Yandang Mountain Scenic Area is located in Yueqing City, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a famous mountain-type scenic area in China. The scenic area is characterized by its unique volcanic rock landform, known as "a famous mountain on the sea, the most wonderful in the world". It is also called "China's Three Famous Mountains" together with Huangshan and Lushan. Yandang Mountain covers a total area of 450 square kilometers, consisting of North Yandang Mountain, South Yandang Mountain, East Yandang Mountain, West Yandang Mountain and Middle Yandang Mountain. Among them, North Yandang Mountain is the core area of the scenic spot, with the most complete development and the most concentrated scenic spots. Yandang Mountain was formed by volcanic eruptions 120 million years ago. The mountains are mostly composed of rhyolite. After long-term weathering and erosion, many natural landscapes such as strange peaks, grotesque rocks, waterfalls and secluded caves have been formed, with more than 500 scenic spots. Among them, Lingfeng, Lingyan and Dalongqiu are known as the "Three Wonders of Yandang" and are must-visit places for tourists. In 2005, Yandang Mountain was rated as a World Geopark.
History and Culture
The history and culture of Yandang Mountain can be traced back to the Southern and Northern Dynasties. The earliest literature record can be found in "Records of Yongjia County" by Zheng Jizhi of the Southern Song Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty, Yandang Mountain began to attract the attention of literati and poets. Monk Shimen Yan once built a temple here to promote Buddhism, starting the religious and cultural history of Yandang Mountain. The Song Dynasty was an important period for the cultural development of Yandang Mountain. Shen Kuo made a scientific explanation of the cause of Yandang Mountain's landform in "Mengxi Bitan", which is the earliest record of rhyolite landform in the world.
Literati and scholars of all dynasties have left a large number of poems, inscriptions and cliff carvings in Yandang Mountain. For example, Xie Lingyun, a poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, once traveled to Yandang and left poems; Xu Xiake of the Ming Dynasty visited Yandang Mountain twice and recorded the landscape and travel experience of Yandang Mountain in detail in "Xu Xiake's Travel Notes", making Yandang Mountain famous far and wide. In addition, Yandang Mountain is rich in folk legends, such as the legends about Lingfeng's "Husband and Wife Peak" and "Shepherd Boy Peak", which add a mysterious color to the scenic spot.
The religious culture of Yandang Mountain is mainly Buddhism. In history, many temples have been built, such as Lingyan Temple and Nengren Temple. Among them, Lingyan Temple was founded in the fourth year of Taiping Xingguo in the Northern Song Dynasty (979). It is one of the largest and oldest temples in Yandang Mountain. Although it has gone through ups and downs, it has a profound cultural heritage and has witnessed the inheritance of Yandang Mountain's religious culture.
Main Attractions
Lingfeng Scenic Area
Lingfeng Scenic Area is one of the core scenic areas of Yandang Mountain, covering an area of about 46 square kilometers, featuring strange peaks, grotesque rocks, ancient caves and stone chambers. Lingfeng in the scenic area is one of the symbols of Yandang Mountain, about 270 meters high, with a straight peak like a giant bamboo shoot. The night view of Lingfeng is unique. When night falls, different peaks present various strange shapes under the moonlight, such as "Husband and Wife Peak", "Rhinoceros Looking at the Moon", "Eagle Closing Its Wings", etc., which are unpredictable and thought-provoking. There are also famous attractions such as Guanyin Cave and Big Dipper Cave in the scenic area. Guanyin Cave is embedded in the cliff on the west side of Lingfeng, 113 meters high, 76 meters deep and 14 meters wide. There are nine-storey pavilions in the cave, enshrining Guanyin statues, which is the largest stone chamber temple in Yandang Mountain.
