Lishui

Lishui is a prefecture-level city in the southwest of Zhejiang province, People's Republic of China. It borders Quzhou, Jinhua and Taizhou to the north, Wenzhou to the southeast, and the province of Fujian to the southwest. The name of the city literally means "Beautiful Water", but the pronunciation of its first character is "lí", not the usual "lì". Human activities initiated over 4,000 years ago. The Sui Dynasty (581-618) established Chuzhou which is the original form of present Lishui City. Although its name was changed into Kuozhou later, Chuzhou is finally regained in the year of 779. Medium mountain and hill areas constitute the main landform of the city. The general terrain declines from the southwest to the northeast. Medium mountains occupy the majority of the southwestern territory, while the northeastern part is mainly lower mountain interleaving with river valleys and basins. Mountains in the area mainly belong to the expansion of Wuyi Mountain.

Lishui is well known in China for its long history and beautiful landscapes. Yan Yu Lou (misty rain tower) was built during the Northern Song Dynasty (AD 960-1127). Many famous ancient poets praised the tower’s beauty. Other recommendable scenic spots are Fengyangshan-Baishanzu National Natural Resort, Xiandu National Park, and Shishi Temple. Shishi Temple is a wooden structure built during the Song and Yuan Dynasties (AD 960-1368). The most characteristic local dishes are Jade Mutton R