Mount Yandang

Author: Zhang Houquan et al.
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Publishing Date: 2003-11-01
Features: Yandang Mountain is located in the northeastern coastal area of Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, and is one of China's top ten famous mountains. In 1982, it was listed as one of the first batch of national key scenic areas by the State Council. In recent years, it has successively won national-level titles such as "Clean, Safe, and Civilized Mountain," "National Civilized Scenic Area," "National Model of Civilized Scenic Tourism," and "National 4A-Level Tourist Attraction." Currently, it is applying to the UNESCO for world natural heritage designation. The development of Yandang Mountain began in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, flourished in the Tang Dynasty, and reached its peak in the Song Dynasty. Emperor Xiaoming of the Liang Dynasty built temples and pagodas at Furong Peak, marking the beginning of Yandang Mountain's development. In the Tang Dynasty, the Western Xia monk Nuona, admiring the beauty of Yandang Mountain as the "Flower Village and Bird Mountain," led 300 disciples to promote Buddhism here and was revered as the founder of Yandang Mountain. By the Song Dynasty, the development of Yandang Mountain expanded significantly, with a total of 18 temples, 10 monasteries, and 16 pavilions, representing its most prosperous period. Generations of scholars and artists flocked here, leaving behind immortal poems and calligraphy by figures such as Xie Lingyun, Guanxiu, Shen Kuo, Xu Xiake, Kang Youwei, Zhang Daqian, Pan Tianshou, Yu Dafu, and Guo Moruo. Yandang Mountain formed 120 million years ago and is a complete and typical Cretaceous rhyolite caldera in the marginal volcanic belt of the Pacific Rim. It is known to geologists both at home and abroad as a "natural museum."
The Lingfeng Scenic Area is the eastern gateway to Yandang Mountain. Along the Mingyu Creek, the two cliffs on either side of the mountain are steep and rugged, offering breathtaking views during the day and enchanting vistas at night. Descending from the Lower Pagoda Head Ridge and turning right to Nan, you can reach Zhenji Temple, where you can enjoy the wild charm of walking alone along a secluded path with streams and springs. Turning left to the Juanyun Valley and reaching Changchun Cave, you can appreciate the tranquility of ancient caves, Buddhist temples, and Taoist monasteries. Crossing Xie Gong Ridge, you will find attractions such as the welcoming monks, Shimen, and Dongshi Liandong, as well as a mountain within a mountain and a valley within a valley, with an exceptionally pristine environment. Reaching Tianchamen, a newly developed northern attraction of the Yangchao Cave, you can overlook Lingfeng or watch clouds rise.
The Sanzhe Waterfall Scenic Area is a high-end scenic area of Yandang Mountain. Along the Wuming Gorge, the waterfalls are sequentially the Lower, Middle, and Upper Waterfalls. The Middle Waterfall is known as the "Greatest Scenic Wonder of Yandang Mountain," offering the most spectacular views. The Upper Waterfall offers a panoramic view of the Bohai Sea with sails on the waves, creating an expansive and exhilarating atmosphere. Exiting the Upper Waterfall and turning left to Kuiyuan Cave, you enter the Yandang Mountain National Forest Park, which features the Yandang Mountain Ridge of Tiecheng Ridge, an environment of deep seclusion and crystal-clear springs. The Sanzhe Waterfall is also the midpoint of the mid-mountain tour route of Yandang Mountain, leading east to Yangchao Cave in Lingfeng and west through Jingming Valley to Lianhu Cave in Lingyan.
The Lingyan Scenic Area is the bright court of Yandang Mountain. Passing through the area where bells and drums resound, enter Anchan Valley, where ancient trees tower and sheer cliffs surround, exuding grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship. Reaching in front of Lingyan Temple, turning right to Shangtian Cave and Xiake Pavilion, you can explore hidden wonders or overlook a corner of Lingyan. Turning right to Tianzhu Peak, Yangtian Lake, and Fangdong, you will experience thrilling and extraordinary adventures, enjoying the joy and pride of mountain climbing and scenic appreciation. Moving west from Lingyan, you can reach Shangdong, where you can explore the cliffside walkways and ascend to Baogang Peak, either greeting the sunrise or enjoying the sunset, or overlooking thousands of peaks and valleys. Baogang Peak is the best observation site for the first light of dawn on the mainland of China.
The Dalongqiu Scenic Area is one of the landmark attractions of Yandang Mountain. Passing through Ma'an Ridge, enter the Dalongqiu Scenic Area, which is centered around Jinxi Creek. Along the creek upstream, you will see attractions such as the Scissors Peak, Dalongqiu, and Lianyun Ridge. Downstream, you will reach the Jinzhu Valley, where towering stone ridges and emerald pools are intertwined. To the east of the creek, there are Changyun Peak and Qianfo Rock. Passing Qianfo Rock, you can reach the back of Dalongqiu to find the ancient path where Xu Xiake traced its source. To the west of the creek, there are Feilai Stone, Furong Peak, Danfang Ridge, and Nengren Temple.
The Xianshengmen Scenic Area is the backyard of Yandang Mountain. Along both sides of Songpo Creek and Dan Tou Creek, green mountains and clear waters form picturesque scenes, earning it the name "Under the Heaven's Gates." From Xianxi Creek to Songpo Creek, newly developed activities such as "raft drifting" and "bamboo raft drifting" offer excitement without danger, adding to the leisurely experience. The green mountains outside the village and the green trees beside the houses exude a natural, simple, and rustic charm, filled with wild beauty, making it an ideal place for travelers to appreciate scenery and relax.
The Yanhu Scenic Area was once the western gateway to Yandang Mountain. A single Furong Creek connects two lakes: Yanhu and Furonghu. Yanhu is located at the summit of Yandang Mountain, the cradle of the famous mountain, not only giving the mountain a unique and divine name but also serving as an ecological conservation area. The water flows south from the mountain in two branches: one from Shimen and the other from Lingyun; it flows north to the Xianshengmen Scenic Area. As the saying goes, "The has long followed the wind and rain, while the cave waters flow eternally." The scenery is incredibly profound. Furonghu is located in the upper reaches of the Qing River, covering an area of over 6,000 acres. The water sparkles, and the mountains are ethereal, making it perfect for fishing with small boats.
The Yangjiao Cave Scenic Area is the shadow of Yandang Mountain. Along National Highway 104 to Sanjie Bridge, you reach the Yangjiao Cave Scenic Area, located at the junction of Wenzhou and Taizhou. The area covers only three square kilometers but includes peaks, ridges, caves, waterfalls, streams, pools, and lakes, all in one place. The mountain is extraordinary, the water is beautiful, and the scenery is magnificent. It is close to Leqing Bay, where the sound of waves and the misty reflections create a sense of closeness to the sea. It hides its brilliance, free from arrogance, forming a unique style that distinguishes Yandang Mountain from other famous mountains. Surrounded by the flat plains and green fields of Jiangnan, it is also adorned with secluded valleys, waterfall sounds, and layered peaks and rocks, making it no wonder people exclaim, "To live without visiting Yandang is to live in vain."