A Journey Through Lishui

【Guyan Painting Village】
Guyan and the Painting Village gaze upon each other across the river.
As far as the eye can see, ancient camphor trees, crystalline streams, rain-slicked bluestone, and dripping eaves of old houses speak volumes of tranquil times, as if one were immersed in a fairytale, where the passage of time seems to slow considerably.
Sitting by the riverside, watching bamboo rafts drift leisurely by, allows for a moment of profound communion with one's inner self.
【Longquan Swords】
The town preserves numerous ancient kiln sites, including the Zengqinji Dragon Kiln, built during the Guangxu reign and operating continuously for a century, making it the longest continuously firing dragon kiln currently in use in Longquan. Whether it's pulling blanks, sculpting, or engraving, one can fully appreciate the allure of Longquan celadon that has endured for millennia.
In this small city renowned for its "celadon and swords," experts will lead us in an exploration of the knowledge surrounding Longquan celadon, followed by a DIY session to create our own ceramic works of art.
【Longquan Sword Factory】
The sword is revered as the sovereign of weapons. A great swordsman keeps his sword close, patiently awaiting the opportune moment to unleash the decisive blow, achieving great outcomes from small beginnings, showing consideration for the old and young, and practicing forbearance. This is both the character of the sword and the belief of the noble. Let us together experience the life of a swordsman.
【Yunhe Terraces】
We traversed the mountain terraces and reached a viewing platform, overlooking the layers upon layers of winding curves. Descending the terraces along the ridges, the scenery shifted with each step, as we sought to capture the unique essence of the terraces. Amidst the terraces amidst the clouds, where mountains are high and roads are long, there will always be someone who journeys for you.
【Kenggen Stone Village】
The entire village is situated within a gorge, built in cascading tiers along the canyon floor, creating a picturesque arrangement. The village is surrounded by undulating mountains, dense forests, and swirling clouds. The residential buildings, paved with cobblestones, date back to the era of lightweight national architecture, and feature ancient springs, wells, ancient channels, ancient roads, ancient houses, ancient opera stages, and ancient teahouses. Stepping into the village, one finds a new vista with each stride, experiencing the antique charm and grace that are within easy reach, as if transported through time.
【Songyang Old Street】
As if defying the passage of time, the Old Street in this modern city retains architecture from the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, with bluestone pavements, whitewashed walls, gray tiles, detachable gates, and sun-drenched courtyards. The Old Street preserves the lifestyle of the original residents, with a single street fulfilling all the daily needs of a household.
【Chenjiapu Village】
A village enshrouded in mist, featuring guesthouses and bookstores.
In the afternoon, on a balcony, alone with a cup of coffee and a book, listening to the wind and watching the clouds.
【Xian Du Dinghu Peak】
In the morning mist and evening haze, the mountains appear ethereal, as if suspended between heaven and earth.
Mountains and water are reflected in each other, with clear reflections rippling across the river surface. A towering Dinghu Peak, enveloped in distant clouds, emerges intermittently. An old farmer clad in a straw cloak leads a yellow ox across a stone beam bridge, a scene so tranquil that one might mistake it for a vision from paradise were it not for the tinkling of the bells, the babbling brook, and the chirping of birds.
【Heyang Ancient Residences】
An ancient stream, an old tree, and an ancient residence.
The picturesque, thousand-year-old village exudes the essence of rustic, pastoral life.