Northern Zhejiang Grand Canyon

Northern Zhejiang Grand Canyon

The Northern Zhejiang Grand Canyon Scenic Area is located in Anji, known as the Bamboo Capital of China. Originally named the 72 Peaks of the Great Han Scenic Area, it is said that there are far more than seventy-two peaks here, with overlapping mountain ranges.

The 72 Peaks of the Great Han are located at the southern border of Anji County. Anji is situated in the northwest of Zhejiang Province, right on the mysterious 30th parallel north of the world's geography. Covering a total area of thirty-eight square kilometers, it is just eight kilometers away from the Taihu Lake Source and the Hidden Dragon Hundred Waterfalls. The scenic area consists of five major sections: the Great Han Ridge Majian Hill, Dongling Paradise Street, Shiling Nine Bends, Longxu Mountain, and the Highland Farmstead Resort. There are nearly one hundred majestic peaks over one thousand meters high within the area.

There are thirteen primitive farmstead resorts above an altitude of 800 meters. Five high-altitude terraced fields viewing spots, fifty-eight streams, ninety-eight waterfalls, and a total of two hundred and three scenic spots of various sizes. It serves as a highland destination in Anji for leisure, vacation, sightseeing, tourism, and summer retreat, as well as an invaluable spot for geological exploration and scientific research.

The 72 Peaks of the Great Han feature densely scattered oddly-shaped peaks and rocks, towering and sturdy green pines, ever-changing clouds and mists, numerous emerald pools and cascading waterfalls, and vast bamboo seas. The area showcases all the highlights of popular eco-tourism destinations.

The scenic area boasts not only breathtaking natural scenery but also rich cultural landscapes and splendid Confucian and Buddhist heritage. Great Han Ridge got its name from Emperor Wu of Han, who once led his armies here and surveyed the land. Dongling was named after Dong Zhongshu, who taught Confucian philosophy in this area. Shiling is known as the “valley of age-old temples,” with Honglin Temple, Dushan Temple, Xishan Nunnery, and Xujia Nunnery, all built during the Sui and Tang dynasties. It is regarded as the birthplace of the “Buddhist Revival Movement” and is considered a “leaf of Buddhism” in southern China.

With a long history, the 72 Peaks of the Great Han offer stunning natural scenery, awe-inspiring landscapes, as well as rich cultural elements and a glorious historical heritage.

At the end of the 22nd century BC, when Yu the Great was taming the floods, he visited the 72 Peaks and planted the mother of Taihu willows at the source of Taihu Lake. As a result, the willows flourished and the floods ceased. Hence, this place came to be known as the 72 Peaks of the Great Han.

During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, when he passed through this region with his army, he was struck by the unbroken chain of seventy-two peaks that formed a natural stronghold. He set up camp there, and thus the name 72 Peaks of the Great Han was established. With origins tracing back to the early Xia Dynasty and flourishing in the Han era, the area bears witness to Yu the Great’s flood control efforts at its source, and the surrounding peaks echo the military campaigns of Emperor Wu.

The 72 Peaks of the Great Han are located in the southern part of Anji County, the Bamboo Capital, bordering Taihu Lake Source Town in Lin’an City. Legend has it that when Emperor Wu of Han and his troops passed through, they saw seventy-two continuous peaks forming an impregnable wall, prompting them to set up camp—thus giving the area its name. The scenic area covers a total of 38 square kilometers and is composed of three major zones: Shiling, Dongling, and Great Han Ridge. It features nearly one hundred peaks over one thousand meters high, and its unique plateau landscape has earned it the nickname “Zhejiang’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.”

Shiling is known for its uniquely shaped peaks and rocks, powerful waterfalls, and profound historical culture; Dongling is famed for being where Dong Zhongshu once taught Confucianism; and Great Han Ridge takes its name from Emperor Wu of Han commanding his armies here. Currently, the main touring focus among the 72 Peaks is the Shiling area.

The Shiling Scenic Area includes sights such as the Natural Great Buddha, Buddha Peak, pristine forests, One-Line Pool, and Shiling Lake. Here, the sky is vast, the clouds are scattered, the peaks are striking, and the scenery blends strength with grace, offering extraordinarily beautiful natural vistas. Shiling is the birthplace of China’s “Buddhist Revival Movement” and is known as the “valley of age-old temples,” home to Honglin Temple, Dushan Temple, Xishan Nunnery, and Xujia Nunnery, most of which were built during the Sui and Tang dynasties. This has created a deep traditional cultural heritage in Shiling. The harmonious unity of cultural history and ecological beauty gives Shiling its distinctive charm.

Additionally, the scenic area offers a variety of tourist activities including self-barbecues, party celebrations, mountain-climbing challenges, and wilderness survival experiences.

Address: Shiling Village, Bao Fu Town, Anji County, Huzhou City

Type: Canyon

Rating: AAAA

Recommended visiting time: 2–4 hours

Phone: 0572-5612111

Opening hours:

8:00-16:30

Ticket

Adult ticket: official price 80 RMB (child tickets available, no student or senior discounts)