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Things to Do in Lishui (2026)
Xiandu Scenic Area is Lishui's crown jewel, known for its towering peaks and misty rivers. Take a boat ride through the Fairy Capital (Xiandu) for views of the iconicβ¦ ποΈ Explore Xiandu Scenic Area
Xiandu Scenic Area is Lishui's crown jewel, known for its towering peaks and misty rivers. Take a boat ride through the Fairy Capital (Xiandu) for views of the iconic Dinghu Peak. Entry is 110 RMB, and the site is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
ποΈ Wander Ancient Villages
The ancient villages around Lishui, like Songyang's Yangjiatang and Shicang, offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese rural life. These well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty settlements feature cobblestone paths and ancestral halls. Many villages are free to enter, but some charge a small fee of 20-50 RMB.
π΅ Sip Local Tea
Lishui is famous for its high-mountain green teas, particularly Jingning Huiming Tea. Visit a tea plantation in Jingning She Autonomous County to see the terraced fields and sample fresh brews. Most plantations offer free tastings, and you can buy tea directly from farmers for around 100-200 RMB per 500g.
π£ Paddle on Nanming Lake
Nanming Lake, located in the heart of Lishui city, is perfect for a leisurely kayak or paddleboat ride. Rentals start at 50 RMB per hour, and the lake is surrounded by walking paths and gardens. It's a great spot for a relaxing afternoon, especially during spring and autumn.
π Taste Local Delicacies
Don't miss Lishui's signature dishes like crispy fried stinky tofu and bamboo rice. Head to the Lishui Night Market on Jiefang Street for a variety of street food stalls open from 5:00 PM to midnight. Prices are affordable, with most snacks costing 10-30 RMB.
π Getting Around Lishui
Lishui's public bus system covers most attractions, with fares starting at 2 RMB. For remote villages, consider renting a car or hiring a driver for around 300-500 RMB per day. The Lishui Railway Station connects to major cities like Hangzhou and Shanghai via high-speed trains.
ποΈ Hike in Baishanzu National Park
Baishanzu National Park, about 2 hours from Lishui city, offers challenging hikes through dense forests and to the highest peak in Zhejiang. The park is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with an entry fee of 80 RMB. Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water for the steep trails.
π Experience She Ethnic Culture
The She ethnic minority has a rich cultural heritage in Lishui, especially in Jingning County. Visit the She Ethnic Museum (free entry) to learn about their traditions, or catch a performance of the She folk songs and dances at the Jingning Cultural Center. Check local listings for showtimes.
yeah the guide's got the right idea but nobody mentions the little waterfall hike at shimen waterfall in jinyun county. it's about an hour drive from lishui but theres this 3km trail that follows the stream up through bamboo groves and ends at a 50 meter cascade you can stand under. entry is like 30 RMB and the water is freezing cold even in summer which feels amazing after the walk
also for food i dont see anyone talking about the bamboo tube rice at the small shop on jiefang road near the old bus station. it's this old couple who make it fresh in actual bamboo segments over charcoal, takes about 20 minutes but the smoky flavor is totally worth the wait. 15 RMB each and they only make like 30 a day so go before noon
ngl the hiking tip for baishanzu is good but if you want something closer to town, try the trails at shi men kan (stone gate gap) instead. it's only 30 mins from lishui city center, free entry, and there's this hidden waterfall about 40 mins in that barely anyone knows about. i went last october and had the whole place to myself on a weekday
also for the stinky tofu, skip the night market stalls and find the old lady who sets up near the south gate of xiandu around 4pm. she's been making it for like 30 years and her sauce is way better, just 5 RMB a skewer
man that guide is pretty thorough but i gotta shout out the tofu pudding at the morning market near Zhongshan Street. its this old guy with a cart who shows up around 6am and sells it with a sweet ginger syrup for like 3 RMB a bowl. way better than the touristy stuff and the locals line up for it
also if you're into temples theres a small one called Tongji Temple tucked away in the hills outside Songyang. no entry fee, no crowds, just this quiet courtyard with a 1000 year old ginkgo tree that turns bright yellow in november. the caretaker lives next door and will unlock the main hall if you ask nicely
3 Days in Lishui: Itinerary 2026
Start your morning at Lishui Ancient Street (Lishui Old Street), a pedestrian lane lined with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Wander through the small shops selβ¦ πΊοΈ Day 1: Old Town & Riverfront
Start your morning at Lishui Ancient Street (Lishui Old Street), a pedestrian lane lined with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Wander through the small shops selling local tea and bamboo crafts before heading to the nearby Nanming Lake for a peaceful stroll. In the afternoon, walk along the Oujiang River promenade, where you can see fishermen and traditional boats. End the day with dinner at a riverside restaurant like Yujia Restaurant, which serves local specialties like braised bamboo shoots and river fish.
