Nanxi River in Zhejiang

Nanxi River, Wenzhou: Discover a 300-Li Landscape Gallery and Zhejiang’s Last Rural Retreat
Winding through the mountains of Yongjia County, Wenzhou, the Nanxi River stretches for nearly 300 li, creating one of the most beautiful rural landscapes in Zhejiang.

A National Key Scenic Area and National 4A Tourist Attraction, Nanxi River is unique among China’s national scenic areas for being particularly renowned for its combination of pastoral scenery and traditional rural landscapes.

It does not need dramatic attractions or bustling streets to impress. This was the landscape that inspired Xie Lingyun, the founder of Chinese landscape poetry, to write some of the country’s earliest nature poems. Along the river are also more than 200 ancient villages dating back to the Song Dynasty and later periods.

If you are looking for somewhere in Zhejiang where you can still see mountains, hear flowing water, and experience the feeling of a traditional rural home, Nanxi River is the place to go.

Float downstream on a bamboo raft, cool your feet in 26°C mountain water, wander through thousand-year-old villages, and slow down long enough to become a landscape poet for a day.

Nanxi River: A Living Landscape Poem

The main course of the Nanxi River stretches for 139.8 kilometers, featuring 36 bends and 72 shoals.

The water is remarkably clear and calm, flowing over smooth, colorful river stones that can often be seen beneath the surface. From a bamboo raft, you can admire lush riverside forests at close range, look toward layers of distant mountains, and watch the clear water passing beneath you.

Almost every direction looks like a scene from a classical Chinese poem.

Nanxi River is known for five defining characteristics:

• Clear and beautiful water
• Unusual rock formations
• Numerous waterfalls
• Ancient villages
• Beautiful riverside forests and shoals

The surrounding mountains are equally impressive. Rock formations rise like enormous stone pillars, while cliffs appear to have been cut straight from the mountainside. These rugged landscapes create a dramatic contrast with the gentle river below.

Shiwuyan Rock, for example, rises approximately 306 meters above its surroundings and is often called the “Sky Pillar of Southern Zhejiang.”

Baizhang Waterfall drops approximately 124 meters, sending a powerful stream of water down the mountainside.

Yet the true soul of Nanxi River lies beyond its scenery.

A River Shaped by Poetry

Nanxi River is a landscape that has been immersed in poetry for centuries.

During the Southern Dynasties, Xie Lingyun served as governor of Yongjia. He traveled extensively through the mountains and rivers around the region and wrote numerous landscape poems.

His presence helped establish Nanxi River as one of the birthplaces of Chinese landscape poetry.

Later, writers and scholars including Wang Xizhi, Meng Haoran and Lu You also visited the region and left behind poems and literary memories.

Every stretch of river you travel through has been observed, admired and described by poets before you.

Bamboo Rafting: The Essential Nanxi River Experience

If you visit Nanxi River, bamboo rafting should be at the top of your list.

Popular rafting sections include the area around Shiziyan and Xiaogang Wharf.

Climb aboard a traditional bamboo raft as the boatman slowly pushes the raft downstream with a long bamboo pole. There is no engine noise—only the sound of flowing water and wind moving through the trees.

The raft glides gently across the river. You can even dip your feet into the cool water, while riverside forests and distant mountains slowly pass by.

This is the classic Chinese idea of “traveling through a landscape painting”, and here it is not simply a poetic metaphor.

The rafting experience generally lasts around 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, with prices of approximately RMB 80–120 per person.

Morning is recommended, when the light is softer and photography conditions are generally better. Afternoon sunlight can create stronger backlighting.

Depending on the season and operating schedule, you may also encounter traditional performances such as cormorant fishing and single-bamboo drifting, two folk traditions that have long been associated with the river.

Shiziyan and Shiwuyan: Two Very Different Faces of Nanxi River

Shiziyan: The Iconic Landmark

Shiziyan is one of Nanxi River’s most recognizable landmarks.

Two small rocky islands rise from the river in front of Yantou Town. Seen from a distance, they resemble lions playing with a ball, which is where the name “Lion Rock” comes from.

