Bringing the Kids to Jinyun: Stepping into a Fantasy World

Lishui is truly a hidden gem! This time, under the guise of a family outing, I convinced everyone to travel to Jinyun County in Lishui with one goal—to visit the filming locations of *Sword Snow Stride* and *Joy of Life* and personally ask Zhang Ruoyun: When is the next season coming out?! "Returning from the imperial capital to the immortal capital, tired of West Lake, I gaze upon Dinghu Lake." Only upon arriving in Jinyun did I realize how narrow-minded I’d been—this is the real fantasy world. The second stop of the Wanzi family’s 127th trip—stepping into a fantasy world: Jinyun County, Lishui. >> Transportation: 2-3 hours by car from Hangzhou, or take the high-speed train to Jinyun Station. Shuttle buses to the scenic area run every half hour. >> One-day itinerary: Dadu Rock - Little Red Wall - Dragon Plow Path - Zhutan Mountain Xiandu, anciently known as "Jinyun Mountain," is listed alongside Huangshan and Lushan as one of the "Three Great Palaces" of the Yellow Emperor, serving as the southern center for his worship. Outside Xiandu Village, gazing at the vast expanse of bizarre rock formations, it’s easy to understand why the Yellow Emperor chose this place to refine elixirs and ascend to immortality. ✅ Dinghu Peak A natural wonder formed by a volcanic eruption 160 million years ago, soaring skyward like a rocket and hailed as the "Number One Peak Under Heaven." Standing on Xuanyuan Cultural Street, you can see Dinghu Peak rising abruptly at the road’s end. Even without entering, its awe-inspiring majesty is palpable. ✅ Zhutan Mountain A photograph titled *Fairyland* brought fame to this place, turning the stepping-stone bridge into a viral photo spot. But for those who love landscapes, the real charm lies in the mountains and waters themselves. This was also the filming location for Zhang Ruoyun’s *Sword Snow Stride* and the fictional "Dragon-Tiger Mountain." ✅ Dragon Plow Path A naturally formed, one-person-wide path along the cliffs, where every step feels precarious. This was the route to the Hanging Temple in *Joy of Life* and the legendary spot where Emperor Guangwu of Han narrowly escaped danger before claiming the throne. >> Accommodation: This time, the family stayed at the Jinyun Botting Hotel, where the daytime scenery was mesmerizing, and the nights were vibrant. Even doing homework by the window felt like a treat. √ Specialty Breakfast: The breakfast at Jinyun Botting Hotel is exceptionally thoughtful, featuring a spread of local delicacies—Tushuang noodles, ox blood soup, and qiaorou soup. If you want to taste Jinyun’s specialties without the hassle of searching, this breakfast is the perfect choice! √ Family-Friendly: With a pool and gym for adults and kids to unwind, I could just relax in the room. The second-floor children’s play area kept Wanzi happily occupied with building blocks while we enjoyed our meal in peace. √ Convenient Location: Just 10 minutes to Shizi Street, a hub for local snacks, where evening breezes and delicious food make the calories feel less guilty. A 15-minute drive to Xiandu lets you immerse in the fantasy world. >> Additional Tips: √ Xiandu is free to enter, but a combo ticket (90 RMB/person) is required for key attractions. √ Drivers must register in advance with a local restaurant or homestay for free entry. √ Non-drivers can take the scenic area shuttle or flag down a 5 RMB ride. √ The old farmer and his cattle at the stepping-stone bridge in Zhutan Mountain don’t perform on weekdays. √ Rumor has it all the Jinyun baked cakes in the scenic area share the same recipe—so they taste identical. ⚠️ Dogs are allowed in non-ticketed areas but not in paid attractions. So, we only lingered near Zhutan Mountain and Dinghu Peak, dreaming of the day I "attain enlightenment" and can bring my dog along to bask in the immortal aura—just like the saying goes, "When one achieves the Dao, even pets ascend to heaven."