One-Day Tour of Longquan

Yuandi Village. Here, 28 well-preserved ancient Min-style buildings have withstood the test of time and still exude a unique charm. The villagers are simple and genuine, with a strong sense of daily life. Both the architecture and cultural landscape remain authentic, completely different from those ancient towns filled with small vendors, like a pure land forgotten by the world.
📍 Where is Yuandi Village?
There are two Yuandi Villages in Lishui City, don’t get them confused.
- Address: Yuandi Village, Shangyang Town, Longquan City, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province
- Transportation:
- Self-driving (recommended): About 4.5 hours from Hangzhou, about 3 hours from Wenzhou
- Public transport: Take the high-speed train to Lishui Station/Longquan Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi (about 1 hour)
🌿 Must-visit Highlights
✅ Ming and Qing Dynasty Ancient Residences: 28 well-preserved old houses with blue bricks and black tiles. Stroll through cobblestone alleys and feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
✅ Yicang Red Wall: Resembling the tulou in "Big Fish & Begonia," the red walls and gray tiles are perfect for shooting traditional Chinese style photos!
✅ Xu Family Culture: The Xu ancestral hall and Yicang stone stele with 700 years of history let you experience the traditional spirit of farming and scholarship.
✅ Four Seasons Scenery:
- Spring: Azaleas bloom, the ancient village surrounded by a sea of flowers
- Summer: Lush greenery, cool and refreshing for escaping the heat
- Autumn: Forests dyed in layers of color, the ancient village reflecting the red leaves
- Winter: Misty rain, creating an ink painting-like atmosphere
📸 Photo Spot Recommendations
1️⃣ Yicang Panorama: Drone or high-angle shots, the red walls and round roofs are stunning!
2️⃣ Ancient Alley Corner: Old door frames and carved windows, full of artistic vibes.
3️⃣ Chuxin Hall: Retro cultural exhibition hall with atmospheric light and shadow interplay.
🍜 Food Recommendations
- Longquan Specialty Dishes: Bamboo shoot stew with meat, Huangguo (yellow rice cake), loach hotpot
- Village Snacks: Handmade maqi (glutinous rice cakes), Qingming rice cakes (seasonal)
- Recommended Restaurant: Village farmhouse restaurant (fresh ingredients, affordable prices)
🏡 Accommodation Suggestions
- Ancient Village Homestays: Experience boutique homestays converted from old houses, blending rustic charm with modern comfort
- Nearby Hotels: More options in Longquan city center or Shangyang Town, suitable for self-driving tourists
🚗 Nearby Attractions
- China Celadon Town (15-minute drive): Experience celadon making and visit the art museum
- Longquan Mountain Scenic Area (1-hour drive): The highest peak in southern Zhejiang, with stunning sea of clouds and sunrise views
- Baiyun Rock Scenic Area (40-minute drive): Waterfalls and bamboo forests, great for hiking
💡 Travel Tips
- Admission: Free! Off the beaten path, few people and beautiful scenery
- Best time to visit: 2-3 days (combine with nearby attractions for a fuller experience)
- Outfit Suggestions: Hanfu or plain long dresses for better photos, remember to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent