Yandang Mountain Scenic and Historic Interest Area is located in Yueqing City, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a famous mountainous scenic and historic interest area in China. The scenic area is characterized by its unique volcanic rock landforms and is known as "a famous mountain on the sea and a peerless wonder within the realm." Together with Huangshan and Lushan, it is known as one of the "Three Famous Mountains of China." Yandang Mountain covers a total area of 450 square kilometers and consists of North Yandang Mountain, South Yandang Mountain, East Yandang Mountain, West Yandang Mountain, and Central Yandang Mountain. Among them, North Yandang Mountain is the core area of the scenic spot, the most fully developed, and has the most concentrated attractions. Yandang Mountain was formed by a volcanic eruption 120 million years ago. The mountain body is mostly composed of rhyolite. Through long-term weathering and erosion, it has formed numerous natural landscapes such as奇特 peaks, strange rocks, flying waterfalls, and secluded caves. There are more than 500 scenic spots in total. Among them, Lingfeng, Lingyan, and Dalongqiu are called the "Three Wonders of Yandang" and are must-visit places for tourists. In 2005, Yandang Mountain was rated as a World Geopark.
Historical Culture
The historical culture of Yandang Mountain can be traced back to the Southern and Northern Dynasties. The earliest documentary record is found in Zheng Jizhi's Yongjia Commandery Records of the Liu Song dynasty of the Southern Dynasties. During the Tang Dynasty, Yandang Mountain began to attract the attention of men of letters. The monk Shi Menyan once built a temple here to spread the Dharma, opening the history of religious culture at Yandang Mountain. The Song Dynasty was an important period for the cultural development of Yandang Mountain. Shen Kuo scientifically explained the causes of Yandang Mountain's landforms in Dream Pool Essays. This is the earliest record in the world concerning rhyolite landforms.
Literati and refined scholars of past dynasties left a large number of poems, inscriptions, and cliff carvings at Yandang Mountain. For example, the Southern Song poet Xie Lingyun once traveled to Yandang and left poems. In the Ming Dynasty, Xu Xiake visited Yandang Mountain twice and recorded in detail the scenery and travel experiences of Yandang Mountain in The Travels of Xu Xiake, making Yandang Mountain widely known. In addition, the folk legends of Yandang Mountain are rich, such as the legends about "Husband and Wife Peak" and "Cowherd Peak" at Lingfeng, which add a mysterious color to the scenic area.
The religious culture of Yandang Mountain is mainly Buddhism. Historically, many temples were built, such as Lingyan Temple and Nengren Temple. Among them, Lingyan Temple was first built in the fourth year of the Taiping Xingguo period of the Northern Song Dynasty (979). It is one of the largest and oldest temples at Yandang Mountain. Although it has experienced rises and declines, its cultural heritage is profound and it has witnessed the inheritance of religious culture at Yandang Mountain.
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. It is mainly characterized by strange peaks and rocks and ancient caves and stone chambers. Lingfeng within the scenic area is one of the symbols of Yandang Mountain. It is about 270 meters high, with a tall and upright peak body shaped like a giant bamboo shoot. The night view of Lingfeng is superb. When night falls, different peaks present various strange shapes under the moonlight, such as "Husband and Wife Peak," "Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon," and "Eagle Folding Its Wings." They are unpredictable and inspiring. The scenic area also includes famous attractions such as Guanyin Cave and Beidou Cave. Guanyin Cave is embedded in the cliff on the west side of Lingfeng. The cave is 113 meters high, 76 meters deep, and 14 meters wide. Inside the cave, a nine-story pavilion was built to enshrine a Guanyin statue. It is the largest stone-chamber cave temple at 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. It is famous for the "Lingyan Flying Crossing" 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 and is vertical like a pillar; Zhanqi Peak is 260 meters high and is shaped like an unfolded flag. The two peaks face each other, forming the "South Heavenly Gate." The "Lingyan Flying Crossing" is a special performance in the scenic area. Performers walk in the air, do handstands, turn over, and perform other thrilling movements on a steel cable between Tianzhu Peak and Zhanqi Peak, simulating the scene of ancient mountain people gathering herbs. It has a history of a hundred years and is performed regularly every day, attracting a large number of tourists to watch.
Dalongqiu Scenic Area
Dalongqiu Scenic Area has waterfall landscapes as its core and covers an area of about 28 square kilometers. Dalongqiu Waterfall is one of the famous large waterfalls in China, with a drop of 197 meters, and is the first of the "Three Wonders of Yandang." The waterfall pours down from the top of the Lianyun Peak cliff, with different scenery in the four seasons: in spring, the water volume is abundant, and the waterfall pours down like the Milky Way; after summer rain, water splashes everywhere, magnificent; in autumn, the water flow gradually slows, like light gauze dancing; in winter, the waterfall flow condenses, with a unique charm. The scenic area also includes Scissors Peak. Depending on the viewing angle, this peak can present multiple forms such as scissors, a woodpecker, and a bear, making it a model of "changing scenery with each step."
