[2025 Yunhe Attraction] Travel Guide for Qixingdun Observation Deck (Updated Apr)

Stumbling Upon a Real-Life Monet Garden! Here's my travel guide and genuine experience at Yunhe Terrace, hope it helps those who plan to visit! 1. Preparation 1. Documents: ID card, student ID (bring it if you have one, there might be discounts) 2. Clothing: If you plan to watch sunrise and sunset, remember to bring a thick jacket as temperature varies greatly between morning and evening. 3. Other items: Power bank, sun protection items (sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), rain gear (weather changes frequently in mountainous areas) 2. Transportation 1. High-speed rail: First arrive at Lishui Station, then you can book a scenic area shuttle bus in advance through the "Baba Quick Bus" mini program, or take a taxi after exiting the station. If traveling in a group, sharing a taxi is cost-effective and more convenient. 2. Self-driving: Navigate directly to "Yunhe Terrace Scenic Area." The route offers beautiful scenery, and you can stop anywhere to enjoy the view, but be mindful of traffic congestion during holidays. The scenic area has multiple parking lots with free parking spaces at the Tourist Center, Silver Valley, and Nine Curves Cloud Ring areas, with plenty of spots available. 3. Ticket Information Tickets can be purchased in advance on major travel platforms at a lower price than on-site. The combo ticket including cable car is quite cost-effective, but you can also buy admission ticket separately if you don't plan to use the cable car. - Admission: CNY 80/person - Cable car: CNY 60/person one-way, CNY 100/person round-trip 4. Touring Route Day 1: Nine Curves Cloud Ring - Silver Valley Morning: Arrive at Yunhe Terrace Scenic Area, collect tickets at the Tourist Center, then take the shuttle bus (Line 1, separate ticket required) or drive to Nine Curves Cloud Ring. This is an excellent spot to view the terraced fields, where you can see layers of terraces like a giant landscape painting. If lucky, you might see spectacular sea of clouds, with mist swirling between terraces - truly breathtaking! Don't forget to take photos at the Glass Cloud Platform, with its transparent floor 800m high and terraced fields spreading like fingerprints below - perfect for photos! Noon: Have lunch at restaurants near Nine Curves Cloud Ring. Try local specialties like terrace rice fish and stir-fried black fungus with eggs - delicious with authentic farm-style flavors. Afternoon: Take shuttle bus Line 2 (included in combo ticket) from Nine Curves Cloud Ring to Silver Valley. Silver Valley is an ancient silver mine site with many old buildings and stone paths, making you feel like you've traveled back in time. Visit the Seven Stars Peak viewing platform, the highest point in the scenic area, overlooking Silver Valley and terraced fields. Also visit Cloud Cafe with its panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows - enjoy coffee while taking in the views. Then explore Kenggen Stone Village, a 600-year-old village where you can experience ancient charm and take beautiful photos. Day 2: Sunrise Sea of Clouds - Seven Stars Peak Early morning: Get up early to watch sunrise at Nine Curves Cloud Ring, arrive at the viewing platform 1-2 hours ahead to secure a spot. When the sun rises slowly from the edge of terraces, golden sunlight spreads across the fields, illuminating the whole world - that moment makes all the early morning fatigue worthwhile! Morning: After sunrise, take the cable car to Seven Stars Peak. The terraced fields here have a different feel from Nine Curves Cloud Ring, more delicate and soft, with field ridges laid like ribbons glinting in the sunlight. Noon: Have lunch at restaurants near Seven Stars Peak, take a rest, then prepare for return journey. 5. Photo Spots 1. Nine Curves Cloud Ring: Glass Cloud Platform, Ancient Camphor Tree Grove, Terrace Coffee House (order a terrace red rice latte for great photos) 2. Silver Valley: Seven Stars Peak viewing platform (360° panoramic platform, high chance of sea of clouds in winter), Kenggen Stone Village (red yew trees and old houses at village entrance create "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" style scenes), Intangible Cultural Heritage Bamboo Weaving Workshop (watch She ethnic minority grandmas weave bamboo, very authentic) 3. Seven Stars Peak: Starry Sky Camping Site (romantic stargazing at night), Grandma's Rice Cake Stand (taste local food culture while enjoying rice cakes) 6. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Weather: Mountain weather is changeable. Choose clear days for sunrise and sea of clouds viewing. If you encounter heavy fog, don't rush to leave - you might see even more beautiful scenery once it clears. 2. Cable car and shuttle bus operating hours: Cable car runs until 16:30, shuttle bus until 16:20. Plan your schedule accordingly to avoid missing the last ride. 3. Nine Curves Cloud Ring to Seven Stars Peak: Only accessible by cable car, no shuttle bus available, so plan your route and transportation in advance. 4. Silver Valley mountain path: There's a mountain path from Seven Stars Peak to Kenggen Stone Village, but not recommended. Local elders say it takes over an hour and the path is difficult - better take the cable car to save time and energy. 5. Accommodation: For those not driving, recommend staying near Nine Curves Cloud Ring on the mountain, within walking distance to sunrise viewing platform. Self-driving visitors have more options, can stay either on or off the mountain. Book accommodation online in advance, choosing places with good reviews and convenient locations. Yunhe Terrace is truly worth visiting, with both natural scenery and cultural atmosphere that will captivate you. Hope everyone can enjoy a wonderful time here!

