Zhongyandangshan Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Zhongyandangshan Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Zhongyandangshan Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national water conservancy scenic area.

Zhongyandangshan, originally named Baishi Mountain, is the foothill of the Yandang Mountain range. Located in the southwest corner of Yueqing, it borders the Oujiang Qili Port Area to the south, neighbors the Yandang Mountain Scenic Area to the north, and leans against the Yongjia Nanxi River Scenic Area to the west. G15 Yongtaiwen Expressway and National Highway 104 run along its southern edge, while the Yueqing Station of the Yongtaiwen Railway is situated within its territory, making transportation extremely convenient. Zhongyandangshan encompasses seven major scenic areas: Yujing, Xixi, Sanhu, Dongxi, Fenghuang Mountain, Yangbadong, and Liugong Valley, covering a total area of 93.44 square kilometers with over 300 scenic spots. The area is renowned for its majestic peaks, perilous cliffs, cascading waterfalls, flowing springs, serene caves and ancient temples, as well as picturesque lakes, emerald waters, and lush forests.

Throughout history, literati and scholars have left behind a wealth of precious calligraphy and paintings on Zhongyandangshan, adding splendor to its landscape. Xie Lingyun, a famous poet of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, once wrote: “A thousand acres stretch along the distant embankment, ten thousand miles flow down the long sands.” Wang Shipeng of the Song Dynasty described it as: “Ten miles of lake and mountain stretch in emerald hues, two streams of cold jade chime together.” These are heartfelt praises for the scenery of Zhongyandangshan.

1. Yujing Scenic Area

Yujing Scenic Area is the premier attraction of Zhongyandangshan, covering an area of 39 hectares. It features 2 peaks, 10 rocks, 10 caves, 3 springs, 2 pavilions, and a total of 28 scenic spots. Centered around Yujing Peak, the area boasts steep rocks, deep caves, and serene valleys. Climbing to the summit at Baicui Peak offers a panoramic view of Yueqing Bay, where the sky stretches endlessly, broadening one’s horizons. Yujing Peak earned its name from its smooth, white, jade-like rock that resembles a traditional rice steamer, and it is also commonly known as Daoist Rock due to its resemblance to a Taoist’s hat.

2. Xixi Scenic Area

Xixi is a brilliant highlight of Zhongyandangshan. Stretching five miles from Shimen in the west to the base of Yujing Peak in the east, the area features a series of uniquely shaped peaks and rocks lining the stream, resembling a natural painted screen. The peaks and rocks of Xixi vividly resemble objects and people, while its waterfalls display gentle beauty and diverse forms. Upstream, attractions such as Shimen Waterfall, Yu’niu Waterfall, Zhonglongqiu, Longjie, Tianzhu Peak, and Baiyang Rock create a symphony of water and stone. Downstream, attractions like Xuanguan, Longyou Waterfall, Bazhe Waterfall, Longxu Waterfall, and Longshan Lake are poetic and picturesque.

3. Dongxi Scenic Area

The East and West Xi areas are the two wings of Yujing Peak. While Xixi is known for its peaks and rocks, Dongxi excels in its waterfalls and pools. Stretching seven li with seven winding turns, Dongxi features rugged rocks along its banks that form numerous scenic sights. It is abundant in pools and waterfalls, with year-round murmuring streams. A series of beautiful pools are connected along Dongxi, including Zhongtan, Lianzhu Pool, Xiaolong Pool, Meiyu Pool, and Lianhua Pool. Interwoven among these are waterfalls such as Huansha Waterfall, Mawei Waterfall, and Meiyu Waterfall... Among them, Zhongtan below the Seven Bends and Meiyu Pool in the Fourth Bend are particularly noteworthy. The former features a waterfall above the pool and a pool above the waterfall, with exceptional form, sound, and color. The latter has deep, azure waters that never dry up, surpassing even the beauty of Meiyu Pool at Xianyan.

4. Sanhu Scenic Area

Located at the foot of Yujing Peak, the main peak of Zhongyandangshan, Sanhu covers a total area of 692 hectares with a water storage capacity of 36 million cubic meters. The three lakes—Baishi Lake, Zhongqian Lake, and Longshan Lake—are the pride of Zhongyandangshan. With these lakes, Zhongyandangshan stands confidently when compared to other famous mountains. The lake-and-mountain scenery is picturesque, with the gentle beauty of the lakes, the graceful peaks along the shores, and the majestic presence of Yujing Peak, all blending harmoniously into a rare and breathtaking landscape. As a water conservancy project, these three artificial lakes have realized the vision described by Xie Lingyun: “A thousand acres stretch along the distant embankment, ten thousand miles flow down the long sands.” Sanhu is a prime example of the coexistence of natural and man-made beauty in landscape design. The scenic area boasts clean air and a pleasant environment, making it an ideal destination for boating and summer retreats.