Sanzhepu Scenic Area
Sanzhepu Scenic Area is located between Lingfeng Scenic Area and Lingyan Scenic Area, covering an area of about 10 square kilometers. Its main landscape is Sanzhepu, composed of three waterfalls. Sanzhepu is the upper, middle, and lower waterfalls formed by the same water flow passing through three cliffs: the upper waterfall is hidden in a cave and can only be viewed by climbing up stone steps. It is about 70 meters high, and the water gushes out from the top of the cliff; the middle waterfall is the most spectacular, 120 meters high, and the water falls into a deep pool with a sound like thunder. The surrounding cliffs are steep, forming a natural stone chamber; the lower waterfall is at the very bottom, about 50 meters high, with a gentle flow and clear pool water. The scenic area also includes attractions such as Tiecheng Screen and the Martyrs' Cemetery.
Yanhu Scenic Area
Yanhu Scenic Area is located at the western foot of the main peak of Yandang Mountain, covering an area of about 59 square kilometers. It is named after Yanhu at the top of the mountain. Yanhu is the origin of the name Yandang Mountain. Historically, the lake surface was vast, and every autumn groups of wild geese inhabited it. Although Yanhu has now shrunk, it is still an important landscape in the scenic area. The lakeside has lush aquatic plants, and around it are waterfalls such as Meiyu Waterfall and Luodai Waterfall. The Xishiliang Great Waterfall in the scenic area is about 160 meters high. The waterfall flows under a stone beam, with a unique form. Yanhu Scenic Area is relatively high in terrain and has a broad field of vision. It can overlook the panorama of Yandang Mountain and is a good place to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds.
Food
Yandang Mountain Sweetfish
Yandang Mountain sweetfish is a specialty fish of Yandang Mountain, named for its tender meat and delicate fragrance. Sweetfish mostly grows in the streams of Yandang Mountain. It is about 15-20 centimeters long, and the fishing period is from April to October each year. Sweetfish can be prepared in various ways, such as steamed, fried, or made into soup. Among them, steamed sweetfish best reflects its delicious taste. The meat is white and the flavor is sweet, making it a must-try food for tourists visiting Yandang Mountain.
Yandang Mountain Stone Frog
Yandang Mountain stone frog is a type of frog that grows in the mountain streams of Yandang Mountain. It is relatively large, with tender meat and is rich in protein. Stone frog is mainly prepared by braising in soy sauce or stewing. Braised stone frog has a rich flavor and firm meat; stewed stone frog has delicious soup and is nutritious. Because stone frogs are wild protected animals, most stone frogs on the market are artificially bred, which both satisfies tourists' tasting needs and protects wild resources.
Nanxi River Wheat Cake
Nanxi River wheat cake is a traditional snack in the Nanxi River basin of Yongjia County, Wenzhou. It is also relatively common in restaurants and snack shops around the Yandang Mountain scenic area. The wheat cake uses flour as the wrapper, and the filling is mostly pickled vegetables, pork, eggs, and so on. It is baked over charcoal fire. The crust is crisp, and the filling is fresh and fragrant, tasty and delicious. The wheat cake is relatively large and easy to carry, making it a convenient food for tourists during sightseeing.
Dengzhan Cake
Dengzhan cake is a traditional fried snack in the Wenzhou area. It can be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys near the Yandang Mountain scenic area. Its shape resembles an ancient lamp, hence the name. Dengzhan cake uses rice batter as the raw material, adds fillings such as shredded radish and minced pork, and is placed into a special mold and fried until golden and crisp. The finished product is crisp outside and soft inside, salty and delicious. It is a breakfast food loved by local residents and also a good choice for tourists to experience local flavors.
Tickets：
A separate ticket system is implemented for each scenic area. Tickets start at 15 yuan, and combination tickets start at 170 yuan.
You can search for the official public account "Yandang Mountain Release" on WeChat to obtain the latest updates and online ticket purchasing.
Opening Hours：
Opening hours differ slightly. 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 "Lingyan Flying Crossing" performance times are 10:30 and 15:00 every day (additional sessions may be added on holidays). In winter (November to February of the following year), the opening hours of some scenic areas will be slightly shortened. Tourists are advised to check the specific opening hours of each scenic area in advance and arrange their itineraries reasonably.