ποΈ Day 2: Xiandu Scenic Area
Take an early bus from Lishui East Bus Station to Xiandu Scenic Area (about 1 hour, 20 RMB). Explore the Fairy Capital peaks, including the iconic Dinghu Peak, and hike the trails that wind through bamboo groves and past ancient temples. Bring a picnic lunch or eat at one of the small noodle shops near the entrance. Return to Lishui by late afternoon and relax at your hotel before heading to the night market on Jiefang Street for street food like stinky tofu and grilled skewers.
π― Day 3: Ancient Villages
Rent a car or hire a driver for the day to visit two well-preserved ancient villages: Jingning She Ethnic Village and Dayan Village. Jingning is about 40 minutes south of Lishui and offers insight into the She minority culture, with traditional costumes and dance performances. Dayan Village, another 30 minutes further, features Ming-era stone houses and a tranquil stream. Have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant in Dayan, where you can try home-cooked dishes like bamboo rice and pickled vegetables. Return to Lishui by evening and catch a train or flight out the next morning.
π Getting Around
Lishui's city center is walkable, but for day trips you'll need public buses or a rental car. Buses to Xiandu depart hourly from Lishui East Bus Station (6:00 AM to 5:00 PM). For the ancient villages, a private driver costs around 300-400 RMB per day and can be arranged through your hotel. Taxis within the city start at 8 RMB, and ride-hailing apps like Didi are widely available.
π Where to Eat
For authentic Lishui cuisine, head to Renmin Road where you'll find family-run eateries serving local dishes. Try the Lishui-style braised pork belly at Laojie Restaurant (No. 88 Renmin Road) for about 40 RMB per dish. For a quick bite, the night market on Zhongshan Street offers grilled fish and bubble tea from 6 PM to midnight. Don't miss the local specialty, Qingming Guo, a green rice cake filled with bamboo shoots and pork, available at street stalls.
π¨ Where to Stay
For convenience, book a hotel near Lishui Railway Station or in the city center. The Lishui International Hotel (No. 1 Liyang Road) offers clean rooms starting at 250 RMB per night and is a 10-minute walk from the old town. Budget travelers can try the Lishui Youth Hostel (No. 55 Jiefang Street) for dorm beds at 60 RMB per night. Both options provide easy access to bus stops and taxi stands.
π‘ Local Tips
Lishui's weather is mild but rainy, so pack an umbrella and waterproof shoes, especially in spring and summer. Most attractions accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay, but carry some cash for small vendors. Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases like 'xie xie' (thank you) and 'duo shao qian' (how much) to make interactions smoother. Avoid visiting during Chinese national holidays (October 1-7) when crowds are heavy and prices spike.
this is a solid itinerary, actually hit a lot of the right spots. one thing i'd add is that the bus to xiandu can get packed on weekends so try to catch the 7am one if you can, you'll beat the crowds and the morning light on dinghu peak is gorgeous. also for the night market on jiefang street, the grilled skewer stall on the corner near the old pharmacy is way better than the ones in the middle, the guy uses a spicier rub that's prob local to the she minority area.
for day 3, if you're going to jingning anyway, ask your driver to stop at the she ethnic museum on the way, it's free and has some cool embroidery pieces that the village dances don't really show. the farmhouse lunch in dayan is a must, get the bamboo rice and ask for extra pickled veggies, they're homemade and way better than the stuff in the city. honestly i'd skip the hotel near the railway station if you can, it's a bit of a walk from the old town and the lishui international hotel is quieter.
oh and for the qingming guo, the best ones are from the old lady who sets up a cart at the entrance of nanming lake around 10am, she makes them fresh with real bamboo shoots not the canned ones some stalls use. theyre like 3 rmb each and she'll wrap them in banana leaves
honestly the guide's right about the weather being mild but rainy, i'd add that the best time to hit the old street is actually after a light rain, the stone pathways get all shiny and the bamboo smells stronger. for the xiandu hike, the trail up dinghu peak has a section near the top with iron chains bolted into the rock, it's not dangerous but you'll want grippy shoes, i saw someone in sandals slip there last spring.
one thing nobody mentioned is the little tea house halfway up the xiandu trail, it's run by an old couple who grow their own white tea in the valley below. they'll let you sit on their porch for 10 rmb a cup and the view over the bamboo forest is better than the summit honestly. ask for the wild fermented tea, it's got this honey aftertaste you wont find in the shops on renmin road.
for the farmhouse in dayan, if you're there around late april ask if they have any wild mountain veggies, they forage for them and the stir-fried fiddlehead ferns with garlic are incredible. just point at the green leafy stuff in the kitchen and they'll know what you mean
solid plan, the old street in lishui is actually best around 7am before the tour groups show up, you'll see the shopkeepers setting up and the steamed bun smell is unreal. for the she village, if you go on a sunday there's often a small market near the entrance where local women sell handwoven belts and pouches, way more authentic than the souvenir shops. the bamboo rice at dayan is good but the real sleeper hit is the fried river snails at the farmhouse, they use a fermented soybean paste that's hard to find in town. also if you have an extra hour, the little museum at the base of dinghu peak has a model of the entire xiandu area that helps you figure out which trails connect where, saved me from walking in circles