I thought West Lake was beautiful until I came here

Stop only knowing about West Lake! This fairy-tale filming location in Zhejiang is breathtakingly gorgeous

🌅 Tired of the same old popular attractions? Today, I’m going to passionately recommend a hidden gem in Zhejiang—Xiandu! This place has served as the filming location for numerous fantasy dramas, resembling a dreamy fairyland straight out of TV shows. Every frame here will captivate your heart!

📍 Address: Xiandu Street, Jinyun County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province

🚗 Transportation Guide:

- High-speed rail: Take the train to Jinyun West Station, then a 15-20 minute taxi ride to the scenic area—convenient and fast, perfect for efficiency seekers.
- Self-driving: Navigate directly to the Xiandu Scenic Area Visitor Center (West Entrance), where parking is free. Driving allows you to stop and admire the scenery along the way, offering ultimate freedom—highly recommended!

🎫 Ticket Information:

- Standard ticket: Scenic area admission ¥90/person, shuttle bus ticket ¥20/person.
- Half-price ticket: Available for children 1.2–1.5m tall, seniors aged 60–69, etc.
- Free admission: Retired veterans, disabled individuals, active military personnel, etc.

🏞️ Itinerary (One-Day Highlights):

- Morning:
- Zhutan Mountain (6:00–8:00): 🌅 You must wake up early for Zhutan Mountain! A paradise for photography enthusiasts, the morning mist shrouds the lake, with the reflection of Dinghu Peak faintly visible—like a natural ink painting. Free cattle-herding performances are held on weekends and holidays (9:30–11:00); otherwise, it may cost ¥300–400.
- Dinghu Peak (8:30–11:30): ⛰️ The core attraction of Xiandu, renowned as the "No. 1 Peak Under Heaven" and "No. 1 Bamboo Shoot Under Heaven." Take the cable car (¥25 one-way) to Buxu Mountain for a panoramic view. At the foot of the mountain, the Yellow Emperor Temple is a major southern worship site—you might even catch a period drama performance (Tuesday–Sunday).
- Afternoon:
- Yandang Study (12:30–13:30): 📚 A repurposed quarry turned artistic space, where light filters through rock crevices, creating a mysterious and artsy vibe—super photogenic! Sip coffee here and enjoy the tranquility.
- Little Chibi (15:00–17:30): 🌇 Stroll along the 200-meter red-and-white cliffside walkway at sunset, overlooking the Ou River and marveling at the stunning Danxia sunset. This was also a filming location for *Joy of Life 2*—you might even snag the same photo op as the show!

🍜 Food Recommendations:

- Jinyun Baked Cake: A perfect mix of preserved mustard greens and meat, crispy on the outside and savory inside—pure happiness in every bite. Only ¥5 at street stalls!
- Farmhouse Cuisine: Try the local stream fish, best steamed to retain freshness, along with free-range ducks and handmade noodles—each bite is packed with rustic flavor.
- Snacks: Qiaorou Geng (smooth meat soup) and Jinyun Mochi (sticky rice with sesame)—chewy and fragrant.

🏠 Accommodation Recommendations:

- Scenic Area B&Bs: Stay on Xuanyuan Street for cloud-sea views—like living in a fairyland. "Jinyun Lise" is a great choice with traditional decor, around ¥150/person.
- County Hotels: More options in Jinyun County, a 15-minute drive away. Chain hotels cost ¥100–200/night—affordable and well-equipped.

⚠️ Tips:

- Best seasons: Spring and autumn are ideal. April–May features festivals, while September–October is great for hiking. Summer requires rain gear and sunscreen—waterfalls are more spectacular after rain!
- Save on tickets: The combo ticket (¥95, includes shuttle + Dinghu Peak) is cheaper than Dinghu Peak alone (¥90). Zhutan Mountain and Little Chibi are free.
- Gear: Non-slip shoes (some paths are mossy), a light jacket (cooler in caves), and a telephoto lens for photography.
- Avoid crowds: Arrive at Zhutan Mountain before 6 AM; visit less-crowded spots like Niweng Cave in the afternoon.

🌿 Nearby Attractions:

- Heyang Ancient Village (20-minute drive): 🏯 A millennium-old Hui-style architectural complex with horse-head walls and stone-paved paths—full of rustic charm (¥40).
- Jianchuan Flower Sea (30-minute drive): 🌸 Seasonal rapeseed and sunflower fields, perfect for family photos.
- Yanmen Scenic Area (40-minute drive): 🪨 Danxia landforms with She ethnic culture—off-the-beaten-path and uncommercialized.

Xiandu is truly a hidden gem, blending natural beauty and cultural depth. Save this guide and plan your fairy-tale adventure soon! 💕