Showing off the treasures of Lishui

Just two and a half hours from Shanghai by high-speed train, the prefecture-level city of Lishui (Beautiful Water) in southwestern Zhejiang Province is known for its natural beauty and resources and its ancient history.

Six counties are on the country-level ecology protection list and five are listed as key country-level ecology functional areas — ideal for a weekend getaway from the city.

Last week, the Lishui Travel Investment Expo and the Shanghai Lishui Chamber of Commerce Inauguration were held at the Shanghai International Convention Center.

The ceremony, with the theme “Picturesque Lishui: poetry, reality, blessed place and town of longevity,” was attended by company representatives, travel enthusiasts and many professionals from the hospitality sector.

A new travel service platform, “Traveling in Lishui,” was also launched. It allows tourists to book tickets and hotels, plan routes and buy souvenirs.

The “One County One Scene” project also showcases the unique scenery of counties such as Liandu , Longquan , Qingtian , Qingyuan , Jinyun , Suichang , Songyang and Jingning County.

Visitors to the area can enjoy the celadon pottery at Longquan, relax in the ancient village of Songyang, try for gold in a mine at Suichang, play in the water and Qingyuan Mountain or take home a stone carving souvenir.

Yueshan, a village at about 900 meters above sea level, is tucked in the heart of Qingyuan. The famous Rulong Bridge, the “holy grail” for all ancient bridge fans, and which was built in 1625, lies where where Juxi Creek exits the village.