Zeya

Zeya

Zeya is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Introduction: Located in Zeya Town in the western part of Ouhai District, it is commonly known as the "West Yandang Mountains." The area was originally called "Zhaxia," and "Zeya" is the phonetic transliteration of "Zhaxia" in the Wenzhou dialect. There is also a Zeya Reservoir near West Yandang. Upon arriving at West Yandang, you will be captivated by the beauty of the Welcome Waterfall. This is a landscape of canyons and waterfalls, where the Nine-Dragon Waterfall features three-tiered cascades forming a hundred-meter-high waterfall curtain, resembling nine dragons spouting water; Crocodile Pool is embedded within a stone cliff, with crystal-clear water visible to the bottom; Pearl Rock has a diameter of 23 meters and is known as the "No. 1 Pearl under Heaven." The Swinging Rock moves when pushed, while the Thunder Rock makes noise when shaken. Seven ancient trees—lacquer tree, osmanthus, maple, and others—grow together in one trunk, showcasing seven shapes and seven colors. Zeya’s water-powered mills are famous, with over 270 in total. Utilizing the terrain and water sources, there are two-in-one mills and three-in-one mills, with the most typical being the Nandou Four-in-One Mill in Shiqiao Village at the entrance of the scenic area. The “eldest” drains water for the “youngest,” the “third eldest” drains for the “fourth eldest”—a perfect example of multi-purpose water use. When draining, they form small waterfalls, embodying the perfect harmony between humans and nature. Tip: Due to inconvenient transportation and slower development, Zeya has long remained “hidden away and unknown.” Currently, only one of the seven major scenic areas—the Seven Waterfall Valley—is open. Yet, it is an exceptionally beautiful site. In my opinion, it is the second-most scenic spot in Wenzhou, after the Nanxi River. Compared to the hustle and artificial hype of North Yandang, it is more tranquil, rustic, and pristine. However, hiking here is much more strenuous than at North Yandang—the mountains are steep, the paths narrow, and the steps high, requiring 2–3 hours even for a quick visit. In truth, less-crowded places aren’t necessarily any less worthwhile. If every attraction became as overrun as North Yandang, then travel would lose all sense of mystery and novelty. Transportation: Traveling from Shijiangqiao in downtown Wenzhou to Zeya takes about one hour by car, costing 4 yuan. Zeya is still 12 li away from the West Yandang Scenic Area via winding mountain roads. Although there are shuttle buses to the scenic area, except during peak seasons, the frequency is very low. Hiring a farm vehicle for a one-way trip costs 30 yuan, taking about 20 minutes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Zeya Reservoir—a truly breathtaking view. The last downhill bus departs at 15:30, going directly to Shijiangqiao in Wenzhou, and costs 8 yuan.

Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province