Xiandao Scenic Area

Xiandao Scenic Area

Located at the northernmost tip of Yandang Mountain, this 100-square-kilometer scenic area is imbued with an ethereal, otherworldly charm that permeates its mountains and waters. Stone stepping stones cross the streams, while bamboo paths lead to secluded spots, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere. The stream is called Xianxi (Fairy Stream), the lake is Longhu (Dragon Lake), and within the lake lie jade-like islets and immortal mountains. The chaste maiden who leapt to her death from the cliffs is called Xiangu (Fairy Maiden), and the cave where she once hid is known as Xiangu Cave.

It is said to be the place where the immortal Wang Ziqi descended riding on a crane. Many attractions in the scenic area are related to this celestial being: Xiandao (Fairy Bridge), Xianding (Fairy Pavilion), Xiandong (Immortal Cave, also known as Beishiliang Cave), Chui Xiao Peak (Flute-Playing Peak), Xianding Mountain, Danzao Rock (Cinnabar Stove Rock), and Shiqipan (Stone Chessboard)...

Xiandao (Fairy Bridge): Standing at the Longhu Gate in the Xiandao Scenic Area and looking north, you can see a stone bridge stretching across the sky on Xianding Mountain — this is the Fairy Bridge. The bridge soars straight into the clouds, appearing both ethereal and perilously steep.

After passing through Longhu Gate, turn right, climb up Xianding Mountain, and walk about 1 kilometer eastward from the entrance of the Immortal Cave to reach the base of the bridge. The bridge is 38 meters long, about 7 meters wide, and over 10 meters high. To climb onto the bridge for a view, you can take a path from the northern side of the mountain.

Once on the bridge and looking down, you’ll see sheer cliffs rising thousands of feet, with drifting clouds and flowing streams below, giving the sensation of “riding the void and soaring through the sky,” instantly filling you with a feeling of floating like an immortal.

Legend has it that the bridge was named after Wang Ziqi, who played his flute atop it. Regarding Wang Ziqi’s relics in the Xiandao Scenic Area, the "Dong’ou Yishi" (Records of Eastern Ou) states: “In the northern part of Yandang Mountain, there are Xianding (Fairy Pavilion), Xiandao (Fairy Bridge), Xiandong (Immortal Cave), Chui Xiao Peak (Flute-Playing Peak), Xianxi (Fairy Stream), as well as Danzao (Cinnabar Stove) and Shiqipan (Stone Chessboard).”

Wang Ziqi was the crown prince of King Ling of Zhou, Ji Xiexin, with the family name Ji and given name Jin. This prince was demoted and stripped of his right to inherit the throne for speaking candidly and advising his father, becoming a commoner. Later, he wandered through Yiluo, studied Taoism, and attained immortality. Riding a white crane and playing the sheng and xiao (Chinese reed instruments), he traveled the sacred mountains and famed peaks. He once visited the Xiandao area of Yandang Mountain to enjoy the scenery and cultivate immortality.

Transportation

Hire a local van for the trip. A half-day rental typically costs around 80–100 RMB (negotiable down to 60 RMB). A full-day rental generally starts at a minimum of 200 RMB.