Off-peak Summer Escape in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai @Jinyun

Here's a shortcut for a summer escape, no more nonsense, let's get straight to the point: Destination: Xiandu, Jinyun (Lishui area, Zhejiang) Transportation: Shanghai to Jinyun West by high-speed train in 2.5 hours (tips: if tickets are hard to get, try Shanghai to Hangzhou East; Hangzhou East to Jinyun West in two stages) Accommodation: First choice is to stay in 'Xuanyuan Cultural Street' in Xiandu Scenic Area, there are many homestays to choose from, most of which are within walking distance to Dinghu Peak, the filming location of 'Walking with the Phoenix'; the second choice is near the Xiaochibi Scenic Area, where many homestays face the lake and are adjacent to rice fields, quiet and beautiful. Tickets: The entire Xiandu Scenic Area in Jinyun has only one ticket checkpoint, which is Dinghu Peak. Other attractions such as Zhuding Mountain, Yandang Study Room, and Xiaochibi are free of charge. You can also understand that the 110 ticket covers multiple attractions (including shuttle transportation between attractions). Attractions: Xiandu Scenic Area, Yanxia Stone Village, He Yang Ancient Residences Dining: In Xiandu Scenic Area, try 'Mishi Ji' and 'Xuanyuan Hall'. Xuanyuan Hall is an old house where dining inside offers a unique view. Notes: 1. If driving, you need to report after 8:00 AM to enter the scenic area, otherwise, you can only park at the entrance and take the shuttle transportation of the scenic area. It is recommended to contact the homestay owner in advance to report. 2. Taxis are quite convenient within the scenic area, but if you go to Yanxia Stone Village, be sure to book a car in advance, otherwise, it is difficult to get a taxi. 3. Both Yanxia Stone Village and He Yang Ancient Residences are small. There are a few restaurants in Stone Village, but very few in He Yang Ancient Residences. Plan your playtime in advance. Additionally, if time is limited, you can choose one of the two ancient villages, and He Yang Ancient Residences is more original and well-preserved. Neither village has tea houses or cafes, so if you like to relax, consider arranging your schedule accordingly. Yanxia Stone Village has slightly more homestays and is cooler. 4. Only three caves in Yandang Stone Cave are currently open, the one similar to Ni Ni's is not open. 5. To watch the sunset at Xiaochibi, do not walk along the greenway. Enter from the entrance of 303 Cafe and climb up the steps on the right. The hardware services in Xiandu Scenic Area, Jinyun are very good. The toilets are clean, have paper, and are air-conditioned. The local people are simple and honest, and the homestay owners are mostly local and very enthusiastic and kind. It is really recommended for a short trip.