The so-called "Number One Scattered Mountain in Zhejiang" is here, featuring the unparalleled wonders of the world
Have you ever heard the titles "Famous Mountain on the Sea, Unparalleled Wonder of the World" and "Number One Mountain in Southeast China"? These refer to the 5A-level tourist attraction in Zhejiang — Yandang Mountain, covering a total area of 343.50 square kilometers, with the core scenic area spanning 90.99 square kilometers!
Historically, Yandang Mountain dates back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, rose to prominence during the Tang Dynasty, and reached its peak in the Song Dynasty. It is also a typical representative of the Cretaceous volcanoes in the giant volcanic belt on the edge of the Asian continent. The rhyolite in the magma is the main geological feature of Yandang Mountain. After thousands of years of natural sculpting, it has formed eight major scenic areas: Lingfeng, Lingyan, Dalongqiu, Sanzhe Waterfall, Yan Lake, Xiansheng Gate, Yangjiao Cave, and Xianqiao, with over 500 attractions. It also boasts rich cultural heritage, such as the Huiwen Academy, where the Chen brothers Chen Jingzheng and Chen Jingbang studied during the Northern Song Dynasty. It truly deserves the title of "Number One Scattered Mountain in Zhejiang"!
Moreover, Lingfeng, Lingyan, and Dalongqiu are known as the "Three Wonders of Yandang"!
So, the question is, how should you tour Yandang Mountain? Uncle Shuai suggests a three-day trip to fully enjoy the "Three Wonders of Yandang"!
Day 1: Lingfeng Scenic Area (Zhenji Temple) — Dalongqiu Scenic Area
Day 2: Fangdong Scenic Area — Lingyan Scenic Area (Lingyan Zen Temple)
Day 3: Zhongyan Yuzeng — Xiji
Among them, Lingfeng Scenic Area is a natural treasure. Whether it’s the strange peaks and rocks and ancient cave architecture by day or the dreamy silhouettes by night, it’s worth a visit! Also, at Zhenji Temple in Lingfeng Scenic Area, visitors can participate for free in morning prayers, volunteer therapy, Tai Chi Baduanjin, Zen tea, and vegetarian meals, which is quite a delightful surprise!
Dalongqiu Scenic Area centers around one peak and one waterfall. The peak is Scissor Peak, which shows eight different shapes along the way: scissors, the beauty Zhaojun, a woodpecker, a bear, and more. The waterfall is Dalongqiu Waterfall, where morning sunlight shines on one section of the falls. Visitors can enjoy the waterfall, cedar forest, and strange peaks.
Fangdong Scenic Area is nestled among steep cliffs and can be reached by scenic shuttle bus. The scenery along the way is beautiful, with green mountains and clear waters creating a pleasant atmosphere. The area features the Sky Bridge and the Cliffside Plank Road, built between two cliffs. Standing on the bridge offers a panoramic view of Yandang Mountain, providing a unique visual experience. When tired, you can try the cliffside coffee, which tastes quite good!
Lingyan Scenic Area is reached by descending from Fangdong Scenic Area. Its Lingyan Zen Temple, a core attraction, was founded during the Northern Song Dynasty and is one of the eighteen ancient temples of Yandang. Surrounded by mountains and dense forests, Lingyan also features the beautiful Bitan Bay, adding to its lively charm!
Zhongyan Yuzeng offers a magical scene. Beyond Yandang Mountain lies Zhongyan Mountain, where the Yuzeng Scenic Area combines geological landscapes, natural scenery, and historical culture. You can admire unique geological formations along the way, overlook the spectacular mountain ranges, and check out ancient cliff inscriptions, making you feel as if you’ve traveled through time to experience a different historical flavor.
Xiji Scenic Area is known for its tranquil and picturesque mountains and waters, as well as its primitive and rustic wild charm, making it a secret spot worth exploring. Xiji is a canyon named "Dragon Street" because the stream flowing at the valley bottom resembles a dragon moving. Peaks and rocks stack on both sides, changing views with every step, dazzling the eyes.
After these three days, you’ll be immersed in the billion-year-old changes of Yandang Mountain and experience the joy of its scattered beauty. As one of the Three Mountains and Five Sacred Mountains, it not only boasts strange peaks and rocks and a paradise away from the world but also rich cultural heritage, bringing great delight!
Regarding costs, Lingfeng tickets are 45 yuan (same price for day and night), Dalongqiu tickets are 50 yuan, Fangdong-Lingyan combined tickets are 80 yuan (considered as one attraction), Zhongyan Yuzeng tickets are 30 yuan, and Zhongyan Xiji tickets are 20 yuan.
From the ticket prices, you can see that Yandang Mountain is divided into separate attractions, so don’t worry too much about how to tour it; just plan ahead how you want to explore! Also, it’s convenient to buy unlimited-ride scenic buses. Don’t take the cable car to Lingyan; there’s a free shuttle bus! And definitely don’t climb Lingyan in reverse unless you have really strong stamina!
The scenic area has also planned well, offering three-day combo tickets: Package A for 170 yuan (Lingfeng [day and night], Lingyan, Dalongqiu), Package B for 200 yuan (adds Fangdong and Sanzhe Waterfall on top of Package A), which you can choose from. As for Zhongyan Mountain (Yuzeng — Xiji), it’s in a different area and requires a separate visit!
With this introduction, many people should now have a clear understanding of Yandang Mountain:
If you only want to tour Yandang Mountain, you can choose a two-day trip: Day 1, Lingfeng Scenic Area (Zhenji Temple) — Dalongqiu Scenic Area; Day 2, Fangdong Scenic Area — Lingyan Scenic Area (Lingyan Zen Temple). If you want a cost-effective trip, choose the recommended itinerary to conquer both Greater Yandang and Zhongyan Mountains in three days. If you prefer a leisurely pace, you can opt for Package A or B and enjoy a slow three-day tour.
Transportation:
Self-driving: Navigate to "Yandang Mountain Scenic Area - Zone B Ground Parking Lot," which has many parking spaces and is very close to the "Yandang Mountain Tourist Distribution Center."
Bus: Take the train to "Yandang Mountain Station," then transfer to Yueqing Route 581/Yandang Mountain Resident Line and get off at "Yandang Mountain Management Committee Station." It’s a 500-meter walk to the "Yandang Mountain Tourist Distribution Center."
Practical information for Zhejiang Yandang Mountain:
Tickets are purchased as needed. Operating hours are 06:30-21:30. Located at No. 88 Yanshan Road, Yandang Town, Yueqing City, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province. Self-driving is highly recommended.
So, what do you think? Are you interested in Yandang Mountain? Feel free to leave comments and discuss!