Jinyun Xiandu. No wonder the Tang Priest and his disciples lingered here.
📍Jinyun Xiandu
No wonder the Tang Priest and his disciples lingered here; it's a hidden wonderland‼️
Here's a travel guide to Jinyun Xiandu:
Scenic Area Introduction
Located in Jinyun County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, Jinyun Xiandu Scenic Area is a national scenic area and a national 5A tourist attraction. It features stunning peaks and rocks, beautiful mountains and rivers, idyllic countryside scenery, and historical sites. The scenic area includes Dinghufeng Peak, Zhutan Mountain, Little Red Cliff, Xiandu Temple, and Niweng Cave.
Transportation Guide
• External Transportation: Many high-speed trains depart daily from Hangzhou and other cities to Jinyun. After arriving in Jinyun, you can take a direct bus to Xiandu Scenic Area.
• Internal Transportation: Xiandu Scenic Area has traffic control measures in place. From the visitor center, you can only take the scenic area bus. However, if you enter from Zhutan Mountain, you can drive to each attraction, reducing waiting time. Scenic area buses run very frequently, about every 10–15 mins, and have a very helpful announcement system, so you won't miss any attractions.
Recommended Attractions
• Dinghufeng Peak: Known as the "No. 1 Peak Under Heaven," the "No. 1 Stone Under Heaven," and the "No. 1 Bamboo Shoot Under Heaven," it is the landmark of Xiandu. Shaped like a bamboo shoot, it rises straight into the sky with magnificent momentum. Visitors can choose to hike or take the cable car to the top of the mountain to overlook the beautiful scenery of Xiandu.
• Zhutan Mountain: This was the filming location for *Old Cattleman of Xiandu*. Show times are 9:30–11:00 am and 3:30–5:00 pm. Here, visitors can not only enjoy the picturesque scenery but also watch the free cattle herding performance and experience the tranquility and harmony of the countryside.
• Niweng Cave: Originally known as Chuyang Valley, it is also called "Niweng Rock." Legend has it that an ancient official surnamed Ni lived in seclusion here because he was cynical about the world. Inside the cave, there are more than 60 cliff carvings from various dynasties, making it a national key cultural relic protection site.
• Little Red Cliff: Famous for its unique cliff scenery. The cliffs are ochre and white, resembling a scene after a firework display. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon when the setting sun casts a glow on the cliffs, adding a touch of mystery and romance. The inscription "Little Red Cliff" by Gong Tingbin in the Ming Dynasty adds to the cultural significance of this place.
• Xiandu Temple: The oldest temple building in Jinyun with written records, it was the filming location for movies and TV series such as *Monk Comes Down the Mountain* and *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*. Located next to Little Red Cliff, its simple and elegant architectural style complements the surrounding natural environment, making it a good place for visitors to explore history and culture and experience the religious atmosphere.
Food Recommendations
• Jinyun Baked Pancake: Made with flour, fresh pork, and dried plum vegetables, the pancake dough is carefully baked in a charcoal oven. The crust becomes golden and crispy, while the filling is savory, juicy, and fragrant.
• Tofu Balls: Made with tofu as the main ingredient, they are carefully crafted into round and adorable shapes. The outer layer is soft and chewy, while the filling is savory and juicy, offering a rich taste.
• Deep-fried Rice Cakes: Made with glutinous rice flour as the main ingredient, they become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside after being deep-fried, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor. The golden crust shines attractively in the sunlight, and one bite is enough to experience the full aroma of glutinous rice and oil.
• Qingming Kueh: Made with mugwort and glutinous rice flour, they come in sweet and savory flavors. Sweet Qingming Kueh are filled with sesame seeds, sweet osmanthus sugar, and other ingredients, offering a sweet and soft taste. Savory Qingming Kueh are filled with preserved meat, winter bamboo shoots, and other seasonal ingredients, offering a unique and savory taste.
Accommodation Options
• Luxury: Jinyun Jinjiang International Hotel, rated 4.8, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a wide variety of breakfast options.
• Resort Farmhouse: Jinyun Jin Yun Li She Luxury B&B, rated 4.7, with an American countryside style and perfect details.
• Comfort: Jinyun Oriental View Hotel, rated 4.7, with a superior location close to Xiandu Scenic Area.
Tour Route Planning
• One-day Tour Route: Dinghufeng Peak—Zhutan Mountain—Little Red Cliff.
• Two-day Tour Route:
◦ Day 1: B&B—Dinghufeng Peak—Huangdi Temple—Zhutan Mountain—Little Red Cliff.
◦ Day 2: Xiandu Temple—Niweng Cave—Furong Gorge—Xiandu Cliff Carvings.
Things to Note
• Xiandu Scenic Area is large, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Tickets are checked at multiple attractions within the scenic area, so keep your tickets safe.
• There are many B&Bs and farmhouses in Xiandu Scenic Area. Booking in advance is recommended.
• The food in Xiandu Scenic Area mainly consists of local specialties such as Jinyun Baked Pancake, Tu Shuang Noodles, and Ma Duck. Trying them is recommended.