Qingtian Golden Rooster Mountain

Qingtian Golden Rooster Mountain

Golden Rooster Mountain, also known as Scarf Mountain or Gold Mountain, is part of the southern branch of the Donggong Mountain Range. It is located in Tang?? Township, approximately 38 kilometers southeast of Qingtian County, bordering Ouhai District of Wenzhou to the east, Rui’an to the south, and Wencheng to the west. Its geographical coordinates are 27.57.93 degrees north latitude and 120.14.70 degrees east longitude. The main peak stands at an elevation of 1,320.7 meters and, when viewed from afar, resembles an elderly man wearing a scarf and sitting upright—hence the name “Scarf Mountain.” Its homophonous nickname, Golden Rooster Mountain, refers to its majestic, towering presence that seems to pierce the clouds, earning it the title “The First Peak of Eastern Ou.” The terrain of Golden Rooster Mountain is rugged, with uniquely shaped peaks, deep valleys, jagged rocks, and ever-changing sea of clouds, giving it the reputation of being the “Little Huangshan of the South.” It also serves as the watershed between Rui’an and Qingtian, as well as between Wenzhou and Lishui.

Golden Rooster Mountain covers a total area of 84 square kilometers and is surrounded by mountains that resemble dragons or reclining tigers, encircling the base. It is also enveloped by mountain streams such as the Sidu River, Wulujikeng, Chifankeng, and Sijiaokeng, all adding to its grand and precipitous landscape. Around the main peak are spectacular cliffs, peculiar rock formations, valleys, and caves, including over 30 scenic spots such as Nine Turtles Facing the Sky, Monk Worshiping the Heavens, Cloud Cave, and Yang Mansion Cave. To the south lies a gently sloping plateau shaped like a horse saddle, providing ample space for leisure activities. The mountain boasts dense vegetation, rich tree diversity, and a healthy ecosystem. Below 800 meters, mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests dominate, while above 800 meters, alpine shrubland prevails. The mountain is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants. Among them, a hundred-acre wild ancient camellia grove bursts into brilliant red blooms every March, a rare spectacle. In May, the mountainside becomes a unique scene covered with colorful azaleas. The mountain’s climate is highly changeable, with temperatures averaging 10°C lower than those in nearby Wenzhou, Rui’an, and Qingtian city areas. It receives abundant rainfall, frequent fog, and often presents a dreamlike view with drifting clouds and mist-shrouded peaks that seem to float in the air like a fairyland.

Golden Rooster Mountain is home to Taoist temples and Buddhist shrines such as Bailin Taoist Temple, Yangfu Holy King Hall, Xianling Temple, and Guanyin Cave, as well as seventy-two cave heavens including Shushu Qingtian (Giant Rat Holding Up the Sky), Cloud Mist, Monkey, Yangfu, and Santian. It is a great destination for exploring China’s millennia-old Taoist and Buddhist cultural heritage. Every year, numerous pilgrims visit the mountain for religious worship, especially around the Lunar New Year’s Day, June 19th, September 19th, and public holidays. Most visitors come from Wenzhou, Rui’an, Wencheng, and Qingtian. The mountain’s foothills are accessible via Provincial Highway 57 (Qingdai Line), as well as roads from Tang?? Township to Golden Rooster Mountain, Renzhuang to Shuangling to Golden Rooster Mountain, and Rui’an to Heshang?? to Golden Rooster Mountain, making transportation convenient.

Golden Rooster Mountain changes with the seasons: in spring, lush greenery and blooming wildflowers along babbling streams offer a serene taste of nature; in summer, strong mountain breezes bring cool relief and a transcendent, otherworldly feeling; in autumn, with clear skies, one can gaze toward Wenzhou and Rui’an, which appear mirage-like, while the Feiyun River resembles a white ribbon dancing across the southern sky; in winter, the mountain is blanketed in snow and rime, resembling silver waves stretching for miles, with towering ice pillars and blossoming pear flowers everywhere. Watch the sunrise pierce the clouds, casting golden rays and creating a rosy, ethereal atmosphere; or witness the sunset melt into gold, with evening clouds forming a perfect seal—truly a scene of “endless valleys bathed in crimson haze, and fading shadows over a range of mountains.” From the mountaintop, the panoramic view encompasses blue skies, drifting clouds, undulating peaks, winding rivers, and scattered towns and villages, creating a spectacular and beautiful landscape. Golden Rooster Mountain has also formed unique sights such as the Golden Rooster Buddha’s Light, Golden Rooster Mountain Sea of Clouds, and Golden Rooster Mountain Azalea Forest.

Watching the sunrise from the mountain peak, experiencing the Buddha’s Light, savoring Zen, discussing wellness, and enjoying ecology, Golden Rooster Mountain blends natural and cultural landscapes into one, making it an ideal summer retreat and leisure destination.

Tang?? Township: Name Origin – The township is named after its government seat, which is located in the former Tang?? Village.

Geography – Located at 120°12′ east longitude and 27°59′ north latitude, the township lies southwest of Qingtian County. It borders Rui’an City to the southeast, Wencheng County to the south, Fushan Township to the west, Renzhuang Town to the north, and Fangshan Township to the east. The township government is seated in Hongkou Village. The telephone area code is 0578, and the postal code is 323904. It is 26 kilometers northeast of Qingtian County and 105 kilometers northwest of Lishui City.

Administrative History – During the Qing Dynasty, it was part of Sidu. In the Republican era, it belonged to … Detailed information on Tang?? Township++