It is known that Ningbo has some beautiful mountains in its surroundings, one of the most famous being Siming Mountain Range四明山. There are several scenic areas in the region; the most popular are Siming Mountain Geopark四明山地质公园, Danshan Chishui 丹山赤水, Siming National Forest Park四明山森林公园 (20km east of Danshan Chishui) and others. To the southeast of Danshan Chishui there is Xikou 溪口 ancient town and Xuedou Mountain 雪窦山(see more about it here).

Scenic are in Siming Mountains

My latest trip was to Danshan Chishui 丹山赤水. This nature reserve is located at the central part of Siming Mountain, around 1.5-2 hour drive from Ningbo city. I was amazed by how beautiful the scenery of Danshan Chishui is, with its steep cliffs, forests, crystal clear water and fantastic mountain views. The average height of Danshan Chishui is 550m above sea level. It is a real natural gem located only ~65km from Ningbo. What’s more, there is an ancient Shilin village 柿林村 right at the center of Danshan Chishui area. Shilin village has a history of 650 years, and is a typical ancient mountain village in eastern Zhejiang province. It is also one of the best preserved ancient villages in the region.

This nature reserve with its fresh air and natural environment is a perfect place when one needs to have a rest from busy, polluted and tiring city life. Danshan Chishui is one of those places I find perfect for a weekend vacation. Here you can explore ancient culture, stroll around the Shilin village, meet locals and enjoy silent and peaceful atmosphere, or go for an adventurous hike in mountains, try rafting and other outdoor activities. There are also plenty of options to stay overnight whether it is a homestay in the village or comfortable mountain lodge, and of course many places to enjoy fresh local food.

Along the way you can see a lot of waterfalls, high cliffs and gorges. The main river flowing through the mountains looks crystal clear. There are many bridges crossing the river. The most impressive is Chishui Bridge 赤水桥, built in 1924, a beautiful 12m long stone arch bridge. Right behind this bridge there is Danshan Chishui reserve’s adventure trek. You can try out zip line, rope climbing, cable car and other activities. It looked pretty fun, though we didn’t try it during our visit. Above the bridge you will see Danshan Chishui cliff. It was a steep climb up there, but the view you get to see from it is stunning. On the way to viewing platform of Danshan Chishui cliff, you will pass by Siming Taoist Temple, which is still operating today, and where Taoist traditions and history are well preserved.

When is the best time to visit Danshan Chishui?

I visited at the beginning of March, and it was perfect. Ningbo weather is very changing though, and temperature can drop for 15 degrees in one day during early spring. The day we visited it was 25^oC and next day temperature dropped to 13^oC again. Area is open all year round, and it is said that every season mountains look different. As summers are very hot in Zhejiang, mountains are perfect place to escape the heat; autumn paints the scenery in red, yellow and orange colors, then it is probably one of the most beautiful times to come; during winter Siming Mountains are covered in snow. You don’t often see snow in Ningbo city, but you can head to mountains for some winter feeling. Spring is time when everything blossoms; it must be also one of the best times to enjoy beautiful nature.

What to do at Danshan Chishui?

One of the most popular activities is hiking. There are many options with different levels of difficulty. It can be a relaxing walk along the valley and slow exploration of Shilin Village or you can choose more challenging hike up the mountain and trek through mountain forests and valley. We chose the second option which took us couple of hours. From the ticket office we climbed down to the river, to the start of adventure trek. We wanted to climb up the Danshan Cliff from where you get the most spectacular view. When we reached the top of mountain we thought we have missed cliff’s viewing platform, because path lead only down after. There was a Taoist monastery at the top of mountain which we passed by, and we kept walking further down. There were some signs but we couldn’t understand if those are for cliff or not. We followed trail and there it was. After we were only climbing down and soon reached Chishui Bridge 赤水桥. From there you can go directly up to the starting point, or follow the river and get deeper in the forest. Along the way there were nice mountain lodges. (For those who decide to stay more than one day, these looked like perfect place to stay overnight). After those lodges, path led up the mountain again, and we ended up in the Shilin village. From Shilin village it wasn’t far to the starting point and soon we reached ticket office again. 

Besides hiking you can try rafting, and enjoy natural landscape while floating in the river. Starting point is located near Danqiu valley wooden chalet’s parking lot. There is another place where you can try rafting, which is more challenging. It is located at Lijiakeng village 李家坑村, and is only 10min drive from Danshan Chishui scenic area entrance.

Another adventure activity includes Danshan Chishui adventure trek. It is a great way to challenge yourself, flying with zip-lines, walking on thin ropes, nets and so on. This attraction takes around 2-2.5 hours.

Adventure trek

During spring, there is a possibility to join locals and pick tea leaves and learn about tea culture. A very good quality tea is being produced in this area of Siming Mountains. 

How to get there?

The best option to get there is by car. If there is a possibility then arrange car from Ningbo or Yuyao 余姚to Danshan Chishui 丹山赤水. If you travel on budget, there are buses going daily. The closest city to scenic area is Yuyao. From Yuyao Bus station余姚汽车南站 there is a direct bus to Shilin Village departing at 8am (Thursdays 2pm). There are more frequent buses going from Yuyao to Dalan大岚. Once you get off at Dalan you can take bus 629 which goes to Shilin Village. There are also buses from Ningbo heading to Dalan. You can get off also at Lijiakeng village李家坑村 which is beautiful too, from where you can hike the ancient road to Shilin village; you will have to ask for directions to locals though as this trail is not marked well.

We came by car directly from Ningbo to Danshan Chishui scenic area ticket office. It took us around two hours.

Entrance fee: 65RMB

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