The river widens significantly in this area, creating an open panorama that is particularly beautiful at sunset.

As evening approaches, the setting sun turns the river golden while bamboo rafts slowly move across the water.

It is the kind of landscape that stays in your memory long after the trip is over.

Shiwuyan: The Dramatic Side of Nanxi River

Shiwuyan reveals a completely different character.

This 306-meter-high Danxia rock peak rises dramatically from the surrounding landscape and is surrounded by streams on three sides. Because of its spectacular rock formations, it is sometimes described as a “mini Zhangjiajie.”

The scenic area includes a relatively easy 2.8-kilometer walking route. Along the way, you can descend to the stream and cool your feet in the water.

You can also take a short boat ride for approximately RMB 5, passing through the canyon between green mountains and clear water.

One landscape is soft and peaceful; the other is bold and dramatic. Nanxi River places both faces of nature directly in front of you.

A Thousand-Year-Old Village Cluster: Living Examples of Farming and Scholarship

More than 200 ancient villages dating from the Song Dynasty onward survive along the Nanxi River.

Among them, Cangpo Ancient Village, Furong Ancient Village and Lishui Street form what is often considered the area’s “Golden Triangle of Song Villages.”

Cangpo Ancient Village

Cangpo Ancient Village was designed according to the traditional concept of the “Four Treasures of the Study”:

• Brush Street
• Ink Pond
• Paper Fields
• Inkstone

The entire village follows this literary-inspired layout, reflecting the traditional local ideal of combining farming with education.

Commercial development remains relatively limited.

Visit between 6:00 and 8:00 AM, and you may see cooking smoke rising from old houses while local residents walk along the stone lanes carrying farming tools.

It is the kind of everyday scene that feels more like an old Chinese painting than a tourist attraction.

Furong Ancient Village

Furong Ancient Village has a history of around 1,000 years.

Its architecture follows a traditional “Seven Stars and Eight Dippers” layout, symbolizing the traditional aspiration for academic success and official achievement.

Stone lanes, ancestral halls and old houses remain part of the village landscape, while local residents continue to live there.

This is not simply a preserved attraction—it is a living village.

Lishui Street

Lishui Street is a traditional riverside corridor approximately 300 meters long.

During the daytime, admission costs around RMB 15, but the street becomes free after 5:30 PM.

As evening arrives and the lanterns are lit, their reflections shimmer in the stream.

For many visitors, this is one of the most atmospheric night scenes along the Nanxi River.

Travel Tips for Nanxi River

Best Time to Visit

The period from April to October is generally ideal for exploring Nanxi River.

• March–May: Rapeseed flowers bloom across the countryside.
• Summer: Excellent for bamboo rafting, swimming your feet in the streams, and escaping the heat.
• September–November: Rice fields turn golden and autumn colors begin to appear.
• Spring and autumn: Particularly comfortable for visiting the ancient villages.

Summer is one of the most popular seasons because the cool river water and mountain environment provide a welcome break from the heat.

Opening and Admission Information

The Nanxi River scenic area itself is largely free to explore, and the riverside roads can be traveled independently.

Individual villages and attractions charge separate admission fees.

Typical prices include:

• Shiwuyan: approximately RMB 50
• Cangpo Ancient Village: approximately RMB 25
• Furong Ancient Village: approximately RMB 50
• Lishui Street: free after 5:30 PM

In 2026, recent high school and university entrance examination graduates could also benefit from various admission-free policies with valid examination documents, subject to the applicable dates and attraction rules.

How Long to Stay

Two days and one night is the ideal pace for Nanxi River.

This gives you enough time to visit the ancient villages, enjoy bamboo rafting, explore the riverbanks and eat local farmhouse dishes without constantly rushing from one attraction to another.

How to Get There

By car — recommended:
Navigate to Nanxi River Tourist Center and follow Provincial Highway S223 along the river.

Driving is particularly convenient because the attractions are spread across a relatively large area. Along the way, you can stop at viewpoints, pull over for photographs, or walk down to the riverbanks.

By high-speed train + local sightseeing bus:
Take a high-speed train to Nanxi River Station.

