Zhao Liying's Recommended Hidden Gem: A National Geographic Must-Visit Destination
by charliesunflower
Jul 7, 2025
**✨ Key Highlights:**
- **"First Peak Under Heaven" Dinghu Peak:** A 170.8-meter stone pillar piercing the sky, legend says Emperor Xuanyuan refined elixirs here before ascending to heaven. Hike Xubu Mountain or take a cable car for panoramic views—morning mist transforms the summit lake into a fairyland, while sunset reflections paint a living "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" scroll with the "Old Farmer Leading an Ox" silhouette at Zhutan Mountain.
- **Zhutan Mountain's Mythic Vistas:** Don’t miss the iconic "Old Farmer and Ox" scene! Free performances before 11 AM on weekends (paid booking otherwise). At dawn, the stone bridge and Dinghu Peak’s reflection create an ink-wash dreamscape—100% photo-worthy.
- **Yandang Study Hall·Stone Renaissance:** A magical library reborn from an abandoned quarry! Textured cliffs meet wooden bookshelves under skylight-filtered "natural engravings." Read by the walls, sip tea at dialect poetry sessions—where industrial heritage and cultural revival collide.
**🚶 Perfect Itinerary (1-2 Days):**
1. **Morning: Capture the Soul of Xiandu**
- Arrive at Zhutan Mountain by 5:30 to photograph mist-wrapped Dinghu Peak + the farmer-ox tableau.
- 7:30: Explore Dinghu Peak, visit Xuanyuan Temple, then ride the cable car to Xubu Pavilion for a bird’s-eye view of the winding Lianxi River.
2. **Noon: Cultural Wonders**
- Shoot geometric light plays at Yandang Study Hall (try B&W mode), and trace Tang-Song cliff carvings at Niweng Cave.
- Admire Ming-Qing horse-head walls at Heyang Ancient Village, and try intangible heritage paper-cutting.
3. **Evening: Sunset on Danxia**
- Walk the "Dragon-Plowed Path" cliff trail at Little Red Wall—rainbow-kissed waterfalls after showers, and hunt for Lü Dongbin’s sword marks in Eight Immortals Cave.
**🍜 Jinyun Flavors:**
- **Jinyun Baked Cake:** Charcoal-fired crispy pastry stuffed with preserved veggie-pork, paired with hot "Qiaorou Geng" soup—a taste of ancient frontier nostalgia.
- **Xiandu Bamboo Feast:** Spring bamboo shoots braised to sweet perfection, infused with mountain essence.
**📌 Pro Tips:**
- **Transport:** High-speed rail to Jinyun West Station → scenic shuttle (¥1.5/20min) or taxi (¥30).
- **Tickets:** Xiandu combo pass + shuttle ~¥110 (book 1 day early via app).
- **Stay:** Xuanyuan Culture Street (lively, near Dinghu Peak) or Little Red Wall B&Bs (serene countryside).
> **"Where landscapes carve Xuanyuan legends, artisan spirit, and Danxia marvels into your grandest Zhejiang epic."**
Post by charliesunflower | Jul 7, 2025












