Located in Jinyun County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, Jinyun Xiandu is a national 5A-level scenic area and national park. Covering 166 square kilometers (10.58 sq.km core area), it's renowned for "spectacular peaks and exquisite waters", featuring rare volcanic rhyolite landforms. The area includes nine major scenic spots like Dinghu Peak (170.8m tall, known as "World's First Bamboo Shoot") and Little Red Cliff.
History & Culture
Xiandu has been a Taoist sacred site since ancient times, believed to be where the Yellow Emperor made elixirs. In Tang Dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong marveled at its beauty and inscribed "Xiandu" (Immortal Capital). Song Dynasty philosopher Zhu Xi praised it in poetry: "Returning from capital to Xiandu, tired of West Lake but enchanted by Dinghu Lake".
The area preserves over 120 cliff inscriptions from Tang to Qing dynasties, including precious Tang seal script at Niweng Cave and Zhu Xi's calligraphy. During Ming-Qing periods, it became a retreat for scholars, leaving abundant literary works.
Xiandu is also a popular filming location, featured in nearly 100 productions like "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils", earning it the nickname "Natural Film Studio".
Main Attractions
Dinghu Peak
The iconic 170.8m volcanic column with a 600sq.m natural lake on top. Vertically straight like a bamboo shoot, often shrouded in mist at dawn, creating fairyland scenery.
Little Red Cliff
A 650m-long danxia cliff with reddish walls contrasting with clear Haoxi River. Features over 10 natural caves and dozens of cliff inscriptions, most notably the Tang Dynasty "Little Red Cliff" carving.
Zhutan Mountain
Site of Zhu Xi's lecture hall, with Ming Dynasty Xiandu Cottage and Qing Dynasty Dufeng Academy. The stone bridge with Dinghu Peak's reflection amid spring rapeseed flowers creates classic photo opportunities.
Local Cuisine
Jinyun Baked Cake
Traditional snack with flour, preserved vegetables and pork filling, crispy outside and tender inside. The "Jinyun Baked Cake Flagship Store" in the area uses traditional clay ovens for authentic flavor.
Xiandu Spotted Duck
Local free-range ducks with firm texture. Recommended dish: beer-braised duck with sweet potato noodles at "Xiandu Farmhouse".
Ticket Information
Combo ticket: ¥110/person (covers main sites, valid 2 days). Single tickets: Dinghu Peak ¥60, Little Red Cliff ¥30. Half price for seniors over 60, free for over 70s and children under 1.2m. Shuttle bus: ¥20/person.
Recommended Route
One-day itinerary: South Entrance → Dinghu Peak (cable car up) → Yellow Emperor Temple → Immortal Water Cave → Little Red Cliff → Niweng Cave → Zhutan Mountain → Dufeng Academy → Return. Allow 5-6 hours, visit Dinghu Peak in morning.
Transportation
- High-speed rail: To Jinyun West Station, then scenic shuttle (20min)
- Drive: From Hangzhou via Jinliwen Expressway (~3hrs)
- Bus: Direct coaches from Lishui Bus Center
- Flight: Nearest Wenzhou Longwan Airport (1.5hr drive)
Must-See Spots
- Dinghu Peak: Iconic volcanic column, geologically rare
- Little Red Cliff: Danxia cliffs with ancient inscriptions
- Zhutan Mountain: Zhu Xi's lecture site, best photo spot
- Yellow Emperor Temple: China's largest sacrificial complex for the Yellow Emperor
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: April-June & September-November
- Best photography time: 6-8am for morning mist
- Combo ticket and shuttle pass save energy
- Wear anti-slip shoes for steep mountain paths
- Try Hanfu costume photography (rental available)
Precautions
- Dinghu cable car may suspend in strong winds
- Do not touch or damage cliff inscriptions
- Keep away from streams, deep water dangerous
- Drone flying prohibited without permission
- Last shuttle bus departs at 17:30