Dongxiyan

　　Guide: The rocks there rise against each other, featuring the rare sight of stone beams and flying waterfalls in the Jiangnan region. The landscape is known for its rugged and precipitous beauty, with representative spots including Chuan Shen Cave, Qingfeng Gorge, Sun-Moon Pool, and Cross Gorge. Dongxiyan is also home to a settlement of the She ethnic group in Lishui.

　　The East Rock stands over 60 meters tall, with steep cliffs on all sides, standing like a drum. Its rock walls are reddish in color, hence it is also called Red Stone Tower. Atop the rock once stood Dingxiang Temple, and now there is an octagonal pavilion and the Sun Pool. Not far to its southwest lies Ox Nose Cave, where “purple mist embraces the East Rock.” In the third year of the Xuanhe era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1121), Hong Zai’s rebel forces during the Fang La uprising occupied the East Rock. The She ethnic culture at the foot of Dongxiyan is preserved in the three She villages of Shaxi, Daolongyuan, and Huanglan, where some traditional customs have been maintained and revived. Every year on the third day of the third lunar month, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, and the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month — the She people’s song festivals — people of all ages dress in traditional attire, singing and dancing to celebrate, creating a lively and delightful atmosphere.

　　Dongxiyan Provincial Scenic Area is located by the Hujixi Stream, a tributary of the Ou River, 28 kilometers from downtown Lishui. It features typical Danxia landform and gets its name from two huge rocks facing each other, one to the east and one to the west. Transportation: Take bus No. 3 from Lishui Railway Station or the New Passenger Transport Center to the Old Bus Station (1 yuan). From the Old Bus Station, there are special minibuses to Dongxiyan, taking about 45 minutes and costing 5.5 yuan. After getting off, take a tricycle into the scenic area, which costs around 2 yuan per person.

　　Address: Within Laizhu Town, Liandu District, Lishui City

　　Type: Canyon, cave, mountain

　　Rating: AAAA

　　Recommended visiting time: 3–4 hours

　　Tel: 0578-2190022

　　Official website: http://www.dxyjq.com/

　　Opening hours:

　　8:00–22:00

　　Transportation

　　Bus No. 313 goes directly to Dongxiyan, with a journey of about 45 minutes and a fare of 4 yuan

　　Ticket

　　45 yuan; half-price for students, military personnel, and children between 1.2 and 1.4 meters tall; free for children under 1.2 meters