“Nine parts mountains, half a part water, and half a part farmland” — Lishui, the last hidden gem of Zhejiang, is hailed by *National Geographic* as "the last Shangri-La of Jiangnan." Here, you'll find terraced fields rivaling those of Yunnan and Guizhou, villages more ancient than Wuyuan, and breathtaking landscapes reminiscent of classical Chinese paintings. If you're seeking an escape from the crowds and a tranquil haven, Lishui is your answer. --- 📅 Best Time to Visit - Spring/Autumn (Apr–May, Sep–Nov): - April–May: The Yunhe Rice Terraces are flooded, creating mirror-like reflections of the sky. - September–October: Golden rice paddies paint a picturesque autumn scene, ideal for photography. - Summer (Jun–Aug): A summer retreat with an average temperature of 26°C, but expect occasional showers. - Winter (Dec–Feb): Fewer tourists, offering a serene, ink-painting-like view of snow-covered terraces and ancient villages. --- 🏞️ Must-See Attractions 1. Yunhe Rice Terraces (4A Scenic Area) - The largest terraced fields in East China, known as the "Most Beautiful Rice Terraces in China." - Qixingdun Observation Deck: Catch the sunrise and sea of clouds (arrive before 5am). - Baiyin Valley: Hike through ancient villages and bamboo forests with waterfalls. - Kenggen Stone Village: An 800-year-old village with stone paths and ancient wells. - Tickets: CNY 80 (includes Jiuqu Yunhuan + Baiyin Valley). 2. Songyang Ancient Villages (Free) - Known as the "Last Hidden Gem of Jiangnan," featured multiple times in *National Geographic*. - Must-Visit Villages: - Yangjiatang Village: The "Golden Potala Palace," its walls glow golden at dusk. - Chenjiapu Village: A cliffside village home to the Pioneer Bookstore, often shrouded in clouds. - Songzhuang Village: Featuring a 600-year-old bridge, as seen on the cover of *Chinese National Geography*. - Tip: Villages are spread out; chartering a car is recommended. 3. Guyuan Huaxiang (5A Scenic Area) - Highlights: Ou River sailboats, ancient camphor trees, and a haven for art students. - Guyuan: Tongji Weir (World Irrigation Engineering Heritage). - Huaxiang: Explore art shops and take a boat trip on the Ou River (CNY 50). - Photography: Misty mornings on the river offer classic scenes of fishermen casting nets. - Tickets: CNY 50 4. Xiandu Scenic Area (5A Scenic Area) - A popular filming location for martial arts dramas (*The Journey of Flower*, *Swordsman*). - Dinghufeng Peak: A 150m-high stone pillar, legendary site of the Yellow Emperor's alchemy practice. - Zhutan Mountain: An old farmer leads a cow across a stone bridge (popular photo spot, paid posing available). - Little Red Cliff: Danxia landforms, the cliffs glow red at sunset. - Tickets: CNY 95 (includes shuttle bus). 5. Nanjianyan (4A Scenic Area) - Known for its "four wonders": sea of clouds, rice terraces, bamboo forests, and waterfalls. - Glass walkway: Offers a bird's-eye view of the valley below. - Photography: High chance of sea of clouds after rain, arrive early. - Tickets: CNY 70 --- 🍜 Lishui Cuisine Lishui cuisine blends the flavors of the southern Zhejiang mountains, emphasizing "wild, rustic, and fresh": - Must-Try Dishes: - Jinyun Shaobing: Crispy flatbread filled with preserved vegetables and pork (best found near Xiandu Scenic Area). - Suichang Changzong: 1-meter-long dragon zongzi with various fillings. - Yunhe Stream Fish: Fried with salt and pepper or braised, paired with local rice wine. - Songyang Stewed Chicken: Local chicken stewed in salt, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. --- 💡 Travel Tips 1. Driving: Mountain roads are winding, not recommended for novice drivers. 2. Photography Equipment: Telephoto lens for morning mist over the terraces, wide-angle lens for villages. 3. Clothing: - Spring/Autumn: Light jacket + sneakers (many stone paths in villages). - Summer: Sun-protective clothing + mosquito repellent. 4. Ticket Discounts: Some attractions offer discounts for Hangzhou/Shanghai ID card holders. --- Lishui's beauty lies in the morning mist over the rice terraces, the weathered mud walls of ancient villages, and the unhurried pace of life. If you're tired of commercialized ancient towns, Lishui offers a glimpse into the authentic Jiangnan. "If the mountains won't come to me, I will go to the mountains" — Let's go! 🌄

