Lishui Songyang Ancient Villages｜Hidden Homes in Mountain Hollows Where Time Slows Down

Driving along the winding mountain roads, when layers of rammed earth old houses appear in the misty mountain hollows, I finally understood what is meant by "the last secret Jiangnan." There are no noisy tourists here, only century-old villages gently treated by time, and the pastoral idyll that continues to this day.🌄 >> Yangjiatang Village, Encounter the Golden Potala Palace Arriving at Yangjiatang in the evening is the wisest choice! When the sunset bathes the layered rammed earth dwellings in golden light, the whole village truly looks like the "Golden Potala Palace." We paused under a 500-year-old camphor tree at the village entrance, watching smoke curl up from cooking fires, and old yellow cattle slowly walking across the bluestone steps, as if time itself had slowed down. >> Chenjiapu Village, Find a Place of Literary Fragrance on the Cliff by the Sea of Clouds Chenjiapu, hidden on an 800-meter cliff, gave us the biggest surprise. Here, not only is there a well-preserved terraced ancient village, but also the avant-garde bookstore praised as the "most beautiful bookstore." Sitting by the bookstore’s glass window, with the rolling sea of clouds beneath and a book full of ink fragrance in hand, the experience of blending nature and literary charm is truly wonderful!📚 >> Along Songyin Creek, Step into a Living Agricultural Civilization Strolling along Songyin Creek, the ancient villages on both banks still maintain the most original production methods. Elders wash clothes by the creek, villagers work in the terraced fields, and the aroma of tea oil drifts from workshops. At the Shicang ancient residence, we even tasted Hakka tofu made by traditional methods, rich in bean fragrance—a genuine flavor you can’t find in the city. Practical Tips 💡 · Must-visit ancient villages: · Yangjiatang Village (most beautiful at dusk) · Chenjiapu Village (sea of clouds and bookstore) · Pingtian Village (agricultural culture experience) · Youtian Village (colorful ancient residences) · Suggested itinerary: · 2 days 1 night deep tour: Day 1 visit Yangjiatang + Songyin Creek; Day 2 Chenjiapu + Pingtian Village · Self-driving recommended, villages are scattered and mountain roads are winding · Special experiences: · Send a postcard at the avant-garde bookstore · Experience traditional oil tea making · Photograph panoramic views of ancient villages in the morning mist · Taste Hakka stewed salted chicken and tea leaf rice cakes · Accommodation options: · Yunxi MO+ Shared Space in Chenjiapu Village (designer guesthouse) · Grandpa’s Home Youth Hostel in Pingtian Village (international award-winning) · Mingquan Renjia in Yangjiatang (excellent views) · Photography tips: · Capture misty clouds between 6-8 AM · Shoot golden dwellings between 4-6 PM · Bring a telephoto lens, ideal for distant village panoramas · Transportation guide: · High-speed rail to Lishui Station, car rental and self-driving most convenient · Mountain roads are winding, daytime driving recommended · Thoughtful reminders: · Many stone steps in villages, wear non-slip shoes · Respect villagers’ lives, ask permission before taking photos · Bring cash, some farm stays only accept cash · Prepare umbrella for rainy season, sun protection for sunny days, mountain weather is changeable 💙 Travel Reflection: During these two days in Songyang, I rediscovered the truest form of life. Waking up to rooster calls in the morning, sipping tea and daydreaming in century-old houses in the afternoon, and seeing the long-missed starry sky at night, I realized happiness can be so simple. These ancient villages hidden in mountain hollows not only preserve complete architectural textures but also guard a calm and unhurried lifestyle. If you want to temporarily escape the fast pace of life, come to Songyang and let time press pause for you here.✨