Lingyan Scenic Area
Lingyan Scenic Area is located in the central area of Yandang Mountain, covering an area of about 9 square kilometers, famous for "Lingyan Flying Over" and strange peaks and rocks. Lingyan Temple in the scenic area is located between Tianzhu Peak and Zhanqi Peak, with a quiet environment. Tianzhu Peak is 266 meters high, straight like a pillar; Zhanqi Peak is 260 meters high, like an unfolded flag. The two peaks confront each other, forming the "South Heaven Gate". "Lingyan Flying Over" is a characteristic performance of the scenic area. Performers perform thrilling actions such as walking in the air, standing upside down and turning over on the steel cable between Tianzhu Peak and Zhanqi Peak, simulating the scene of ancient mountain people collecting herbs. With a history of 100 years, it is performed regularly every day, attracting a large number of tourists to watch.
Dalongqiu Scenic Area
Dalongqiu Scenic Area is centered on waterfall landscapes, covering an area of about 28 square kilometers. Dalongqiu Waterfall is one of the famous waterfalls in China, with a drop of 197 meters, ranking first among the "Three Wonders" of Yandang Mountain. The waterfall rushes down from the top of Lianyun Peak, with different scenery in four seasons: in spring, the water is abundant, and the waterfall is like a galaxy pouring down; after rain in summer, the water splashes, with a majestic momentum; in autumn, the water flow gradually slows down, like a light yarn dancing; in winter, the waterfall freezes, with a unique charm. There is also Scissors Peak in the scenic area. The peak can present various forms such as scissors, woodpeckers and bears from different viewing angles, which can be called a model of "changing scenery with steps".
Sanzhepu Scenic Area
Sanzhepu Scenic Area is located between Lingfeng Scenic Area and Lingyan Scenic Area, covering an area of about 10 square kilometers, with Sanzhepu composed of three sections of waterfalls as the main landscape. Sanzhepu is the upper, middle and lower waterfalls formed by the same water flowing through three cliffs: the upper Zhepu is hidden in the cave, which can be viewed only by walking up the stone steps. The waterfall is about 70 meters high, and the water gushes out from the top of the cliff; the middle Zhepu is the most spectacular, 120 meters high, with water falling into the deep pool, making a sound like thunder. The surrounding cliffs are steep, forming a natural stone chamber; the lower Zhepu is at the bottom, about 50 meters high, with gentle water flow and clear pool water. There are also attractions such as Tiechengzhang and Martyrs' Tomb in the scenic area.
Yanhu Scenic Area
Yanhu Scenic Area is located at the west foot of the main peak of Yandang Mountain, covering an area of about 59 square kilometers, named after Yanhu (Goose Lake) on the top of the mountain. Yanhu is the origin of the name of Yandang Mountain. Historically, the lake was vast, and flocks of geese inhabited here every autumn. Although Yanhu has shrunk now, it is still an important landscape of the scenic area. The grass by the lake is lush, and there are waterfalls such as Meiyu Waterfall and Luodai Waterfall around. Xishiliang Waterfall in the scenic area is about 160 meters high, with a unique shape as the waterfall flows under the stone beam. Yanhu Scenic Area is located at a high altitude with a wide view, where you can overlook the whole view of Yandang Mountain, and it is a good place to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds.
Cuisine
Yandang Mountain Ayu Fish
Yandang Mountain Ayu Fish is a specialty fish of Yandang Mountain, named for its tender meat and delicate fragrance. Ayu Fish mostly grows in the streams of Yandang Mountain, with a body length of about 15-20 centimeters, and the fishing period is from April to October every year. There are various ways to cook Ayu Fish, such as steaming, frying or making soup. Among them, steamed Ayu Fish can best reflect its fresh taste, with white meat and sweet taste, which is a must-try delicacy for tourists to Yandang Mountain.
Yandang Mountain Stone Frog
Yandang Mountain Stone Frog is a kind of frog growing in the mountain streams of Yandang Mountain, with a large size, tender meat and rich in protein. Stone frogs are mainly braised or stewed in clear water. Braised stone frogs have a strong taste and firm meat; clear stewed stone frog soup is delicious and nutritious. Since stone frogs are wild protected animals, most of the stone frogs on the market are artificially bred, which not only meets the needs of tourists for tasting, but also protects wild resources.
