Back from Lishui with the kids, and here's the honest truth! I came to this city because of a song.

🎵 "Beautiful mountains and clear waters, a land of health and well-being, Yunhe Rice Terraces reach the clouds, the ancient weir and painting village offer a poetic retreat, and by the Nanming Lake, stories gather..." Whenever I hear the song "Beautiful Lishui," the melodious tune and picturesque lyrics are like a gentle breeze, stirring my longing for this city. In March of this year, filled with anticipation, I embarked on a fantastic 4-day journey to Lishui. Come along with me! 🌆 Lishui, located in the southwest of Zhejiang Province, is a treasure city surrounded by mountains and rivers. In March, spring returns to the earth, the temperature rises, the mountains are shrouded in mist, and greenery abounds, exuding vitality everywhere. Here, you'll find the dreamy Yunhe Rice Terraces, cascading like ribbons; the artistic Guyan Huaxiang, with its green mountains and red cliffs, and leisurely boats; and mouthwatering delicacies like Jinyun baked cakes and Suichang candied sweet potatoes. Every bite is filled with the simplicity and warmth of Lishui people. Nature and culture blend seamlessly, and every corner exudes a unique charm. 🚌 Transportation Guide: ✈️ You can first arrive at Wenzhou Longwan International Airport or Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, and then transfer to Lishui by bus or high-speed rail. Lishui has convenient local transportation, with buses covering most attractions. If you want to go to suburban scenic spots such as Yunhe Rice Terraces and Nanjianyan, taking a special tourist bus is the most convenient way. Enjoy the idyllic scenery and landscapes of Lishui along the way, and experience the pleasant transition from city to countryside 😃. 🎯 Recommended Itinerary: Day 1-2: Lishui City - Guyan Huaxiang - Nanming Lake Day 1: Morning: Stepping into Guyan Huaxiang is like entering a poetic ink painting. Guyuan is the thousand-year-old Tongji Weir, with gurgling streams and towering ancient camphor trees. Huaxiang is full of art galleries and studios, with a strong artistic atmosphere. Take a boat trip on the Ou River, watch the green hills on both sides, feel the breeze on your face, and admire the natural scenery and cultural landscape along the way. Noon: Enjoy Jinyun baked cakes in Huaxiang. The cakes are crispy, and the filling is fragrant dried plum vegetables and tender pork. Take a bite, and the "crackling" sound and aroma will instantly awaken your taste buds. Afternoon: Stroll along the ancient streets, browse the handicraft shops, and choose some souvenirs with Lishui characteristics. You can also find a riverside cafe, sit down, admire the river view, and enjoy your leisure time. In the evening, head to Nanming Lake. The lakeside is brightly lit. You can take a walk along the lake, admire the night view of Lishui, and feel the vitality of the city. Day 2: Morning: Visit Nanming Lake again. While the morning light is still dim, watch the morning mist over the lake and the birds soaring, starting a day full of energy. Noon: Enjoy a Lishui home-style meal in the city center and try Suichang candied sweet potatoes. This delicacy is made from local sweet potatoes. It is sweet, soft, glutinous, and nutritious, fully demonstrating the characteristics of Lishui cuisine. Afternoon: After a short rest, visit the Lishui Museum. The museum has a rich and diverse collection, from ancient porcelain and calligraphy and paintings to objects reflecting the modern development of Lishui, comprehensively showcasing the historical changes of Lishui, immersing visitors in a sea of knowledge, and allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the city's past and present. Day 3: Yunhe Rice Terraces - Baiyin Valley (Optional) Morning: Head to Yunhe Rice Terraces, enjoying the mountain scenery of southern Zhejiang along the way. Upon arrival, your eyes will open wide. The terraced fields shimmer under the sunlight. Although the rice terraces in March are not yet golden with rice ears, they have already started to fill with water, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds like huge mirrors, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Noon: Enjoy local delicacies near Yunhe Rice Terraces, such as free-range chicken soup. The chicken is tender, and the soup is delicious, warming both the body and the stomach, providing energy for admiring the beautiful scenery. Afternoon: If your physical strength allows, visit Baiyin Valley. Here, the canyon is deep, and waterfalls hang high. Walk along the plank road, explore the primeval forest, and experience the wonders of nature. Day 4: Nanjianyan - Return Trip Morning: Head to Nanjianyan, which combines landscapes such as sea of clouds, terraced fields, stone forests, bamboo forests, and waterfalls. Climb to the viewing platform and overlook the magnificent scenery. The sea of clouds churns like a dream, and the terraced fields complement the strange rocks and green bamboos, making you feel like you are in a fairyland, experiencing the magnificence and magic of nature. Noon: After a simple meal near Nanjianyan, embark on your return journey with fond memories and attachment to Lishui. 🌟 Must-visit: 📍 Guyan Huaxiang Painting Boat: With the ancient painting boat, the green Ou River, and the green hills and ancient camphor trees on both sides as the background, taking photos on the painting boat can capture the most iconic poetic image of Lishui and leave a stunning travel memory. Whether it's sunny or drizzling, it has a unique charm. 📍 Yunhe Rice Terraces Viewing Platform: With the cascading terraced fields, the azure sky, and the distant mountains as the background, taking photos here creates a super atmospheric feeling, fully showcasing the magnificent landscape of Lishui. 💕 Travel Experience: This four-day trip to Lishui was a feast of nature and culture. The elegance of Guyan Huaxiang and the magnificence of Yunhe Rice Terraces immersed me in the charm of Lishui. The crispy Jinyun baked cakes and the sweet Suichang candied sweet potatoes made me fall in love with this city. Lishui in March conquered me with its beauty and simplicity. I left with a heart full of reluctance, looking forward to returning to continue my story with it. 🍱 Local Food Recommendations: 🥘 Jinyun Baked Cakes: Crispy cakes with a fresh and fragrant filling, offering a unique flavor. 🥔 Suichang Candied Sweet Potatoes: Sweet, soft, glutinous, nutritious, and delicious. 🥘 Free-range Chicken Soup: Tender chicken and delicious soup, nourishing and warming. 🥟 Shanfen Dumplings: Soft skin with a rich filling and delicious taste. 🐟 Qingyuan Mushroom Stewed Chicken: Rich mushroom flavor, flavorful chicken, and an enticing aroma. Lishui's food is as tempting as its scenery. Come and experience it, and maybe you'll fall in love with this city like I did, because of a song!