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In Xiandu Scenic Area, visitors can enjoy the stunning natural landscapes, including the "Fairyland" rock formations and picturesque waterfalls. Hiking along the scenic trails is a must, and for a more immersive experience, visitors can explore the bamboo forests, ancient temples, and tranquil rivers. Don't miss the cable car ride for panoramic views of the area.
Xiandu Scenic Area is located 7 kilometers east of Jinyun County, Lishui City. It has the Nine-Bend Lianxi River and the Ten-Li Art Gallery. The mountains and rivers are elegant, shrouded in clouds and mist, and the countryside is full of wild fun. It combines the "beauty of Guilin, the wonder of Huangshan, and the danger of Huashan".
Famous since the Sui Dynasty, it is said that during the Tianbao period of the Tang Dynasty, colorful clouds swirled around the mountain, the valley was filled with music, and the forests were illuminated. At the time, the provincial governor Miao Fengqian reported this to Emperor Xuanzong, who exclaimed in amazement, "This is the city where immortals gather!" and personally wrote the words "Xiandu" (Xiandu). The fame of Xiandu lives on to this day.
Since the 1950s, Xiandu’s beautiful landscapes and pleasant cultural resources have been favored by film and television directors. Nearly a hundred film and television productions have been shot here, and it has been praised as a “natural studio”.
April to June is the best time to travel
Summer is a prime time for rafting in the beautiful mountains and rivers, offering a truly unique experience. Furthermore, every year on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, the Double Ninth Festival, Xiandu hosts a tourism and cultural festival. This lively event features memorials for Emperor Huangdi, mountaineering competitions, rock climbing contests, flying boat performances, and folk art performances, adding a unique touch of charm to the tranquility of the mountains.
The Xiandu Scenic Area encompasses the four major scenic areas of Xiandu, Huanglong, Yanmen, and Dayangshan, as well as over 300 sub-scenic spots, including Dinghu Peak, Niweng Cave, Xiao Chibi, Furong Gorge, Zhutan Mountain, and the Zhaohou Temple. The Nine-Bend Lianxi River and the Ten-Mile Art Gallery offer elegant scenery, shrouded in mist, and idyllic, wild charm, combining the beauty of Guilin, the wonders of Huangshan, and the dangers of Huashan. Dinghu Peak, in particular, is known as the "World's No. 1 Bamboo Shoot."
Recommended number of days for visiting: 1-2 days
Xiandu Scenic Area (including Dinghu Peak, Zhutan Mountain, Xiandu Temple, Xiao Chibi, and Niweng Cave) has a ticket price of 100 yuan per person.
7:30-17:00
Xiandu Scenic Area is known for its rich natural beauty and cultural significance. It has long been considered a "fairyland" in Chinese folklore, with its unique rock formations and scenic beauty inspiring poets and artists for centuries. The area is also home to several ancient temples and cultural sites, making it a blend of nature and history.
Xiandu Scenic Area is located in Lishui, Zhejiang Province. The best way to reach the area is by taxi or private car from the city center. There are also buses that can take you to the scenic area, but they may require transfers. The nearest city is Lishui, and from there, it's a short drive to the attraction.
The scenic area is open year-round, with opening hours typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Avoid peak seasons like Chinese New Year and national holidays when it can be crowded.
The entrance fee to Xiandu Scenic Area is approximately 100-150 RMB, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and some travel agencies offer online ticket sales as well, allowing for a more convenient experience.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it's recommended during peak seasons or holidays. You can book tickets online up to a week in advance to ensure availability, especially for guided tours or special activities like the cable car ride.
A visit to Xiandu Scenic Area typically takes about 3-4 hours. If you plan to hike and explore temples and other attractions in-depth, you might need up to 6 hours for a more leisurely experience.
Key highlights include the "Fairyland" rock formations, the beautiful waterfalls, and the ancient temples scattered throughout the area. The panoramic views from the cable car and the tranquil atmosphere of the bamboo forests are also a must-see.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer English-speaking services during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are also available for rent.
The best viewpoints include the cable car ride, which offers panoramic views of the entire scenic area, as well as the "Fairyland" rock formations. Other great photography spots are the serene riversides and the lush bamboo forests.
Start your visit with the cable car ride for an overview of the area. Then, head to the "Fairyland" rock formations, followed by a hike through the bamboo forests. Take a break at one of the temples, and end your visit at the tranquil river spots for a peaceful retreat.
Currently, night visits are not common in Xiandu Scenic Area, but the area is beautiful at sunset. There are no light shows, but some seasonal cultural events may take place, offering a unique experience in the evenings.
The area can get crowded during weekends, public holidays, and peak seasons. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays and off-peak seasons like autumn and winter.
The scenic area is equipped with public toilets, water refill stations, and rest areas along the trails. There are also food stalls and small shops offering local snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
While Xiandu Scenic Area is generally accessible, some parts of the attraction, especially the hiking trails and rocky areas, may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. There are paved paths, but a wheelchair may be difficult to navigate in certain spots.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Some smaller vendors might only accept cash, so it's advisable to carry some RMB in cash just in case.
There are a few local restaurants and food stalls around the entrance and inside the scenic area. These serve typical Zhejiang cuisine, including rice dishes, noodles, and local snacks. For a more comfortable dining experience, there are restaurants in nearby towns offering more extensive menus.
Vegetarian food options are available in some restaurants serving local Zhejiang dishes, though vegan options may be limited. Halal food options are not common in this area, but vegetarian dishes can serve as an alternative.
There are several accommodations near the scenic area, ranging from budget hotels to mid-range resorts. You can find options in Lishui city center or closer to the entrance of Xiandu Scenic Area, including hotels offering views of the surrounding mountains.
Nearby attractions include the ancient town of Jingning and the beautiful Nanxi River. These can be combined in a day trip, as they are within driving distance from Xiandu Scenic Area.
There are souvenir shops inside the scenic area selling items such as local handicrafts, tea, and small trinkets. Traditional items like bamboo crafts, silk products, and calligraphy art are popular souvenirs.
After visiting Xiandu Scenic Area, taxis and buses are available to take visitors to Lishui city center or other nearby attractions. If you're continuing your journey to other cities, Lishui Railway Station is the main transportation hub in the area.
