Live Your Best Lives
This is the story of my road trip in Zhejiang. Over three days, I'll take you from Lishui to Ningbo, enjoying the endless scenery along the way! My first stop was a picturesque experience: Lishui Ancient Weir Painting Village.
Guyan Painting Village is the most beautiful stretch of the 800-li Oujiang River, where sails echo and oars clatter. In the distance, mountains outline beautiful lines, and clusters of thousand-year-old camphor trees seem like a dream.
Guyan Painting Village is divided into two villages by the Oujiang River. "Guyan" refers to Yantou Village on the north bank, while "Mianxiang" refers to Dagangtou Town on the south bank. The two villages face each other across the river, and the only way to travel between the two sides is by pleasure boat. This hidden corner of Zhejiang offers the tranquility and charm of a paradise. The picturesque old weir and poetic old streets here evoke a sense of time lost in the past.
Every corner of the Painting Village is imbued with an artistic atmosphere. The numerous studios and art workshops create a sense of being transported to an artist's paradise. Each artwork here tells a story, allowing visitors to appreciate the scenery while also deeply experiencing the rich history and cultural heritage. The camphor trees in the Painting Village offer a perfect spot for shade and are also where markets are held. Down below, you'll find the stream, a truly pleasant stroll.
The scenery of the ancient weir is truly picturesque. Standing on it, gazing at the rippling lake, you'll feel a sense of tranquility and comfort. The sunset over the ancient weir is breathtakingly beautiful, as if every inch of land is bathed in golden light, a beauty so unreal it seems unreal.
When you come to the ancient weir, the three must-see spots are Wenchang Pavilion Shishihan Fairyland, Tingbu (Sky Mirror), and Tongji Weir. Don’t miss them!
And those huge camphor trees are also very photogenic!
The local delicacies are also not to be missed. The stream fish, native chicken, etc. are extremely delicious and leave you with an unforgettable aftertaste.
With its rich history and culture, picturesque natural scenery, and enticing cuisine, Lishui Guyan Painting Village is a place that will make you linger. Here, there are no bustling cities or crowded crowds, only tranquility and peace, making you feel like you have found your spiritual home.
Tips:
Navigation address: Guyan Village, Dagangtou Town, Liandu District, Lishui City
Tickets (including boat tickets): 50 yuan/person, boat tickets include round trip.
If you just want to sit and rest in the painting village, you don’t need to buy a ticket. There are food and accommodation around the painting village, so you don’t have to worry about going hungry.
Come to Lishui Guyan Painting Village, it will definitely give you a different travel experience.
At the second stop, I would like to introduce to you a great place for summer escape, beach visit and vacation, that is Banbianshan in Ningbo.
Located in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, Banbianshan boasts unique topography and stunning ocean views. Here, you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and warm sunshine while playing on the fine sand. It was also the venue for beach volleyball competitions and training for the Hangzhou Asian Games.
The beaches of Banbianshan are a great place to escape the summer heat and enjoy a vacation. The long, fine sand and crystal-clear waters allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of summer. You can swim, play in the sand, bask in the sun, or surf and feel the coolness of the water. Unfortunately, a typhoon hit when I arrived, and the wind and waves were high. For safety reasons, security prevented me from leaving the beach. I'll definitely come back when the weather improves!
The water sports here generally include: sailing, motorboats, beach bikes, inflatable rollers, etc. You can also catch crabs near the beach. Be sure to wear shoes and gloves. The reefs and shells are very sharp. Be sure to protect yourself when you go out to play. If you don’t have any, it’s better not to catch crabs. If you get scratched, be sure to see a doctor!
Walking along the coastline, there are many small beaches here, not many people, very suitable for taking pictures, the picture is very clean. At night, there are camping barbecues, bonfire parties, and occasional fireworks on the beach. If the weather is good, you can also see the starry sky!
This location also faces east, so you can catch a glimpse of the sunrise. Besides some paid activities, I thought there were many free activities, such as catching crabs, collecting shells, playing in the waves, having water fights, digging sand, playing Frisbee, etc. Unfortunately, it was a typhoon day, so all the beautiful things could only be imagined!
If you stay overnight in a tent, you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves, which is very relaxing. There are many hotels in Banbianshan, so you don't have to worry about having nowhere to stay. The hotels are also very close to the beach, making it very convenient for sightseeing.
Banbianshan also offers a variety of seafood delicacies waiting for you to taste. From fresh seafood to local snacks, you can enjoy the rich cultural atmosphere while enjoying the food.
Tips:
Address: Banbianshan, Donghai, Ningbo
Admission: Free
If you are looking for a great place to escape the summer heat and take a beach vacation, come to Ningbo Banbianshan, which will definitely give you an unforgettable travel experience.
The third stop today I will take you to a place full of history and culture, that is the ancient city of Shipu Fishing Port in Xiangshan, Ningbo.
Located in Xiangshan County, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, the Shipu Fishing Port Ancient Town is a well-preserved complex of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, boasting a long history and unique charm. Shipu Fishing Port Ancient Town, also known as Ligang, is situated on the shores of Shipu Harbor in southern Xiangshan County, Ningbo City. With a history spanning over 600 years, the town boasts numerous Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Among the remaining streets, the four well-preserved streets, Wanxing Street, Fujian Street, Middle Street, and Back Street, totaling 1,670 meters, form the quaint Shipu Old Street.
There is a food market at Jiangxin Street and Nanguanqiao Fishing Market, which sells local specialties such as shrimp cakes, rice cake rolls, fish balls, etc. If you are hungry, you can try them, they are quite delicious.
There are also some sea salt coffee shops on the ancient street. Since Xiangshan produces salt, you can also check in and try the local flavor coffee.