Nanxi River Wheat Cake
Nanxi River Wheat Cake is a traditional snack in the Nanxi River basin of Yongjia County, Wenzhou, and is also common in restaurants and snack bars around Yandang Mountain Scenic Area. Wheat cakes are made with flour as the crust, and the filling is mostly pickles, pork, eggs, etc., baked over charcoal fire. The crust is crispy, the filling is fresh and fragrant, and the taste is delicious. Wheat cakes are large in size and easy to carry, making them a convenient food for tourists during their trip.
Dengzhan Cake (Lantern Cake)
Dengzhan Cake is a traditional fried snack in Wenzhou area, which can be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys near Yandang Mountain Scenic Area. It is named because its shape is like an ancient lantern. Dengzhan Cake is made of rice pulp as raw material, added with shredded radish, minced pork and other fillings, put into a special mold and fried until golden and crispy. The finished product is crispy outside and soft inside, salty and delicious, which is a favorite breakfast food of local residents and a good choice for tourists to experience local flavors.
Tickets
A separate ticketing system is implemented for each scenic area, with tickets starting from 15 yuan and combined tickets starting from 170 yuan.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "雁荡山发布" to get the latest news or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours are slightly different, generally: Lingfeng Scenic Area (day view) 7:30-17:30, (night view) 19:00-21:00 (may be extended in summer); Lingyan Scenic Area 7:30-17:30; Dalongqiu Scenic Area 7:30-17:30; Sanzhepu Scenic Area 7:30-17:30; Yanhu Scenic Area 8:00-17:00. The performance time of "Lingyan Flying Over" is 10:30 and 15:00 every day (additional performances may be added on holidays). The opening hours of some scenic areas will be slightly shortened in winter (from November to February of the next year). It is recommended that tourists check the specific opening hours of each scenic area in advance and arrange their itinerary reasonably.
Tour Route
It is recommended that tourists arrange 2 days to visit the core scenic areas of Yandang Mountain. Day 1: In the morning, go to Lingfeng Scenic Area to enjoy the day view and visit attractions such as Guanyin Cave and Big Dipper Cave, which takes about 3 hours; have lunch near Lingfeng Scenic Area. In the afternoon, go to Sanzhepu Scenic Area to enjoy the upper, middle and lower Sanzhepu, with a visiting time of about 2 hours; then go to Lingyan Scenic Area to visit Lingyan Temple, watch the "Lingyan Flying Over" performance at 15:00, and visit Tianzhu Peak, Zhanqi Peak, etc., which takes about 2.5 hours; in the evening, go to Lingfeng Scenic Area to enjoy the night view, which takes about 1.5 hours. Day 2: In the morning, go to Dalongqiu Scenic Area to enjoy Dalongqiu Waterfall, Scissors Peak and other attractions, with a visiting time of about 3 hours; have lunch near Dalongqiu Scenic Area. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit Yanhu Scenic Area or other secondary scenic areas according to your interest, with a time of about 3 hours. The whole trip can be flexibly adjusted according to physical strength and interests.
Transportation
- High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to "Yandangshan Station". The station is about 5 kilometers away from Yandang Mountain Scenic Area. After getting out of the station, you can take a scenic area bus (fare 5 yuan) or a taxi (about 20 yuan) to the scenic area visitor center.
- Bus: There are long-distance buses directly to Yandang Mountain Scenic Area from downtown Wenzhou. Departing from Wenzhou South Bus Station, there are multiple departures every day, with a journey of about 2 hours and a fare of about 30 yuan. There are tourist buses in Yandang Mountain Scenic Area connecting major scenic areas. For example, the distance from Lingfeng to Lingyan is about 5 kilometers, with a fare of 5 yuan; the distance from Lingyan to Dalongqiu is about 10 kilometers, with a fare of 10 yuan.
