"Meet the landscape poetry and painting of the place where Huangdi ascended to heaven"丨Xiandu Scenic Area in Zhejiang

Xiandu, a place that is fascinating just by hearing its name. As a national scenic spot and national 5A tourist attraction, it is characterized by unique peaks and rocks, beautiful mountains and rivers, and integrates rural scenery with cultural and historical sites. Legend has it that this is the place where Huangdi ascended to heaven, so it has the reputation of "Huangdi Jinyun, the Fairyland on Earth". If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and want to find a quiet and natural place with mountains and rivers, Xiandu is definitely your best choice. 1. A quick overview of basic information about Zhejiang Xiandu Scenic Area Geographical location: Jinyun County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province Scenic spot level: National 5A tourist attraction Core scenic area: It consists of five major scenic spots: Dinghu Peak, Xiaochi Cliff, Xiandu Temple, Niweng Cave, and Zhutan Mountain Ticket price: 90 yuan per person for combined ticket (including five major attractions), single attraction ticket price ranges from 20 to 40 yuan Recommended play time: 1-2 days 2. Heartland attractions not to be missed 1. Dinghu Peak - The Soul of Xiandu Highlights: The giant stone pillar shaped like bamboo shoots in spring, 170.8 meters high, is known as the "No. 1 Peak in the World". According to legend, Emperor Huangdi made elixir here and ascended to heaven, and the cauldron sank into a lake, hence the name Dinghu Lake. Must experience: * In the early morning or after the rain, when the clouds and mist are lingering, Dinghu Peak appears and disappears, like a fairyland. * Climb up Buxu Mountain and overlook the entire Dinghu Peak and the winding Hao Creek. * Visit the Yellow Emperor’s Temple and learn about the Yellow Emperor’s culture. Tips: There is a cable car in the scenic area that goes directly to the top of Buxu Mountain. The one-way fare is 25 yuan and the round-trip fare is 40 yuan. 2. Zhutan Mountain - A popular photography spot Highlights: It is named after Zhu Xi who gave lectures here. The most famous part is the stone bridge on the Xiandi, which is the best place to take pictures of the reflection of Dinghu Peak. Must experience: * Get up early to take pictures of the classic scene of an old man leading a cow across the bridge (reservation required, fee is about 300 yuan). * Take a stroll along the Fairy Embankment and feel like you are wandering in a painting. Tips: The best time to take photos is early morning and dusk, when the light is soft and the reflections are clear. 3. Xiao Chibi - the wonder of Danxia landform Highlights: The cliffs facing the river are steep, red and white, as if they were burned by flames, hence the name Little Chibi. Must experience: * Walk along the cliff path and feel the thrill. * Look for the naturally formed “tiger tracks” and “moon prints” landscapes. Tips: Some of the plank roads are narrow, so you need to pay attention to safety. It is not recommended for people who are afraid of heights. 4. Niweng Cave - Explore the Cliff Carvings Highlights: It is named after the reclusive Taoist Ni Weng in the Tang Dynasty. There are more than 60 cliff carvings from past dynasties in the cave and on the surrounding cliffs. Must experience: * Appreciate the calligraphy art of different dynasties and feel the cultural heritage. * Take photos in front of the "Asahiyama" stone carving. Tips: Tourists interested in calligraphy and history should not miss it. 5. Xiandu Temple - Filming location of "The Taoist Goes Down the Mountain": Highlights: Formerly known as Zhaohou Temple, it is the oldest Taoist temple in Jinyun. The movie "The Taoist Goes Down the Mountain" was filmed here. Must experience: * Visit the ancient Taoist temple buildings and experience Taoist culture. * Overlooking Dinghu Peak from the Guanqian Platform. Tips: Please keep quiet in the Taoist temple and respect religious customs. 3. Hidden Gameplay & Niche Attractions Yankang Bookstore: A cave bookstore transformed from an abandoned quarry. It has a strong sense of design and is suitable for taking photos and quiet reading. Jiaolong Grand Canyon: Located near Xiandu, the canyon is deep and has cascading waterfalls, making it a great spot for those who enjoy hiking. Heyang Ancient Residences: A well-preserved ancient village from the Ming and Qing dynasties, a good place to learn about the traditional residence culture of southern Zhejiang. 4. Xiandu on the tip of your tongue - authentic food recommendations 1. Jinyun Shaobing: crispy crust, pickled mustard greens and meat filling, savory and delicious, a must-try! Recommended "Jinyun Zhu's Shaobing". 2. Tushuang Noodles: Handmade noodles with local characteristics, with a smooth taste and can be paired with a variety of toppings. 3. Braised stream fish: Wild fish caught from good streams, with tender meat and rich soup. 4. Mochi: A dessert made from glutinous rice, coated with sesame powder, soft, sweet and fragrant. 5. Farmer's Tofu Balls: Made with fresh tofu and minced meat, light and delicious. 5. 🚗 Transportation Guide High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to Jinyun West Station. After exiting the station, take a taxi for about 15 minutes to reach Xiandu Scenic Area. Self-driving: About 3 hours from Hangzhou, about 4.5 hours from Shanghai. There are multiple parking lots in the scenic area. Internal transportation: There are sightseeing buses (20 yuan/person) connecting various attractions in the scenic area, or you can walk or ride a bicycle. 6. Recommended B&Bs High-end choice: * Xiandu Shiran Congman B&B: strong sense of design, close to Dinghu Peak, some rooms have mountain views. * Xuanzhiyuan B&B: Quiet environment, thoughtful service, suitable for family travel. Cost-effective choice: * Jinyun Lishe: convenient location, clean and tidy, and the boss is enthusiastic. * Muran B&B: Literary and fresh style, affordable price. 7. Itinerary Suggestions One-day tour: Dinghu Peak → Zhutan Mountain → Xiao Chibi → Taste Jinyun Shaobing Two-day tour: Day 1: Dinghu Peak → Huangdi Temple → Zhutan Mountain (photographed in the evening) Day 2: Xiao Chibi → Niweng Cave → Xiandu Temple → Yandang Study 8. Practical Tips Best travel season: Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November), when the climate is pleasant and the scenery is the most beautiful. Pay attention to sun protection and mosquito prevention when traveling in summer. It is cold in the mountains in winter, so you need to keep warm. Some scenic spots in the scenic area require climbing, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. Check the weather forecast in advance. Mountain roads are slippery on rainy days, so be careful! The beauty of Xiandu lies in its interdependence of mountains and waters, its lingering fairy air, and its tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the world. Whether you are pursuing the legend of Huangdi, looking for inspiration for photography, or simply want to relax yourself, you can find it all here. I hope this guide can help you start an unforgettable trip to Xiandu!