Ancient Weir Painting Village Millennium Water Conservancy Exploration

Ancient Weir Painting Village is the most representative cultural and natural fusion scenic area in Lishui. Here is an in-depth analysis based on the latest information: 1. Core Highlights and Historical Heritage 1. Tongji Weir — Millennium Water Conservancy Miracle This water conservancy project, built in the fourth year of the Tianjian era of the Southern Liang Dynasty (505 AD), is famous for the world's earliest arched stone dam and the world's first water interchange bridge (stone box). Its bamboo-branch-shaped irrigation system still nourishes the Bihu Plain today and was listed as a World Irrigation Engineering Heritage in 2014. The "Tongji Weir Regulations" formulated by Southern Song poet Fan Chengda is regarded as China's earliest farmland water conservancy regulation. Strolling along the dam, you can feel the ancient wisdom of "controlling water with water." The water-controlling stone ox beside the dam and the millennium-old camphor trees create a unique ecological picture. 2. Artistic Atmosphere of the Painting Village As the birthplace of the "Lishui Barbizon School," this area gathers more than 30 galleries and art studios. Visitors can experience oil painting creation (80-150 RMB per person) or visit the "Chinese Historical Painting Series: Lishui Special Exhibition" (June 27 - August 31). Through over 200 high-definition replica masterpieces and VR technology, immerse yourself in the evolution of landscape art from the Song and Yuan to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The exhibition is free to enter but requires reservation via the "Weiliandu" Douyin account. 2. Special Summer Activities (July - October) 1. International Art Collision From July 7 to 10, artists from Australia, Russia, and other countries will participate in the "Art Residency Program." Visitors can closely observe the creative process and join interactive workshops. 2. Trendy Play Experiences - Mountain-Sea Ape Sphere Sensory Zoo (opening in August): The nation's first sensory zoo, covering 10 themed areas, where visitors can interact with over 100 adorable animals. It is expected to attract more than 260,000 family visitors. - Water Sports Carnival: Offers jet skiing, bamboo raft drifting, and other activities to enjoy the summer coolness on the Oujiang River. - Stand-up Comedy Competition: Starts in mid to late July, with a grand prize of 10,000 RMB and appearances by mystery celebrities to release summer joy. 3. Student Exclusive Benefits All university students and prospective university students nationwide can visit all A-level scenic spots in Liandu District (including Ancient Weir Painting Village) for free with a student ID or college entrance exam admission ticket. Non-local university students can also get a free coffee at any of the six Chenglei Coffee stores in Liandu. 3. In-depth Travel Guide 🌟 Classic Route Recommendations 1. One-day Highlights Tour - Morning: Arrive at the Ancient Weir area before 8:00 AM to photograph the Wenchang Pavilion in the morning mist (smoke device operating time: 7:30-9:00), stroll among the millennium-old camphor trees, and feel the "Wizard of the Green Wilderness" atmosphere. Visit Tongji Weir and shoot stunning "human-water symbiosis" photos on the curved dam. - Noon: Dine at a farmhouse restaurant in Yantou Village, tasting wild creek fish from the Oujiang River (about 60 RMB per person) and tofu pudding with rice, experiencing authentic local flavors. - Afternoon: Take a boat ride (about 5 minutes) to the Painting Village, check in at the Painting Village Art Center (streamlined architecture with Oujiang River background perfect for photos), browse the old street for handmade celadon and oil painting derivatives. In the evening, photograph the Oujiang River sailboat sunset at Xiangzhang Wharf. Outdoor movies are shown every Saturday night. 