-3 days, it is more appropriate to buy a single ticket or choose a combined ticket for a single scenic spot.
Combination Tickets : The Dayuoyan Scenic Area combo ticket costs 100 yuan per person and includes access to the five separately ticketed attractions: Yaxiaku, Shimen Terrace, Twelve Peaks, Taogong Cave, and Daitou Ancient Village. Ticket holders can enjoy the area for three days. The Yantou Historical and Cultural Town Scenic Area ticket costs 40 yuan per person and includes access to the three attractions: Lishui Street, Furong Ancient Village, and Cangpo Ancient Village. Ticket holders can enjoy the area for two days.
Single ticket : Nanxi River scenic viewpoint: 10 yuan; Shiwei Rock: 50 yuan; Longwan Lake: 50 yuan; Jiuji Shimen Terrace: 30 yuan; Twelve Peaks: 30 yuan; Nanxi River Taogong Temple: 10 yuan; Furong Ancient Town: 20 yuan; Cangpo Folk Museum: 10 yuan; Lishui Street: 15 yuan; Taiping Rock: 10 yuan; Yaxiaku: 50 yuan; Wedding performance: 10 yuan; Chen Yuzhi Memorial Hall: 3 yuan; Longpu Fairy Cave: 25 yuan; Yongjia Painting and Calligraphy Academy and Zhou Yongkang Art Museum: 5 yuan.
All day
Nanxi River is renowned for its natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage. The river is part of the larger Nanxi River Scenic Area, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich biodiversity, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism and cultural exploration.
Located in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, Nanxi River is accessible by bus or taxi from the city center. There are also private transport options for tourists coming from other areas in Zhejiang province.
Nanxi River is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring and autumn for pleasant weather and vibrant natural scenery. Summer is also popular, but it can get crowded.
The entrance fee for the Nanxi River Scenic Area is typically around 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, but some online platforms may also offer ticket options for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but during peak seasons, it may be a good idea to reserve tickets online to avoid waiting in line.
Expect to spend around 3-4 hours to explore the main sights along the river and surrounding areas. For a more leisurely visit with hiking, plan for a half-day or full-day trip.
The must-see spots include the serene river views, traditional wooden bridges, nearby villages, and the scenic hiking trails. The river is also famous for its vibrant green waters and rich ecosystem.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some English-speaking guides may be found. Audio guides are not widely available, so having a local guide can enhance the experience.
Best photography spots include the panoramic views from the surrounding hills, the river from the traditional bridges, and the peaceful reflection of trees and mountains in the water.
Start at the river's entrance, enjoy a boat ride or hike along the river, visit a local village, and explore nearby temples. A loop around the scenic spots and a hike through the surrounding hills is a great way to explore the area.
Night visits are not typically available, and light shows are not a part of the regular offerings. However, special cultural events may occur during festivals or weekends.
The area can get crowded during weekends and holidays. Weekdays and early mornings are the best times to avoid the crowds.
There are basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas along the river. Food and drinks are available from local vendors and small restaurants near the scenic spots.
The terrain is mostly natural, with some hiking trails that may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children can enjoy the area with parental supervision, especially the boat rides.
Cash is widely accepted, and mobile payment options such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also commonly used. Credit cards may not be accepted at all locations.
Local restaurants and cafes serving traditional Chinese food, including seafood and rice dishes, are available in the surrounding area. There are also some street food vendors near the riverbanks.
Vegetarian food is available in some of the local restaurants, but vegan or halal options may be limited in this rural area. It's best to check in advance if you have specific dietary requirements.
There are a few guesthouses and mid-range hotels near Wenzhou, as well as homestays in local villages. For a more luxurious experience, consider staying in a hotel in Wenzhou city and taking a day trip to the river.
Nearby attractions include the Wenzhou Museum, the Yandang Mountain, and scenic spots like Jiangxin Island and Nanxi River's tributaries.
Yes, souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, tea, and traditional Chinese items such as silk products and wooden carvings. Tea from the surrounding areas is also a popular souvenir.
After visiting Nanxi River, you can continue your trip by taxi or local bus. The nearest train station is in Wenzhou, which provides access to other parts of Zhejiang Province and beyond.