Suggested 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 Beidou Cave. The time is about 3 hours; have lunch near Lingfeng Scenic Area. In the afternoon, go to Sanzhepu Scenic Area to enjoy the upper, middle, and lower waterfalls. The visit takes about 2 hours; then go to Lingyan Scenic Area, visit Lingyan Temple, watch the 15:00 "Lingyan Flying Crossing" performance, and visit Tianzhu Peak, Zhanqi Peak, and so on. The time is about 2.5 hours; in the evening, go to Lingfeng Scenic Area to enjoy the night view. The time is about 1.5 hours. Day 2: In the morning, go to Dalongqiu Scenic Area to see Dalongqiu Waterfall, Scissors Peak, and other attractions. The visit takes about 3 hours; have lunch near Dalongqiu Scenic Area. In the afternoon, according to interest, choose to go to Yanhu Scenic Area or other secondary scenic areas. The time is about 3 hours. The whole journey can be flexibly adjusted according to physical strength and interest.
Transportation：
High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to "Yandang Mountain Station." The station is about 5 kilometers from Yandang Mountain Scenic Area. After leaving the station, you can take the scenic area bus (fare 5 yuan) or taxi (about 20 yuan) to the scenic area visitor center.
Bus: There are direct long-distance buses from downtown Wenzhou to Yandang Mountain Scenic Area, departing from Wenzhou South Bus Station with multiple departures every day. The journey takes about 2 hours, and the fare is about 30 yuan. Within the Yandang Mountain scenic area, tourist buses connect the main scenic areas. For example, Lingfeng to Lingyan is about 5 kilometers, fare 5 yuan; Lingyan to Dalongqiu is about 10 kilometers, fare 10 yuan.
Taxi: The starting fare for taxis within Yandang Mountain Scenic Area is 10 yuan (within 3 kilometers), and 2 yuan per kilometer beyond 3 kilometers. From Yandang Mountain Station to the scenic area visitor center is about 5 kilometers, costing about 20 yuan; taxi fares between scenic areas vary by distance, generally between 10-30 yuan.
Self-driving: Self-driving tourists can take the Shenhai Expressway (G15) and exit at the "Yandang Mountain" exit, then follow the signs to the scenic area. There are parking lots at each major scenic area within the scenic spot, with charging standards of 5-10 yuan per time.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Lingfeng Scenic Area (night view): Famous for its unpredictable night view. Under the moonlight, the peaks present various shapes such as Husband and Wife Peak and Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon. It is one of the most distinctive landscapes of Yandang Mountain. It is recommended to go in the evening.
Lingyan Scenic Area: You can view strange peaks such as Tianzhu Peak and Zhanqi Peak, and watch the "Lingyan Flying Crossing" performance. Performers complete thrilling movements 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 the 197-meter-drop Dalongqiu Waterfall, one of the largest single-drop waterfalls in China. The scenery varies in the four seasons. There is also Scissors Peak, which changes scenery with each step. It is a must-go place to experience natural wonders.
Lingfeng Scenic Area (day view): You can visit attractions such as Guanyin Cave and Beidou Cave. The nine-story pavilion in Guanyin Cave is embedded in the cliff, with a unique momentum, forming a different landscape experience from the night view.
Travel Suggestions：
Suggested travel time is 2-3 days, which is enough to fully visit the core scenic areas of North Yandang Mountain. If time is sufficient, you can also go to South Yandang Mountain or Central Yandang Mountain.
The best seasons for visiting are April-May and September-November. At this time, the climate is suitable and precipitation is moderate. You can not only enjoy waterfall landscapes but also facilitate outdoor activities; summer has more rain, which may affect the viewing of some landscapes.
When watching the Lingfeng night view, it is recommended to hire a local guide. The guide will explain the legends and viewing angles of each peak. The cost is about 50 yuan per time, which can help you better understand the beauty of the night view.
The "Lingyan Flying Crossing" performance is very popular. It is recommended to arrive at the performance venue 30 minutes in advance and choose a seat with a broad view; please do not use flash photography 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 trekking poles; in summer, pay attention to sun protection and mosquito prevention, and carry items such as a sun hat, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
Precautions：
Some sections of the scenic area are steep and slippery. Pay attention to safety when visiting, especially after rain or in the early morning. Avoid climbing undeveloped areas.
Lingfeng night view and Lingyan Flying Crossing are special projects of the scenic area. It is recommended to confirm performance times in advance to avoid missing them due to seasonal or weather changes.
Littering is strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Do not pick flowers or damage vegetation. Protect the natural environment; smoking must be done in designated areas.
When purchasing specialty products or dining, it is recommended to choose shops with clearly marked prices and avoid consuming at mobile vendors to prevent being overcharged.
Mountain weather is changeable and rain may occur at any time. It is recommended to carry rain gear with you; during summer thunderstorms, stay away from peaks, large trees, and other tall objects to prevent lightning strikes.
Mobile phone signal is basically covered in the scenic area, but signal may be weak in some remote areas. It is recommended to travel with companions and avoid going alone into undeveloped areas.
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 consent before taking photos.