Morning: Forest Hiking & Buddhist HeritageFirst Stop: Wuxiang Mountain National Forest Park (approx. 2.5–3 hours)Free entry. Known as Lishui’s urban green lung with a forest coverage rate above 95%. Drive along winding mountain roads to reach Tianchi Lake on the mountain summit, a clear alpine pond surrounded by pine and bamboo. Other highlights include the ancient Tang-dynasty Wuxiang Temple, cliff stone inscriptions and the natural scenic spot “Sound of Zither in Cave”. Gentle hiking trails pass through dense woodland, ideal for forest bathing and quiet sightseeing. Cultural and creative souvenirs featuring mountain and temple motifs can be purchased at the visitor centre.Lunch recommendation: Farmhouse restaurants at the foot of the mountain. Must-try dishes include wild mushroom braised tofu and reservoir fish head soup.
Afternoon: Ming Dynasty Canal & Canyon LandscapeSecond Stop: Tianshengqiao & Yanzhi River Scenic Area (approx. 2 hours)A 15-minute taxi ride from Wuxiang Mountain. Rated as a 4A scenic spot and hailed as “Little Three Gorges south of the Yangtze”. The Yanzhi River was manually excavated in the Ming Dynasty, while the giant natural stone arch Tianshengqiao spans the canyon. Reddish rocky cliffs stand beside emerald water. Taking a painted cruise boat through the gorge is the signature experience, showcasing the perfect combination of ancient water conservancy engineering and natural geology. The scenic gift shop sells Tianshengqiao-themed cultural creations including enamel badges and landscape postcards. Admission ticket required.
Evening & Night: Tang-Style Waterside Lantern ViewingThird Stop: Wuxiang Water Town (approx. 2 hours)Around a 20-minute drive from Tianshengqiao. An elegant Tang-dynasty-style water town with red walls, grey tiles and winding water lanes. The pedestrian block is free to access. The landscape transforms dramatically after sunset when lanterns light up the waterfront. Hanfu photography is popular here. Visitors can stroll along riverside corridors, board wooden boats and browse craft stalls selling local intangible heritage handicrafts.Dinner options: Local restaurants offering Honglan Hand-Pulled Chicken, Yudai Cake and other classic Lishui delicacies.Overnight suggestion: Hotels in downtown Lishui.
