Lishui

丽水

A mountain city in southwestern Zhejiang known as the home of China's most pristine natural landscapes and traditional villages with stunning scenery. The surrounding areas feature terraced farmland, ancient trails, and ethnic minority villages offering authentic rural experiences.

Things to do

• Hike the Longquan Gorge — Trek through a dramatic mountain gorge with emerald pools and ancient stone pathways that connect traditional villages.
• Explore Long泉古村 (Longquan Ancient Village) — Wander through a well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty village featuring stone architecture, ancestral halls, and terraced gardens.
• Visit Jinyun Mountain Scenic Area — Climb the iconic sandstone peaks with panoramic views over forested valleys and explore Buddhist temples perched on cliff edges.
• Trek the Nanxi River Gorge — Paddle or hike along one of Zhejiang's clearest river valleys bordered by limestone cliffs and pristine beaches.
• Experience Jingning She Ethnic Minority Culture — Visit villages of the She people to observe traditional weaving, dance performances, and participate in local festivals.
• Explore Terrace Fields at Longquan — Walk through ancient rice terraces carved into mountainsides that create striking geometric patterns across the landscape.

Food to try

• Lishui Scallion Pancakes (丽水葱油饼) — Crispy fried flatbread layered with local scallions and oil, served warm as a popular street breakfast throughout the city.
• Bamboo Shoot and Wild Game Dishes — Mountain restaurants serve fresh bamboo shoots paired with local wild game like venison and pheasant in clay pot preparations.
• She People's Herbal Chicken Soup (畲族药膳鸡汤) — A nourishing broth featuring free-range chicken cooked with indigenous herbs and medicinal plants from the surrounding mountains.
• Stone-Ground Rice Flour Noodles (石磨米粉) — Silky fresh rice noodles ground daily and served in aromatic broth with pickled vegetables and local preserved meats.
• Lishui Dried Fish (丽水咸鱼) — Salt-cured and sun-dried freshwater fish from local rivers, used as a flavoring ingredient or eaten as a protein-rich snack.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Village Visiting Hours — Many traditional villages have restricted visiting times; plan morning visits and ask permission before photographing residents or entering ancestral halls.
• Learn Basic She Greetings — The She ethnic minority speak their own language; learning simple greetings like 'Ngo-ma' (hello) shows respect and opens warm interactions.
• Observe Mountain Hiking Etiquette — Trails are communal spaces where porters and local farmers work; step aside and greet them respectfully, and carry out all trash.
• Participate in Festival Celebrations — Major festivals like the She People's Lajie Festival in April feature traditional ceremonies; visitors are welcomed to attend but should dress modestly and follow local protocols.