Overview
A relaxed 3-day private journey through Lishui's secret landscapes: the soaring Dinghu Peak of Xiandu, the painterly Guyan Huaxiang river village, and the layered Yunhe rice terraces.
About This Tour
Tucked into the misty mountains of southern Zhejiang, Lishui is a slow-travel paradise of dramatic peaks, ancient irrigation works and emerald rice terraces that few foreign travellers ever reach. This private tour weaves together three of its finest scenes. At Xiandu Scenic Area you stand beneath the 170-metre Dinghu Peak, visit the grand Yellow Emperor Temple, and walk riverside paths past classic compositions like the 'old farmer leading his ox' and a striking book-cafe carved from an abandoned quarry. At Guyan Huaxiang you discover a thousand-year-old timber-and-stone irrigation dam framed by ancient banyan trees and sail-dotted river views that have inspired Chinese painters for centuries. Finally, the Yunhe Rice Terraces and Kenggen Stone Village reveal hundreds of curving paddies that shimmer at sunrise and sunset. With a private vehicle and English-speaking guide, the pace stays gentle, with time for photography, local Lishui cuisine and small-city evenings. Ideal for couples, families and culture-and-scenery lovers seeking an authentic, crowd-free side of eastern China. Best in spring and autumn when terraces and skies are at their most photogenic. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: spring (Apr-May) and autumn (Sep-Oct) for terraces and clear skies • Fitness level: easy; gentle walking with optional stair climbs and cable car at Xiandu • Rail access available via Jinyun West / Longyou stations; private transfers arranged • Comfortable walking shoes and a camera recommended; sunrise terrace shots are a highlight
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Hangzhou to Xiandu | Dinghu Peak & Lishui Evening
Depart Hangzhou by private vehicle (about 2.5-3 hours) for the Xiandu Scenic Area, southern Zhejiang's 'land of immortals'. Explore the towering 170-metre Dinghu Peak rising from the Lianxi River, step into the grand Yellow Emperor Temple (Huangdi Ciyu) to watch a live heritage ceremony, and ascend Buxu Mountain by foot or cable car for a sweeping view over peaks and water. Continue along the river to Zhutanshan for the classic 'old farmer leading his ox' scene, the quarry-turned book-cafe (Yandang Book House), and the dramatic red-cliff strolls of Xiaochibi. In the evening, transfer to your hotel in Lishui city, with time to wander the Chuzhou old quarter, see the riverside Yingxing Tower lit up and sample local street food. Meals: none included. Overnight in Lishui.
2
Day 2: Guyan Huaxiang & Yunhe Rice Terraces
After breakfast, visit Guyan Huaxiang ('Ancient Weir Painting Village'), home to the 1,500-year-old Tongji Weir, one of China's oldest working irrigation dams. Stroll beneath enormous ancient banyan trees, watch traditional sail-boats drift on the river and explore a riverside village whose timeless views have drawn landscape painters for generations. In the afternoon, drive up into the mountains to the Yunhe Rice Terraces, where hundreds of curving paddies cascade down the slopes in shifting light, and visit the stone-built Kenggen Village nestled among them. Your guide times the visit for the best afternoon light and quieter viewpoints, ideal for photography. Meals: breakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own pace (Lishui mountain cuisine recommended). Overnight in Lishui or near Yunhe.
3
Day 3: Terrace Sunrise & Return to Hangzhou
For early risers, an optional sunrise viewing of the Yunhe Terraces or Kenggen Stone Village when mist pools in the valleys and the paddies glow gold, one of southern Zhejiang's most rewarding photographic moments. After breakfast, enjoy a final unhurried walk through the terraces or village before beginning the private transfer back toward Hangzhou (or drop-off at Longyou / Jinyun West rail station for onward travel). The day is kept flexible to make the most of weather and light. Meals: breakfast included. Trip ends in Hangzhou or at your chosen rail station.
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers throughout 2 nights hotel accommodation (4-star standard) Listed entrance tickets (Xiandu, Guyan Huaxiang, Yunhe Terraces) Breakfasts as specified
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights High-speed rail to/from the region China visa Travel insurance Most lunches and dinners Cable car at Xiandu (optional) Personal expenses Tips
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
5★★★★★Based on 170 reviews
Lucía B.🇮🇪 Ireland★★★★★2024-12
Top-notch from the first email to drop-off. Xi'an was the perfect private day out.
Olivia Z.🇩🇪 Germany★★★★★2025-12
A seamless, personalised tour of Xi'an. We could not have asked for more.
Emma W.🇦🇹 Austria★★★★★2024-11
Fantastic food recommendations along the way — Xi'an through local eyes was a real treat.