Escape the Crowds! Discover a Tranquil Getaway in Yuandi Village

Yuandi Village, Longquan: Encounter the Real-Life "Big Fish & Begonia"

Tired of the same old tourist traps? It's time to set your sights on a hidden gem in southwestern Zhejiang – Yuandi Village. This village, a poetic sanctuary steeped in 800 years of history, is reminiscent of the animated film "Big Fish & Begonia."

Must-See Attractions

Zhejiang's "Big Fish & Begonia" Granary

📍Navigate to "Yuandi Village Party and Mass Service Center" and follow the signs for "Big Fish & Begonia Granary." Pass through the Jianci Lianyunguan Museum, and you'll encounter the red-walled, round-topped granary. Stepping inside feels like entering the fantastical world of "Big Fish & Begonia." Bring a drone for a stunning aerial view – guaranteed to capture amazing photos!

Ming and Qing Dynasty Houses

Yuandi Village was once home to wealthy landowners during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and 28 houses covering over 20,000 square meters from that era still stand today. Stroll through the ancient alleys, and you'll see the simple yet grand Ming Dynasty pillars, the intricately carved Qing Dynasty "horse-leg" style beams, and the Republic of China period windows influenced by Western styles. The weight of history is palpable here. The former residence of martyr Xu Yangshan, a typical "four-waters-return-to-the-hall" style building, is a perfect spot to watch the sunrise and stargaze, allowing you to lose yourself in the passage of time.

Rural Museum

Step into the "Lidu Yuandi" Rural Museum to explore the history, folk customs, and modern culture of Yuandi Village. The museum's rich collection vividly showcases the local customs and provides an excellent window into understanding the village's unique character.

Suggested Itineraries

If time allows, plan a 1-2 day trip to fully immerse yourself in Yuandi Village's charm.

One-Day Trip

Morning: Arrive at Yuandi Village and head straight to the granary for photos. Then, explore the Ming and Qing Dynasty houses and soak in the historical atmosphere.
Lunch: Enjoy authentic local cuisine at a farmhouse restaurant in the village. We recommend the fresh stream fish and the tender bamboo shoot and braised pork.
Afternoon: Visit the Rural Museum, and afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the stream at the village entrance to enjoy the natural scenery.

Two-Day Trip

Day 1: Explore the main attractions of Yuandi Village in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Celadon Town to discover the thousand-year-old celadon culture and experience the fun of pottery making.
Day 2: Head to Baoxi Township to admire the unique bamboo architecture, visit the dragon kiln ruins, and experience the perfect fusion of art and nature.

Practical Information

📍Address: Yuandi Village, Shangyang Town, Longquan City, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province
🚗Transportation: Driving is recommended. It's about a 40-minute drive from downtown Longquan. Parking is available in the village. You can also take the high-speed train to Longquan City Station and then take a taxi to the village, which takes about half an hour.
🎫Tickets: Free
🕙Opening Hours: Open all day
🍱Food: In addition to the farmhouse dishes mentioned earlier, try the local specialty, maci (glutinous rice cake). It's soft, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.
🏠Accommodation: There are some quaint homestays in the village where you can wake up to stunning views and fully immerse yourself in rural life. For a more upscale experience, you can return to Longquan City and choose a star-rated hotel.

Tips

1. The village has limited commercial facilities, so bring your own water and snacks.
2. Take mosquito repellent if visiting in summer, as there are many mosquitoes in the fields and near the water.
3. The soft light of early morning or late afternoon is best for taking photos of the granary.