Dinghu Peak

Dinghu Peak

Dinghu Peak is the core of the entire Xiandu Scenic Area and the iconic landmark of Xiandu. Resembling a bamboo shoot, it pierces the sky, standing 170.8 meters tall with a summit area of 710 square meters and a base area of 2468 square meters. It is hailed as the “No. 1 Peak under Heaven” and the “No. 1 Bamboo Shoot under Heaven.”

At its summit, amidst lush pines and cypresses, lies a pool that never dries up throughout the seasons. Legend has it that this is the place where the Yellow Emperor, the founding ancestor of the Chinese nation, cast a sacred cauldron and refined elixirs before ascending to heaven on a red dragon.

The great Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi once wrote the verse:

“The Yellow Emperor’s banners have gone and will not return, / A lone cloud and solitary rock stand towering. / Sometimes the wind stirs waves in Dinghu, / Scattering as raindrops on a sunny day,”

to depict this marvelous wonder under heaven.

Below Dinghu Peak are the four large characters “Dinghu Shengji” (Glory of Dinghu), inscribed in the 19th year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1591) by Zhejiang Provincial Governor Chang Ju Jing and his contemporaries—Zeng Shiyan, the Provincial Administration Commissioner, and Liao Hengji, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner—during their visit to Xiandu.

Chang Ju Jing, also known as Xinwu, styled Ming, was a native of Jiangxia from the military household of Wuchang in Huguang. He passed the imperial examination in the 2nd year of the Wanli reign and was appointed Governor of Zhejiang in September of the 18th year, holding the concurrent titles of Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Court of Censors and Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial.

Transportation

1. From Lishui City to Xiandu: Take a bus from the East Bus Station to Jinyun. Buses run from 6:10 to 19:30, with one every 10 minutes before 18:00. The fare is 14 yuan. Then, take a bus from the Jinyun station to Furong Gorge, passing by sites such as Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law Rock, Little Red Cliff, Big Belly Rock, Dufeng Academy, Niweng Cave, Dinghu Peak (the signature scenic spot, also known as the Stone Bamboo Shoot), and Furong Gorge (also called Iron City). At Furong Gorge, you can also go rafting or try local Jinyun cuisine. If you only have one day, just visit one of the scenic spots.

2. From other regions to Xiandu: To get to Xiandu, Zhejiang from Shanghai, take a train to Jinyun Railway Station. Upon exiting, walk about 200 meters to a three-way intersection. Turn right to go to the county town, or go straight down to reach Dinghu Peak. From there, you can take a passing bus to Dinghu Peak without needing to go to the county town. Alternatively, you can hire a minivan directly from the station for 20 yuan to Dinghu Peak.

There are many buses heading toward Dinghu Peak, with one arriving every ten minutes or so. You can also take a bus to Huzhen, but you’ll need to get off at the fork road just before Dinghu Peak and walk a bit further. Therefore, it’s best to take the minibus to Tiecheng (Furong Gorge); you can choose to get off either at Tiecheng or Dinghu Peak.

The fare to Tiecheng is 3.5 yuan, and to Dinghu Peak is 2 yuan. Within the scenic area, you can hire a car for around 40 yuan (off-season price) for a full day and explore freely.

You can take a train to leave in the evening; trains depart at 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9:30 PM. Local security is very good.

3. Transportation within the scenic area: The cable car costs 25 yuan one way and 40 yuan round trip. Children between 1.2–1.4 meters pay 20 yuan.

Ticket Prices

Dinghu Peak alone: 60 yuan. Xiandu Scenic Area combo ticket: 130 yuan

8:00-17:30

Opening Hours

Location

Xiandu Scenic Area, Jinyun County, Lishui City

Dinghu Village: Dinghu Village has 725 households, a total population of 1720, 96 Party members, 13 villager groups, 52 villager representatives, a collective income of 136,100 yuan in 2014, forested area of 6,838 mu, and arable land of 365 mu. The village Party branch secretary is Liu Jinghuan, and the village director is Liu Jinbiao.