No disappointments 🫡 First time visiting Jinyun, just follow this route

20th Anniversary of Chinese Paladin at Xiandu! In-depth guide to the filming locations

Lishui Jinyun Xiandu hides a world of film and television and a fairyland. Dozens of productions such as "Chinese Paladin," "With the Phoenix," and "Joy of Life" were filmed here. Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Chinese Paladin, during the National Day holiday there will be interactive performances featuring Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling'er. Please keep this immersive guide 🍃

🚗 Itinerary and Transportation

Two-day essential route

• Day 1: Little Red Cliff → Dinghu Peak → Zhutan Mountain

• Day 2: Xiandu Viewpoint → Yandang Study Room → Heyang Ancient Residences

Transportation methods

• High-speed train directly to Jinyun West Station, then a 30-minute taxi ride to the scenic area;

• Driving is more flexible, you can drive point-to-point within the scenic area, or choose the shuttle bus or taxi transfer.

🔸 Must-visit core attractions

Jinyun Xiandu Core Area

1. Little Red Cliff
Filming location of the Hanging Temple in "Joy of Life," the volcanic rock cliffs look like fireworks burning, with the natural plank road "Longgeng Road" stretching for hundreds of meters. Passing through the hand-carved stone corridor entrance, a landscape painting unfolds before your eyes. On the cliff are cliff inscriptions such as the Song Dynasty "Little Penglai Song" and Qing Dynasty Yuan Mei’s travel notes, blending culture and nature.

2. Dinghu Peak
The "Fairy Island Dreamland" for Chinese Paladin fans, where Li Xiaoyao’s island scenes were filmed. At the entrance is the Chinese Paladin Inn where you can get an event map and interact with actors to receive silver tickets; in front of Xingyun Courtyard, take a bamboo raft drift with a solitary peak reflected in the clear water behind, fully immersing in the fantasy martial arts atmosphere. Take the cable car to the top for a panoramic view of the Huangdi Temple nestled by the mountains and water, and if you catch the Xuanyuan Clan ritual performance, it adds solemnity.

3. Zhutan Mountain
A "divine check-in spot" gathering filming marks from "Chinese Paladin," "With the Phoenix," and "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils." In the early morning when the mist lingers, the scene of an old farmer leading cattle across a small bridge is regularly performed (weekends and holidays 9:30-11:00, 14:30-16:00). In the distance, Dinghu Peak pierces the clouds, every snapshot looks like an ancient style masterpiece.

4. Yandang Study Room
An "underground secret realm" transformed from an abandoned quarry, with a 30-meter-long bookshelf extending through the long cave. Light and shadow filter through the cracks in the rock walls, combining the ruggedness of industrial relics with the elegance of books. The study room at Pit No. 8 in the scenic area is less crowded and great for photos. There is parking at the entrance but spaces are limited, so arriving early is recommended.

Heyang Ancient Residences

A hidden Ming and Qing dynasty treasure ancient village, with well-preserved old buildings and evening cooking smoke showing a lively atmosphere. During National Day, there are continuous performances: Sichuan opera face-changing, traditional acrobatics, poetry duels with Li Bai, intangible cultural heritage handcraft experiences, and more, offering an immersive taste of the ancient village charm.

🧳 Practical Tips

1. Accommodation recommendation: Prioritize homestays inside the scenic area, which have good lighting and are close to attractions. The homestay cluster on Xuanyuan Street offers dining and convenience, with some rooms offering mountain views.

2. Photo outfit: Light-colored new Chinese style or Hanfu are perfect matches, blending perfectly with mountains, ancient buildings, and caves, doubling your photo success rate.

3. Food list:

◦ Jinyun Sesame Cake: crispy and fragrant, a local signature flavor;

◦ Tushuang Noodles: handmade, chewy and smooth without being mushy, especially delicious with shredded meat and eggs;

◦ Meat Soup: tender and smooth, fresh and appetizing.
During National Day, you can get a free Jinyun Sesame Cake at the scenic area with your flight ticket.