I spent 3 days and 2 nights in Lishui and stayed up late to write a travel guide.
by @.d3n N3ls0n
Jan 16, 2025
Who says hidden gems in Zhejiang are hard to find? Tucked away in southern Zhejiang, Suichang offers a perfect answer with its National Geographic-certified landscapes, a 600-year-old ancient mine, and crystal-clear streams reminiscent of Jiuzhaigou. If you want to escape the crowds during the National Day holiday, just follow this guide—explore the core scenic spots in 2 days and enjoy authentic mountain flavors.
🌿 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary: Save Time for the Scenery
DAY 1: Touch History, Stay by the Lake
- Morning: Step into the time of the Ming Dynasty gold mine
Head straight to "Suichang Gold Mine National Mining Park." The title "No.1 Mine in Jiangnan" is well-deserved. Ride the vintage small train through the mine tunnels, where you can touch the marks left by Ming Dynasty miners. The cool air wrapped in history hits you immediately (be sure to bring a light jacket, as the temperature inside the mine varies greatly).
- Afternoon: Take a boat cruise on Xianxia Lake
Board the boat bus at Hushan Pier to Huangniling. The green mountains on both sides reflect on the clear lake surface, making every snapshot look like an ink painting. The last boat leaves at 4:30 PM, so plan to spend about 3 hours exploring Huangniling Village. The old tree at the village entrance and the stone steps by the lake are perfect photo spots.
- Evening: Stay at Xiyunli Homestay
Lie on the lakeside terrace chatting, watch the dusk spread over the lake, and let the mountain breeze dissolve the day’s fatigue—pure healing vibes.
DAY 2: Immerse Yourself in Qianfoshan
Known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Jiangnan," Qianfoshan deserves a full day of slow exploration. The 2-hour trail winds along a clear stream where you can see pebbles at the bottom. Deep inside, you’ll encounter a natural mountain Maitreya Buddha, an awe-inspiring sight that leaves you speechless. Remember to wear comfortable sneakers; every step offers wallpaper-worthy scenery.
🍲 Must-Try Suichang Flavors: The Rustic Taste Hidden in the Mountains
- Jiaotan Fish Head: The milky white fish soup is incredibly fresh, and the fish meat is tender without being dry—a local must-try signature dish.
- Specialty Fenglu Hot Pot: Like a mini hot pot, toss meat and vegetables into the pot to stew. The bubbling steam is full of wild mountain flavors.
- Huangmi Rice Cake: Made from glutinous rice soaked in ash from the "mountain eggplant" tree branches, stir-fried to a sticky texture with a hint of fragrance—an exceptionally unique taste.
- Salt Wine Pork Head Meat: A delightful cold dish where the aroma of wine balances the fattiness, becoming more flavorful the more you chew.
📌 Travel Tips
- Transportation: After arriving at Lishui High-Speed Rail Station, it’s recommended to rent a car or hire a private driver—Suichang’s attractions are scattered, making taxis inconvenient, while driving yourself allows flexible scheduling.
- Clothing: The mountain area has large temperature differences between morning and evening. Wear "thin inner layers + windproof jacket" for easy layering; light-colored clothes match perfectly with the green mountains and clear waters, making your photos stand out.
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