Songyang County, Lishui City, Zhejiang Travel

Songyang County, Lishui, Zhejiang — the last secret paradise of Jiangnan, home to numerous Ming and Qing ancient villages, the Songyin River ecological corridor, Pingtian Village, and other unique attractions. Experience 2 days and 1 night of pastoral scenery and ancient village charm.

100+

Well-preserved ancient villages

1800+

Songyang Old Street history (years)

60+

Traditional crafts (types)

40+

Songyang specialty foods (varieties)

Lishui Songyang Ancient Village Panoramic View

Songyang Ancient Village — Songyang County's Iconic Landscape

The Songyang Ancient Village Cluster is a national demonstration county for the conservation and development of traditional Chinese villages, preserving a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Known as the "Last Secret Paradise of Jiangnan," it is the perfect destination to experience pastoral nostalgia.

Songyang County 2-Day 1-Night Pastoral Nostalgia Journey

Explore serene ancient villages, stroll along the riverside, breathe in the fragrance of tea, embrace the nostalgia of pastoral life

                        
Trip Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                        
Main Destinations
Songyang Ancient Village Cluster, Songyin River, Pingtian Village, Songyang Old Street, Damushan Cycling Tea Garden

                        
Suitable For
Photography enthusiasts, pastoral life seekers, cultural explorers, families with children

                        
Per Capita Budget
¥400-¥1000

Ancient Village Charm and Local Life

Songyang Ancient Village Cluster · Songyang Old Street · Songyin River

Trip Highlights

In the morning, explore the Songyang Ancient Village Cluster and feel the tranquility of millennia-old villages; in the afternoon, wander through Songyang Old Street and experience local life; in the evening, stroll along the Songyin River and enjoy the sunset glow.

Attractions

Songyang Ancient Village Cluster

Including Yangjiatang Village, Youtian Village, and many other ancient villages, it preserves a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods. Built along the mountainside in a well-proportioned layout, it is hailed as a "living fossil of Jiangnan classical folk houses."

Songyang Old Street

First built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it stretches 1 kilometer and preserves a large number of shop buildings from the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods. To this day, traditional craft shops such as blacksmithing and cotton fluffing still operate here, full of local flavor.

Songyin River

The mother river of Songyang County, with beautiful scenery along its banks. It features ecological corridors and cycling greenways, making it an excellent place for walking, cycling, and leisure. The scenery is especially enchanting when rapeseed flowers bloom in spring.

Practical Information

Accommodation Recommendations

Songyang Old Street Homestay
Ancient Village Characteristic Homestay
County Hotel

Food Recommendations

Songyang Thin Pancake
Xieli Tea Braised Pork Trotters
Songyang Rice Cake (Miguo)
Tea Smoked Ham
Silver Monkey Tea

Travel Tips

Ancient villages are far apart; self-driving is recommended
Some old street shops close in the afternoon
Best lighting for photos at Songyin River in the evening
Respect villagers' privacy; do not enter dwellings without permission

Fragrant Tea Gardens and Pastoral Life

Damushan Cycling Tea Garden · Pingtian Village · Cloud-top Pingtian Homestay

Trip Highlights

In the morning, cycle through the Damushan Tea Garden and immerse yourself in the fragrance of tea; in the afternoon, visit Pingtian Village and experience rural revitalization; in the evening, enjoy a pastoral dinner at the Cloud-top Pingtian Homestay.

Attractions

Damushan Cycling Tea Garden

The largest cycling tea garden in China, covering over 80,000 mu of tea plantations with multiple cycling greenways. Bicycles are available for rent, making it an ideal place to experience tea culture and leisure sports.

Pingtian Village

An ancient village with over 800 years of history, revitalized through the "Cloud-top Pingtian" homestay project. It preserves traditional architectural features while incorporating modern design elements, serving as a model for rural revitalization.

Cloud-top Pingtian Homestay

A high-end homestay converted from old dwellings in Pingtian Village, preserving traditional architectural structures with modern and comfortable interiors, offering farm-to-table cuisine and agricultural experience activities.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

Regular buses from Lishui City to Songyang County
Self-driving or chartered car recommended between ancient villages
Bicycles available for rent at Damushan Tea Garden
Some mountain roads are narrow; drive with caution

Ticket Information

Songyang Ancient Village Cluster: Free (some attractions charge fees)
Damushan Cycling Tea Garden: Free (bicycle rental 20-50 RMB)
Songyang Old Street: Free
Songyin River: Free

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable sneakers for Damushan Tea Garden
Pingtian Village is at high altitude with large temperature differences between day and night
Tea leaf picking and processing experiences are available
Purchase tea and local specialties at licensed shops

Must-Try Foods in Songyang County

Songyang Thin Pancake

A traditional snack of Songyang County, made with thin wheat flour wrappers wrapped around bean sprouts, shredded radish, minced meat, and other fillings, rolled into a tube shape. Rich in texture and flavor, it is a must-have festival food for locals.

Xieli Tea Braised Pork Trotters

A signature dish of Songyang, made by braising pork trotters with locally produced Xieli tea. The tea aroma is rich, the meat is tender and succulent, and it has nourishing properties, making it a top choice for hosting guests.

Songyang Rice Cake (Miguo)

A traditional pastry made from glutinous rice, available in both sweet and savory flavors with diverse shapes. Often served as festival food, fresh rice cakes are sold in many shops on Songyang Old Street.

Silver Monkey Tea

A specialty tea of Songyang, named for its thick, curved strips resembling a monkey, with a silver-white and green color. It has a clear, high-lasting aroma and a fresh, mellow, and smooth taste, ranking among the famous teas of Zhejiang.

Songyang County Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-April): Rapeseed flowers bloom along the Songyin River
Autumn (October-November): Enchanting autumn scenery in ancient villages, pleasant climate
Summer (June-August): Green tea gardens, ideal for escaping the heat
Winter (December-February): Experience rural New Year festivities

Must-Do Experiences

Ancient village photography
Damushan Tea Garden cycling
Discover flavors on Songyang Old Street
Experience traditional rice cake making

Budget Reference

Tickets: approx. 50-100 RMB
Accommodation: 150-500 RMB/night
Dining: 100-200 RMB/day
Transportation: 100-200 RMB
Total: 400-1000 RMB

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to Songyang? → Take a bus from Lishui Station directly to Songyang County
How long to visit ancient villages? → About 1-2 hours each
What are Songyang's specialty souvenirs? → Silver Monkey Tea, Songyang tea oil, traditional pastries
How long are the cycling routes at Damushan Tea Garden? → Multiple routes available, shortest approx. 5 km

Explore Lishui City Districts and Counties