"You never get tired of looking at the green mountains, and the flowing water is so interesting. The mountains and waters of Lishui are like a dream gallery. The ancient weir painting village is full of poetry, and the clouds and terraces are shining with golden light. The story of Lishui is hidden among these beautiful mountains and waters..." Humming "Appointment in Lishui", the paradise-like Lishui with beautiful mountains and waters is like a gorgeous painting scroll that slowly unfolds, attracting me to embark on a journey happily in this bright and beautiful March😃. 🔵 Fun season In March in Lishui, the temperature is between 10℃ - 20℃, the spring breeze is gentle, and the sun is warm, just like the most gentle gift from nature. At this time, Lishui seems to have awakened from its deep sleep, and is full of vitality. The flowers in the Ancient Weir Painting Village are blooming, and the clouds and terraces are sparkling. It is a perfect time to explore the unique charm of this city. 🔵Itinerary planning D1: Guyan Painting Village - Dagangtou Town B&B (stay) We arrived in Lishui in the morning and headed to Guyan Painting Village first. Stepping into this ancient town full of artistic atmosphere is like traveling through time and space and entering a poetic world. The thousand-year-old weir flows quietly with traces of time, and the ancient camphor trees on the riverside are towering with lush branches and leaves. Strolling along the old street, you will see galleries on both sides, with exquisite paintings displayed before your eyes. In the afternoon, take a boat tour on the Oujiang River, see the green mountains on both sides of the river, dotted with fishing boats, and feel the pleasure of "swimming in a painting". In the evening, check in to the homestay in Dagangtou Town, get close to nature, and fall asleep to the sound of gurgling river, which is extremely comfortable. D2: Yunhe Rice Terraces - Yunhe Rice Terraces B&B (stay) We went to Yunhe Rice Terraces in the early morning. At this time, the terraces were in the irrigation period. Under the sunlight, the terraces were sparkling, like huge mirrors inlaid in the mountains. Strolling along the ridges of the fields, breathing the fresh air, and watching the clouds and mist swirling among the mountains, it is like a fairyland. In the afternoon, you can experience farm activities and feel the fun of farming, or find a viewing platform to quietly appreciate the magnificent scenery of the terraced fields. In the evening, check in to the Yunhe Terraces B&B. You can see the beautiful scenery of the terraces as soon as you open the window and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside. D3: Nanming Mountain - Return After breakfast, head to Nanming Mountain, where there are beautiful mountains and clear waters and many historical sites. As you climb the mountain trail, you can see cliff carvings, ancient temples and pavilions along the way. The mountain is shaded by green trees and the air is fresh. Standing on the top of the mountain overlooking Lishui city, you can feel the fusion of city and nature. We returned in the afternoon with a lot of good memories. 🔵Transportation Guide • Direct flight: Airports in surrounding cities, such as Wenzhou Longwan International Airport, have airport buses or high-speed trains to Lishui for easy transfer. City buses, taxis, and other travel options are worry-free ✈️. • Train travel: There are many trains at Lishui Station, connecting to surrounding cities. The city’s transportation facilities are also gradually being improved, making travel convenient🚉. 