From the station, Sightseeing Line 1 connects the station with Taohuayuan and stops at seven major locations, including:

• Nanxi River Tourist Center
• Beach Music Park
• Lishui Street
• Furong Ancient Village
• Shiziyan

The fare is approximately RMB 10, with services operating around 8:30 AM–6:30 PM.

Recommended Two-Day Route

Day 1

Shiwuyan → Easy Hiking → Bamboo Rafting → Cangpo Ancient Village → Lishui Street

Begin with the dramatic scenery of Shiwuyan, enjoy an easy hike and bamboo rafting, then continue to Cangpo Ancient Village.

End the day at Lishui Street, where the traditional lanterns and their reflections in the water create a beautiful evening atmosphere.

Day 2

Shiziyan → Bamboo Rafting → Streamside Water Play → Furong Ancient Village

Start with bamboo rafting around Shiziyan, then spend some time by the river cooling your feet before exploring Furong Ancient Village.

This route combines the best of Nanxi River’s mountains, water, villages and rural life without creating an unnecessarily rushed schedule.

Local Food You Should Try

A trip to Nanxi River would not be complete without trying the local cuisine.

Yongjia Wheat Cake

Yongjia Wheat Cake is one of the area’s signature snacks.

A filling of preserved vegetables and minced pork is enclosed in dough and baked until golden and crisp.

At around RMB 5 each, it makes an easy snack while exploring the villages.

Creek Fish and Tofu Soup

Mountain Stream Fish and Tofu Soup is a simple local dish that highlights the freshness of the region’s waterways.

The delicate fish and soft tofu create a light but flavorful soup that is particularly satisfying after hiking.

Jinfen Dumplings

Jinfen Dumplings are a local specialty made from a translucent starch-based wrapper.

The small market in Yantou Town is a good place to try them, with portions costing around RMB 5.

Roast Whole Lamb

For a more substantial meal, try Lingshang Renjia Roast Whole Lamb.

The lamb is roasted to order and served in a mountain setting, making the meal as much about the atmosphere as the food.

Practical Tips

• Wear river shoes or non-slip sports shoes. Rocks in the streams can be slippery, while many village lanes are paved with rounded stones.
• Bring sun protection and mosquito repellent during summer.
• Bamboo rafting can get you wet, so bring a change of clothes.
• Avoid taking bamboo rafts from unlicensed operators approaching visitors outside the official wharves. Use official rafting terminals instead.
• Prices for bamboo rafting may vary, and larger groups may be able to negotiate better rates.
• Only enter the water in designated safe areas. Do not swim or play in undeveloped sections of the river.

Exploring Around Nanxi River

Nanxi River is close to Yandang Mountain, making the two destinations easy to combine in a broader Zhejiang itinerary.

If you have more time, consider visiting:

Ming'ao Rice Terraces

Ming'ao Rice Terraces are particularly popular with photographers. During the harvest season, the mountain slopes turn golden as layers of rice fields follow the contours of the hills.

Linkeng Ancient Village

Hidden deep in the mountains, Linkeng Ancient Village is known for its traditional wooden houses and relatively untouched rural atmosphere.

Compared with more famous ancient towns, it receives far fewer visitors, making it a good choice for travelers looking for a quieter side of Zhejiang.

From Nanxi River Station, high-speed trains also provide convenient connections to Wenzhou, Hangzhou and other major destinations.

A River Where Poetry Meets Rural Life

From Xie Lingyun writing some of China’s earliest landscape poems to cooking smoke still rising from more than 200 ancient villages; from the river breeze drifting over bamboo rafts at Shiziyan to the reflections of lanterns along Lishui Street, Nanxi River brings poetry, traditional farming culture, mountains, water and everyday rural life together in one remarkable landscape.

It does not need a grand entrance or an all-in-one ticket.

Instead, it offers something increasingly rare: clear river water, quiet villages and enough time to slow down.

If you are looking for somewhere in Zhejiang where you can truly escape the crowds and step into a living landscape painting, come to Nanxi River. Here, the river is a poem in motion, the villages are history made visible, and you are floating along the same landscape once admired by Xie Lingyun.