5. Fenghuang Mountain Scenic Area

Fenghuang Mountain is located two kilometers southwest of Baishi Town, within Fenghuang Village, and is considered an outer scenic area of Zhongyandangshan. Two mountains stand opposite each other, with overlapping ridges that resemble a phoenix spreading its wings, ready to take flight, with a curious “phoenix egg” behind. The area features beautiful forests and valleys, with dozens of scenic spots dominated by peaks and rocks. Notable formations include Yingzui Rock, Ban Zhang Rock, and Chuanbi Rock, which rise majestically, with Chuanbi Rock being the most prominent. This rock soars over 500 meters into the sky, echoing Daoist Rock (Yujing Peak), and is commonly known as the “Shadow of Daoist Rock.” At the mountain’s base, green waters wind through the village, with vast fields stretching into the distance. On the mountain, secluded paths wind through fragrant flowers and birdsong. Ancient temples hidden in the woods and drifting clouds offer a blend of pastoral and mountain charm.

6. Liugong Valley Scenic Area

This is the outermost scenic area of Zhongyandangshan, situated on opposite sides of the same mountain as Yangbadong. This sloping, narrow valley is named after a virtuous local official from history, whose notable achievements include organizing the excavation of a canal still in use today.

Many mythologically inspired spots in this scenic area are tied to this historical figure, giving the area a warm, humanistic atmosphere. The natural landscape of Liugong Valley also has its own charm: stone bridges span the area, waterfalls hang like silk ribbons, and numerous pools, rocks, caves, and waterfalls are either hidden or only partially visible. From a distance, the scenery resembles a distant, poetic Chinese landscape painting. Yet, it is close enough to urban areas that anyone can step in and become part of the painting.

7. Yangbadong Scenic Area

Yangbadong Scenic Area covers a total area of 256 hectares and is located between downtown Yueqing and Baishi Street, on the south side of the Yuebai Highway, offering convenient transportation and a tranquil environment. According to the Song Dynasty Taoist text *Yunji Qi Qian*, this is the “Nineteenth Cave Heaven under Heaven.” Spanning thirty to forty acres, a flat cliff surface bears the inscription “Gai Zhu Bao Guang Chang Yao Cave Heaven” (The Ever-Shining Cave Heaven of Gai Zhu). The area features rugged rocks and numerous caves, including eight famous ones: Baoguang Cave, Guanyin Cave, Toutian Cave, Touhai Cave, Baxian Cave, Hunyuan Cave, and YuChan Cave. These caves interconnect, layer upon layer, with passages both above and below. They remain cool in summer and warm in winter, with natural drafts, presenting extraordinary and uniquely formed landscapes. Exploring them is endlessly fascinating. Yangbadong is also famed for its rock formations, which resemble humans and objects and are tied to various folk legends. Notable examples include the Monk Carrying a Nun, Immortal Rock, Turtle Rock, Tiger Head Rock, Lion Rock, Peng Rock, Rice Steamer Rock, and Dragon Boat Rock—all strikingly lifelike and full of charm.

Admission Fees:

Lingfeng Scenic Area: 30 RMB/person

Lingyan Scenic Area: 30 RMB/person

Dalongqiu Scenic Area: 30 RMB/person

Sanzhe Waterfall Scenic Area: 10 RMB/person

Yanhu Scenic Area: 10 RMB/person

Opening Hours:

6:00–18:00

Location:

Address: Beiyandangshan Town, Yueqing City, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province.

Transportation Overview:

Local Transportation: During peak season, minibuses are available to the main scenic spots (“Er Ling Yi Long”) within the area.

Precautions:

In the off-season, there are few visitors and you can only hire a car. Public buses effectively become taxis, and those operating inside the scenic area do not follow the official “fare schedule” (as ticket revenue is not enough to cover tunnel fees and parking charges).

You can hire a car for the afternoon for 80–100 yuan (you might bargain it down to 60 yuan for one person), or for the whole day starting at 200 yuan. With good time management, the afternoon is enough to fully explore “Er Ling Yi Long.”