🔵Accommodation selection • Surrounding the scenic area: such as Dagangtou Town B&B and Yunhe Terraces B&B, which are close to the scenic spots. You can avoid the crowds in the early morning and evening, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ancient town and terraces, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. • Downtown: Downtown hotels are convenient for transit, shopping, and dining, and are suitable for a stopover before or after a trip. 🔵Check-in destination 📍Guyan Painting Village (Painting Village Old Street): With the old streets and exquisite galleries as the background, wear artistic costumes and take beautiful photos📸. 📍Yunhe Terraces (Qixingdun Observation Deck): Standing on the observation deck, with the vast terraces and swirling clouds as the background, freeze the shocking moment. 📍Nanming Mountain (in front of Renshou Temple): Stand in front of the ancient Renshou Temple, feel the Zen spirit, and leave a peaceful image. 🈲 Tips: • The temperature difference between morning and evening in March is quite large, so remember to bring warm clothes🧣, such as windbreakers, sweaters, etc. • Be safe when taking a boat or hiking and follow the instructions of staff. • Taste Lishui cuisine and choose regular restaurants with good reputation. During the few days in Lishui, accompanied by the melodious song of "Appointment with Lishui", I embraced the spring flowers, gazed at the mountains and rivers, and danced with the countryside. Every inch of the beauty of this city is engraved in my heart. I am full of nostalgia when I leave and hope to come back again to continue writing the wonderful story of Lishui. 💕

If you come to Lishui, Zhejiang, you will fall asleep in an endless forest oxygen bar. Stay in a forest homestay; it’s not a mountain view room, but directly lying in the jungle. You will wait for a sunset just for you, and also wait for the moonlight to visit your room. The world outside the homestay is very lonely; when you speak, only the sound of frogs responds. The world outside the homestay is very noisy; the stream is singing and never stops. If you want to travel, it is recommended to arrange 3-4 days. On the first day, daze, relax, and enjoy nature at the homestay... On the second day, go to the ancient village of Songyang and see the 'golden touch' of winter sunlight spreading into the village. On the third day, hike the terraces, enter Xiandu, and take a set of ancient costume photos as if in a historical drama. On the last day, don't miss the scenery along the way, travel down the river, and wander in the green wilderness. Maybe you also need a good time to relax and have a conversation with yourself. Bring a bottle of red wine, toast to the past, toast to the moonlight, awaken the longing in your heart, and gently pass the time... These ancient villages are a must-visit. Yangjiatang Village With nearly 400 years of history, surrounded by green mountains, the layered mud-tile houses are built along the mountain. When the sunlight shines into the village, it looks like a 'golden Potala Palace.' At the entrance of the village, there is an ancient camphor tree (a nearly thousand-year-old couple tree), where many couples take photos. The entire village's street layout, gates, mountain walls, ancient wells, and other buildings remain primitive and full of ancient charm, making it memorable. Kenggen Village The village is located within the Baiyin Valley Scenic Area of Yunhe Terraces. The clear mountain streams, babbling brooks, and swaying bamboo sea in Baiyin Valley form a walking path connecting Kenggen Village and Meizhu Village. You can camp at the Qixingdun Observation Deck in Meizhu Village, watching the starry sky and the morning sea of clouds. Yanxia Village Rated as one of the five most beautiful ancient villages in Zhejiang Province by 'China National Geography,' the entire village is surrounded by lush bamboo and mountain forests. The stone walls, stone gates, stone windows, stone bridges, and stone roads are filled with an ancient and primitive atmosphere. Only about twenty households still live here.