2. Two-day Immersive Tour - Day 1: Follow the one-day tour route and stay overnight at a riverside guesthouse in the Painting Village (such as the Hidden Painting Village Courtyard Hotel), with a window view of the Oujiang night scene. - Day 2: In the morning, experience bamboo raft drifting (from Ancient Weir to Painting Village, about 1 hour), enjoying the Danxia landform along the way. In the afternoon, participate in intangible cultural heritage activities, such as celadon pottery wheel throwing near Tongji Weir (advance reservation required), or make Oujiang clay figurine souvenirs at the Painting Village workshop. 📸 Photography Tips - Best times: 7:00-9:00 (morning mist), 16:00-18:00 (side light and sunset). - Must-shoot spots: - Ancient Weir Wenchang Pavilion (looks like a fairyland when shrouded in mist); - Painting Village Tingbu Bridge (low-angle shots capturing water reflections); - Reed beds by the Oujiang River (use telephoto lens to compress space and create an ink painting atmosphere). - Outfit suggestions: New Chinese-style Hanfu, cotton-linen forest-style long dresses, paired with oil-paper umbrellas or round fans for better photos. 4. Practical Information 1. Transportation Guide - Self-driving: Navigate to "Ancient Weir Visitor Center Parking Lot," parking fee 10 RMB/day; free parking spaces are available near Bihu Town Government (10-minute walk to the scenic area). - Public Transport: - After arriving at Lishui High-speed Railway Station, take bus K202/K207 directly to the Ancient Weir area, or K203/Y210 to the Painting Village area (about 1 hour). - Newly added "Painting Village Shuttle" electric bus (runs every half hour from 8:30 to 17:30), free with ticket. - Boat and bus: Between Ancient Weir and Painting Village, you can choose a boat ride (about 5 minutes) or scenic area bus. The last boat departs at 17:00, and buses run frequently. 2. Tickets and Discounts - Combined ticket 50 RMB (includes Ancient Weir + Painting Village + round-trip boat ticket). Booking online one day in advance saves 5 RMB; entering after 4 PM allows purchase of a next-day ticket for a full two-day visit. - Three-day ticket policy: Tickets allow entry for three consecutive days (excluding boat rides), suitable for in-depth tours. 3. Accommodation Recommendations - High-end experience: Hidden Painting Village Courtyard Hotel (270° river view loft, bathtub facing Oujiang River, 500-1000 RMB/night). - Cost-effective choice: Muyan Muyu Guesthouse (river view rooms with window views of the river, 200-500 RMB/night). - Family-friendly: Junlan Resort Hotel (includes parent-child crafts and Hanfu experience, packages starting at 438 RMB). 4. Food Map - Must-try specialties: - Oujiang creek fish (Youjiang Creek Fish Restaurant, steamed to retain freshness); - Jinyun baked flatbread (freshly baked thin and crispy style in Yantou Village, 6 RMB each); - Tofu pudding (stone-milled soy milk stewed tofu, perfect with rice). - Popular restaurant: Xiangmange Home-style Cuisine (group-buy packages offer great value, fresh ingredients cooked to order). 5. Notes - Last ferry: 17:00; missing it requires a 1-hour detour by road. - Mosquito prevention: Many mosquitoes by the river; bring insect repellent. - Drones: Must be registered in advance at the visitor center; no-fly zones are marked. - Sketching benefits: Free paint is available at the visitor center, suitable for art lovers to create on-site. 5. Nearby Linked Activities - Songyang Ancient Village: About 1 hour by car from Ancient Weir Painting Village. Yangjiatang Village’s "Golden Potala Palace" and Youtian Village’s rammed earth houses are great for photography and slow travel. - Yunhe Terraces: 2 hours by car, the summer irrigation period creates a stunning mirror effect. Can be paired with the live show "Meeting Yunhe and You." - Dongxi Rock Scenic Area: 1 hour by car, where Danxia landforms blend with She ethnic culture. Participate in folk activities like black rice making and bamboo pole dance. Ancient Weir Painting Village, with its "living millennium water conservancy project" as its backbone and "Lishui Barbizon" art as its lifeblood, weaves a poetic picture of nature and culture along the Oujiang River landscape. Whether tracing history, exploring art, or simply enjoying the mountain and water scenery, it offers experiences far beyond expectations. It is recommended to plan a 2-3 day trip combined with the special summer activities to deeply feel the unique charm of "Beautiful Mountains and Waters of Lishui."