[2025 Songyang Attraction] Travel Guide for Shicang Qing Dwellings (Updated May)

Preparation In May, Songyang's temperature gradually warms up with frequent rainy days. Prepare rain gear, light jackets, and comfortable walking shoes. Book tickets for attractions and guesthouses in advance. Itinerary - Day 1: Exploring Songyang Ancient Villages - Morning: After arriving in Songyang, head to Yangjiatan Village. Stroll along the stone paths of the ancient village, admire the unique yellow walls and blue-tiled roofs of the "Golden Potala Palace," and experience the tranquility amid the morning mist. - Afternoon: Visit Youtan Village, sit quietly beside century-old trees and terraced tea gardens to enjoy leisurely moments. - Evening: Visit Songyang Old Street, explore the Ming and Qing dynasty ancient streets, taste water-pulled noodles at Baixian Noodle Shop or authentic salt chicken at Xu's Salt Chicken Restaurant. - Accommodation: Options include Taoya Guesthouse in Yangjiatan Village or Naoshe in the county town. - Day 2: Yunhe Rice Terraces and Kengen Stone Village - Morning: Rise early to watch the sunrise from the Jiuqu Yunhuan Viewing Platform at Yunhe Rice Terraces, admire the mirror-like beauty of the water-filled terraces. Then walk along the bamboo forest path in Baiyin Valley. - Afternoon: Arrive at Kengen Village to experience the serenity of stone bridges and wells accompanied by mountain springs. Taste bamboo tube rice and mountain stream fish at the old teahouse. - Accommodation: Yunyi Courtyard or Yungu Mountain House in Kengen Village. - Day 3: Suichang Nanjian Rock and Dushan Ancient Fortress - Morning: Visit Nanjian Rock Scenic Area, walk the Longmen Waterfall loop trail, and overlook the bamboo sea canyon from the glass walkway. - Afternoon: Explore Dushan Ancient Fortress, visit the Ming Dynasty stone memorial arch and Ye Family Ancestral Hall, rest by the stream at the village entrance. In the evening, go to Wangcunkou Ancient Town to taste Suichang long zongzi (rice dumplings) and green rice cakes. - Accommodation: Nanjian Rock Photography-themed Guesthouse or Tanggong Resort Hotel in Suichang County. - Day 4: Longquan Celadon Town and Baiyun Rock - Morning: Visit China Celadon Town to experience pottery wheel throwing and tour the Celadon Museum. - Afternoon: Explore Baiyun Rock Scenic Area, hike along the cliff-hanging walkways, and pass through waterfalls and primeval forests. Later, visit Xiazhang Village to enjoy tea while listening to rain at Yunwu Academy. - Accommodation: Yinju Longquan Guesthouse at the foot of Baiyun Rock or International Pottery Village in Celadon Town. - Day 5: Shicang Ancient Residences in Songyang - Morning: Visit the Shicang Contract Museum to learn about Hakka migration history, then tour the Shicang ancient residence complex, focusing on Yuqing Hall and Cai Mansion. - Afternoon: Enjoy smoked bacon and other local delicacies at a farmhouse restaurant in the ancient residences before preparing to return home. Transportation Guide The attractions in Songyang are far apart with many mountain roads. Self-driving or hiring a car is recommended. If hiring a car, contact local drivers in advance, approximately 300 yuan per day. Food Recommendations Songyang specialties include water-pulled noodles at Baixian Noodle Shop, salt chicken at Xu's Salt Chicken Restaurant, bamboo tube rice and mountain stream fish at Kengen Village's old teahouse, and steamed rice noodles at Longquan Rice Noodle Shop. Accommodation Suggestions Book accommodations in advance, choosing comfortable places with convenient transportation, such as Taoya in Yangjiatan Village or Yuanshe Lanshu guesthouses. Important Notes Some ancient village roads are narrow, so drive or ride carefully. Ancient villages are residential areas, so tour respectfully, avoid making noise, and protect the old buildings.

Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, I longed for freedom. Finally, I had the opportunity to embark on a journey to Songyang, where I strolled through ancient villages, gazed at the sea of clouds, wandered through old streets, and experienced mountain living. This vibrant, ancient land healed my weary soul. I spent two days immersing myself in the charm of Songyang's ancient villages. 📍Lishui, Songyang Day 1: Wenli Songyang Three Temples - Yankeng Lingtou Village - Qingyou Retreat Day 2: Shicang Ancient Residences - Shuangtong Scenic Area - Return Journey (Songyang Station/Lishui Station) 🚗Self-driving is recommended (the villages are far apart, so renting a car or driving yourself is recommended for convenient sightseeing) 1. Wenli Songyang Three Temples An ancient temple located near Songyang Old Street, with a cafe, bookstore, and opera stage. You can also stroll along Songyang Old Street. 2. Yankeng Lingtou Village Located on a mountain over 700 meters high, Yankeng Lingtou Village has been revitalized by artists and is known as the "Painters' Village." It retains a strong rural atmosphere and tranquil, rustic charm. Soon, it will usher in its most beautiful season, with over 180 golden persimmon trees🍅 laden with fruit, creating a charming landscape. 3. Qingyou Retreat A guesthouse located in Yankeng Lingtou Village, with a simple and clean environment, it's an ideal place to stay for the first night. After dinner, you can take a leisurely stroll through the village. 4. Shicang Ancient Residences Stepping into Shicang, you'll see rows of Qing Dynasty courtyards. It consists of more than 30 magnificent Ming and Qing Dynasty ancient buildings, with mud walls, grey tiles, carved beams, and painted rafters. It's like stepping into a paradise, making you linger. If time permits, be sure to visit the nearby Shicang Contract Museum. 5. Shuangtong Scenic Area A great place to admire Songyang's mountains⛰️ and sea of clouds☁️. You can choose to hike up the mountain or take the magic carpet. There are suspension bridges connecting the mountains, and a suspended glass walkway.

Explore Songyang Shicang | Travel Back 300 Years to a Hakka Paradise and Experience the History and Life of an Ancient Hakka Village Hidden in the mountains of Songyang, Lishui, is a living "Qing Dynasty Architecture Museum" - Shicang in Dadongba Town. This is a Hakka settlement. The Hakka people who migrated from Tingzhou, Fujian in the early Qing Dynasty used their wisdom and craftsmanship to build ancient residential buildings with high horsehead walls and carved beams and painted rafters. More than 30 Qing Dynasty buildings are still preserved, and 300 years of history flow between the blue tiles and mud walls. Strolling through the stone alleys is like opening the doors of history. The solemnity of the Ye Ancestral Hall and the smoke and fire of the ancient shops tell the Hakka spirit of "farming and reading." 🏯【Ancient Residential Buildings: Living Fossils of Jiangnan Architecture】 Shicang's residences are famous for their layout of "one surname, one ancestral hall, nine halls, and eighteen wells." The courtyard houses, large patios, and brick-wood structures are layered, the horsehead walls undulate like waves, and the stories on the carved doors and windows are vivid. The sunlight shines on the mottled mud walls, and the light and shadow intersect, making it easy to take cinematic photos! We recommend checking in at the Contract Museum. This modern building made of stones is perfectly integrated with the ancient village and displays the history of the Hakka people's integrity and contract, which is the key to understanding Shicang's cultural genes. 🍶 【Hakka Memories on the Tip of the Tongue】 The taste of the New Year for Shicang people is hidden in the mellow aroma of white rice wine! Made with mountain spring water and glutinous rice using ancient methods, it is sweet and long-lasting, and paired with a crispy Shicang bubble tofu, it instantly awakens the taste buds' nostalgia. The village still retains a tofu workshop, where you can experience the traditional techniques of grinding beans and adding brine, and feel the Hakka people's philosophy of "food is the most important thing." 🎋 【Immersive Cultural Experience】 - Participate in Hakka folk activities: During festivals, dragon lantern dances, tea-picking operas, and puppet theaters are performed one after another, creating a lively atmosphere; - Stay overnight in a boutique homestay transformed from an ancient residence, listen to the sound of insects under the starry sky, and open the window in the morning to see a landscape painting shrouded in mist; - Check in at the popular live broadcast base, meet local experts, learn to make Hakka food, and bring Shicang's scenery home. 🚗 【Transportation Tips】 📍 Address: Shicang Ancient Residential Buildings, Dadongba Town, Songyang County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province 🚙 Self-driving: About 4 hours from Hangzhou, convenient parking in the village; 📅 Best season: Spring and autumn (avoid the rainy season, the ancient village is quieter). 🌟 "The ancient village is not old, and the story lasts forever - Shicang is a love letter left by time to Jiangnan, and it is also a witness to the endless Hakka culture. Come here, be a mountain guest for a day, and let history and nature heal your restless heart.