After escaping the hustle and bustle of the cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, embark on a niche journey of seclusion at the Yunhe Terraced Fields in Lishui, where the terraced fields stretch as far as the eye can see, with mountains, sea of clouds, sunrise, ancient villages, bamboo forests, waterfalls... China's first terraced field 5A scenic area is truly worth it, whether it's spring, summer, autumn, winter, or whether it's sunny or rainy, every moment of the scenery is stunningly beautiful. - 📍｜Yunhe Terraced Fields 🚙｜Located in Chongtou Town, Yunhe County, Lishui City, it's very suitable for self-driving. It's about a 4-hour drive from Hangzhou, about 1 hour from Lishui city center, and about 30 minutes from Yunhe County town; 🚄｜Take the high-speed train to Lishui Station, then take a direct bus to the Yunhe Terraced Fields Visitor Center. 🚠｜Yunhe Terraced Fields are divided into two major areas: Jiuqu Yunhuan and Baiyin Valley, which are very vast. You can drive yourself or take the Guanyun cable car back and forth. 🍃｜The four seasons of Yunhe Terraced Fields are very distinct: spring is the water-filling season, summer is full of lush green rice, autumn is the golden harvest season, and winter presents another kind of scenery. - ⭐️Yunhe Terraced Fields travel itinerary: Visitor Center➡️Guanyun Cable Car➡️Baiyin Valley Cloud-End Cafe➡️Qixing Dun➡️Wujian Waterfall Trail➡️Kenggen Stone Village➡️Scenic Shuttle➡️Jiuqu Yunhuan➡️Guanyun Cable Car➡️Visitor Center, return trip. You can opt for a one-day or two-day tour. The sunrise and sea of clouds at Jiuqu Yunhuan are very beautiful. Those who want to see the sunrise can consider a two-day tour. The Straw Straw Meets Jigsaw Wood Hotel near the Visitor Center is very nice and popular with families with children. - ✅Jiuqu Yunhuan ♦️Terraced fields spread across the mountains, with significant vertical differences, and the term 'nine bends' hardly does it justice; it's truly breathtaking. ♦️The sunrise sea of clouds offers a panoramic view of Yunhe Terraced Fields, and you definitely shouldn't miss the sunrise here on a clear day; it's truly beautiful. ♦️For those who like quiet, you can go to Hesheng Yunjian, a very artistic coffee bar with a beautiful landscape view and great photo opportunities. ♦️For those who like to be active, you can stroll along the field paths, which feels very comfortable, and taking photos in the fields has a great atmosphere. ♦️There are also daily performances such as cattle herding in the fields, which are very healing to watch. - ✅Baiyin Valley ♦️Qixing Dun is at a higher altitude than Jiuqu Yunhuan, with a broader view. From here, you can overlook the rolling mountains and terraced fields, and it's a great spot for photography. ♦️Cloud-End Cafe is at an altitude of about 1100 meters, with panoramic glass windows facing the terraced fields, perfect for zoning out and relaxing. ♦️Wujian Waterfall Trail offers picturesque scenery along the way, with waterfalls, streams, stone bridges, and azaleas, making for a very enjoyable natural experience. ♦️Kenggen Stone Village is a quaint and natural ancient village that offers a peaceful retreat. There are also homestays in the village, and staying a night is also a good choice.

As the first rays of the sun penetrate the mist and illuminate the layered terraces, I seem to witness the awakening of the earth. Here, in Chongtou Town of Yunhe County, Zhejiang Province, lies a poetic, ancient, and vibrant land—the Yunhe Terraces. The terraces in the early morning are like a shy girl, draped in a thin veil, standing there quietly. As the sun rises higher, the terraces shed their veil, revealing their true face. The history of these terraces can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, flourishing through the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with a history of over 1000 years. They are a testament to agricultural civilization and a crystallization of ancient wisdom. In one of the core scenic areas of the Yunhe Terraces, Yinkeng Ancient Village, I experienced the original and simple rural charm. The houses and roads here are mostly built of stone, hence the name 'Kenggen Stone Fortress'. Qixing Dun Viewing Platform is the soul of the Yunhe Terraces. Standing here, you can overlook the entire Silver Valley and the terraces, feeling the heroic sentiment of 'being at the top and looking down on all the small mountains'. This place was also where the ancients observed the stars and prayed to the heavens, and now it has become a treasure trove for stargazing in the East China region. Every year during the Grain in Ear season, the villagers hold a grand 'Welcoming the Gods' event for eighteen villages. Villagers dressed in traditional attire sing and dance, praying for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest. This reverence and gratitude for nature made me deeply appreciate the true essence of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Visiting Yunhe, one cannot miss the local specialty—the Snow Pear Feast. Yunhe snow pears, with a cultivation history of over 570 years, are a calling card of Yunhe. And the Snow Pear Feast is the highest courtesy offered by the people of Yunhe to their guests. Each dish is a tribute to nature and a legacy of agricultural civilization. The Yunhe Terraces are not just a beautiful natural landscape, but also a living historical scroll. Here, I felt the magical charm of nature and the profound heritage of agricultural civilization. It was a journey of the soul that deepened my understanding and reflection on the relationship between humans and nature. As I left the Yunhe Terraces, the setting sun had already stained the horizon red. Looking back, the terraces under the glow of the sunset appeared even more beautiful and moving.