Further up is the Guandi Temple, where there are some folk performances and a stage that is open rain or shine. Here you can chat with the locals and explore some unknown stories of the ancient city.
There's also a light show at the Straits Plaza at the entrance, so if you have time or live there, check it out. Walking into the old streets, you'll be captivated by the quaint buildings. The bluestone streets, red brick walls, and carved wooden windows all exude a rich history and cultural atmosphere. Stroll along and experience the ancient tranquility and peace.
Another specialty of Shipu Fishing Port Ancient Town is its seafood cuisine. There is a rich variety of seafood here, which is fresh and delicious, leaving you with an unforgettable aftertaste.
You can taste a variety of authentic foods in local restaurants, such as steamed crabs, fried clams, etc., so that you can feel the local cultural atmosphere while enjoying the food.
In addition, there are many small shops in the ancient city where you can browse and find souvenirs and handicrafts full of ancient atmosphere. The small shops here are full of unique atmosphere. If you are lucky, you can come across the production of Shipu fish lanterns, which are purely handmade and very exquisite!
At the fourth stop, I would like to introduce to you a great place for summer travel, that is Xuedou Mountain in Ningbo.
Located in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, Xuedou Mountain is a scenic area with a rich history and cultural heritage. In the summer, you can enjoy the fresh air and cool mountain breeze, which makes people feel very comfortable.
Xuedou Mountain, home to dense forests and clear streams, is a great time for outdoor activities in the summer. Stroll along the mountain trails, breathe in the fresh air, and experience the beauty and tranquility of nature. There are also numerous observation decks and photo spots where you can capture beautiful mountain views.
If you enjoy playing in the water, then a visit to the Xuedou Mountain waterfalls is a must. The sheer volume and sheer drop of water make for a truly spectacular sight. Stroll along the stream, listen to the gurgling water, watch the cascade, and let the cool mist brush your cheeks, leaving you feeling the warmth of summer.
Xuedou Mountain also boasts numerous ancient buildings and temples, showcasing the beauty of ancient Chinese architecture and culture. You can visit temples like Xuedou Temple and Baoen Temple to experience the charm of Buddhist culture, or simply stroll through the quaint buildings and take photos.
Of course, no trip is complete without delicious food. Near Xuedou Mountain, you'll find a wealth of local snacks and mountain delicacies, allowing you to savor authentic Ningbo cuisine while enjoying the stunning scenery. For example, Xuedou Mountain's mountain tea, wild vegetables, lamb, and native chicken are all well worth a try.
The transportation is also very convenient. There are scenic area buses to pick you up and down the mountain. There is a bus every 15 minutes, and the frequency is very high! Don't worry about being crowded on the bus!
If you are looking for a cool place to escape the heat and experience the fun of the mountains in the summer, you might as well come to Ningbo Xuedou Mountain. It will definitely give you an unforgettable travel experience.
The fifth stop is Minghe Ancient Town.
Located in Cixi, Ningbo, this ancient town boasts a history of over 1,200 years. With its charming architecture and picturesque scenery, delicious food, and rich history and culture, it's a truly memorable place to visit.
History and Culture: Minghe Ancient Town was founded during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty and was named after Yu Jiugao, the great-grandson of Yu Shinan, a renowned official of the Tang Dynasty. Yu Jiugao passed away shortly after passing the imperial examination in Chang'an. To commemorate the Yu family's achievements, the locals named their hometown "Minghe" after his courtesy name.
This is a provincial historical and cultural town that retains the style of small bridges, flowing water and houses. Many buildings, ancient roads and old bridges are historical and cultural buildings built in the old days.
Main attractions:
1. Minghe Ancient Town Archway: Entering the entrance of Minghe Ancient Town, you can enjoy the sparkling Baiyang Lake and the golden "Jinxian Temple".
2. Jinxian Temple: Built during the Datong period of the Southern Liang Dynasty, it boasts a thousand-year history. Originally known as Jingjin Temple, during the Song Dynasty, the imperial court bestowed the name "Jinxian Temple" on the temple, as Baiyang Lake in front of it was once known as Jinxian Lake. This gave it the name Jinxian Temple, making it a renowned temple in eastern Zhejiang.
3. Stage: It is a place for cultural and entertainment exchanges, where you can enjoy various opera performances.
4. The three long streets of Minghe Ancient Town: Shangjie, Zhongjie and Xiajie, as well as alleys such as Yinhao Lane, Liufang Lane, Fangjia Lane and Sanfang Lane, all preserve well-preserved old buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
5. 24-Room Zoumalou: Shangjie's most famous building, it was built in the 14th year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty for the Ye family. It consists of 7 rooms, 2 lanes, and 2 floors, totaling 24 rooms. The building is connected by corridors on all sides, allowing people to ride horses through the corridors unobstructed.
6. Yinhao Inn: Yinhao Inn is a historical building in Minghe Ancient Town, where you can taste authentic Cixi cuisine.
Food: Minghe Ancient Town's most notable offerings are rice cake dumplings, a delicious rice cake filled with pickles, preserved vegetables, and beans. You can also try other Cixi specialties like Cixi bean curd, thousand-layer cakes, and bayberries.
Travel suggestions:
1. Reserve enough time, because Minghe Ancient Town has many attractions and a long history, and it takes some time to appreciate them slowly.
2. When walking in Minghe Ancient Town, pay attention to the ancient buildings and historical and cultural relics, and learn about the history and culture of the ancient town.
3. Be sure to try the local rice cake dumplings and other local specialties, representative of Cixi cuisine, which will add a delicious touch to your trip. Minghe Ancient Town is a tourist destination that combines history, culture, and cuisine. Here, you can experience the ancient charm, savor delicious authentic cuisine, and learn about its rich history and culture. Whether you enjoy traveling or seek out delicious food and historical culture, it is a place worth visiting.