- Taxi: The starting fare of taxis in Yandang Mountain Scenic Area is 10 yuan (within 3 kilometers), and 2 yuan per kilometer after exceeding 3 kilometers. The cost from Yandangshan Station to the scenic area visitor center is about 20 yuan for a distance of about 5 kilometers; the taxi fare between scenic areas varies by distance, generally between 10-30 yuan.
- Self-driving: Self-driving tourists can get off the expressway at the "Yandang Mountain" exit via Shenhai Expressway (G15), and go to the scenic area along the signs. There are parking lots in all major scenic areas in the scenic area, with a charging standard of 5-10 yuan per time.
Must-visit Attractions
- Lingfeng Scenic Area (night view): Famous for its unpredictable night view, the peaks present various shapes such as Husband and Wife Peak and Rhinoceros Looking at the Moon under the moonlight. It is one of the most distinctive landscapes of Yandang Mountain. It is recommended to go in the evening.
- Lingyan Scenic Area: You can enjoy strange peaks such as Tianzhu Peak and Zhanqi Peak, and watch the "Lingyan Flying Over" performance. Performers complete thrilling actions on a steel cable more than 100 meters high. The performance is held at 10:30 and 15:00 every day.
- Dalongqiu Scenic Area: It has Dalongqiu Waterfall with a drop of 197 meters, which is one of the largest single-level drop waterfalls in China. It has different scenery in four seasons. There is also Scissors Peak which can change scenery with steps, making it a must-visit place to experience natural wonders.
- Lingfeng Scenic Area (day view): You can visit attractions such as Guanyin Cave and Big Dipper Cave. The nine-storey pavilion in Guanyin Cave is embedded in the cliff, with a unique momentum, forming a different landscape experience from the night view.
Travel Suggestions
- It is recommended to spend 2-3 days to fully visit the core scenic areas of North Yandang Mountain. If you have enough time, you can also go to South Yandang Mountain or Middle Yandang Mountain.
- The best visiting seasons are April-May and September-November. At this time, the climate is pleasant and the precipitation is moderate, so you can enjoy the waterfall landscape and it is convenient for outdoor activities; there is more rain in summer, which may affect the viewing of some landscapes.
- When watching the night view of Lingfeng, it is recommended to hire a local guide. The guide will explain the legends and viewing angles of each peak, with a fee of about 50 yuan per time, which can help you better understand the beauty of the night view.
- The "Lingyan Flying Over" performance is very popular. It is recommended to arrive at the performance venue 30 minutes in advance and choose a position with a wide view to watch; please do not use flash when taking photos during the performance to avoid affecting the performers.
- There are many mountain roads in the scenic area. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes and carry a hiking stick; pay attention to sun protection and mosquito prevention in summer, and carry a sun hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and other items.
Matters Needing Attention
- Some sections within the scenic area are steep and slippery. Please pay attention to safety during your visit, especially after rain or in the early morning. Avoid climbing undeveloped areas.
- The night view of Lingfeng and the "Lingyan Flying Over" performance are featured attractions of the scenic area. It is recommended to confirm the performance time in advance to avoid missing them due to seasonal or weather changes.
- Littering is strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Do not pick flowers, break plants, or damage vegetation. Protect the natural environment; smoking is only allowed in designated areas.
- When purchasing specialties or dining, it is advisable to choose shops with clearly marked prices. Avoid consuming at mobile vendors to prevent being overcharged.
- The weather in mountainous areas is changeable, and it may rain at any time. It is recommended to carry rain gear with you. During thunderstorms in summer, stay away from tall objects such as mountain peaks and big trees to prevent lightning strikes.
- Mobile phone signals are basically available in the scenic area, but signals may be weak in some remote areas. It is recommended to travel in groups and avoid going deep into undeveloped areas alone.
- Respect local religious customs. When entering temples, take off your hat, keep quiet, do not touch Buddha statues and religious items at will, and obtain permission before taking photos.