Roaming Lishui｜Don’t Miss This Misty Blue Wonderland

The Guyan Huaxiang Scenic Area lies in Lishui, Zhejiang Province — stretching across Bihu Town and Dagangtou Town, just 20 km from the city center. It encompasses Dagangtou, Yantou, Pingdi, and Baoding villages.

Named after the Tongji Weir, built in 505 AD, this area brims with ancient charm — old streets, pavilions, docks, celadon kilns, centuries-old camphor trees, and timeless riverside villages.

Known as the “Painting Town”, it’s home to the celebrated Lishui Barbizon School, the Lishui Barbizon Exhibition Hall, Lishui Oil Painting Academy, and Guyan Huaxiang Art Museum. Artists flock here for inspiration, with dedicated art bases like “In Water’s Edge Studio” where creativity flows like the Ou River.

The scenic area spans both riverbanks, linked by small ferries. The Guyan side radiates natural beauty, while Huaxiang offers rich cultural and artistic flair.

Personally, I found Huaxiang even more enchanting — strolling beneath ancient trees along the wide river, especially when morning mist lingers or rain just clears, feels like stepping into a living scroll painting.

Follow the riverside road, and you’ll find many small villages scattered like pearls — each worth a slow drive and a quiet moment.

The early morning and dusk are the most magical times to visit. On lucky days, you might even see fishing boats staged perfectly against the poetic light — a dreamlike scene of Jiangnan.