East Zhejiang Dalong Valley

East Zhejiang Dalong Valley

East Zhejiang Dalong Valley is located in Shengzhou City, Zhejiang Province, and is renowned for its picturesque mountains, clear waters, serene beauty, and spectacular grandeur. It has long been praised as "Those who seek seclusion but miss this place have truly wasted their trip to Shanyin." Both Xie Lingyun, the founder of landscape poetry in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and Zhu Xi, a famous Neo-Confucian scholar of the Song Dynasty, left poetic verses extolling its beauty.

Dalong Valley is divided into three scenic areas. Tianxing Pool, originally named Tianxing Pool and also known as Three Hanging Pools, is the center of the Tianxing Pool Scenic Area within the Nanshan Provincial Scenic Spot. Surrounded by towering cliffs that look as if cleaved by knives and axes, some reaching a thousand feet in height, the pool is shrouded in year-round mist and is extremely precipitous. The pool is narrow at the top and widens at the bottom, resembling an upside-down hanging bell, half-hidden in the cliff. A stone sill divides it into two parts. The area enjoys a cool climate in both winter and summer, making it a perfect summer retreat. The Tianxing Pool area boasts numerous surrounding attractions, composed of peculiar rocks, waterfalls, deep pools, cliffs, stone bridges, and more. These many sites enhance the charm of Tianxing Pool, blending natural and cultural landscapes seamlessly. It encompasses caves, pools, peaks, cliffs, rocks, and waterfalls all in one place, forming naturally stunning and whimsical scenery. The Tianxing Pool Scenic Area can be accessed by boat from Taizi Lake upstream to Tianxing Pool, then by hiking through Pujian Temple to Shiba Huo. Tianxing Pool is a must-visit spot for both tourists and pilgrims, known as the "Number One Dragon Pool in East Zhejiang." Legend says the Chinese horned dragon originated here. Shiba Huo, named for its eighteen pools shaped like giant cauldrons, features rugged rocks in the stream, with most attractions related to folk legends about dragons, such as Broken Dragon Tail, Jade Emperor’s Golden Seal, and Immortal Shell Protecting Treasure.

The Stone Monk Scenic Area stretches from General Stone through Gold and Silver Valley to Stone Monk. Along the way, there are layered pools and waterfalls, oddly shaped trees and rocks, and rugged peaks. Attractions include Gold and Silver Waterfall, Green Snake Emerging from the Cave, Palm Peak, Stone House, Stone Boots, and Immortal Village. The scenery is tranquil and elegant, and the legend of the Stone Monk is especially touching and beautiful.

The Jin Si Pool Scenic Area offers activities such as viewing waterfalls, boating, cave exploration, and barbecuing. Visitors can stay overnight at Longyin Mountain Villa or Fuzhe Villa, and enjoy other recreational activities like chess, cards, and singing and dancing.

On the north side of Huaxi Village, a waterfall cascades down from a 10-meter-high cliff into the pool, sending sparks and pearls of water flying. Legend says the pool is so deep that a one-jin silk thread could not reach the bottom, hence its name. Its water never dries up year-round. A rock in the pool divides it into two sections. The outer pool is fan-shaped, shallow, and allows visitors to wade and step onto the rock to see the entire inner pool. The inner pool is oval, dark, and unfathomably deep. Most remarkably, sometimes the water level rises suddenly even without rain, and at other times the pool water churns abruptly for unknown reasons. The water is emerald green, and in the peak of summer, when people put their hands into the pool, they feel an instant chill. There are curious tales of "pool washing," and legends such as Sun Wukong striking monsters with his staff, kicking bottomless pits into the stream.

The Xiaowuxi River flows through the Puran Village section of Linan Township. Formerly called Baoxi, it was navigable by small boats. The stream is crystal clear and shimmering, with murmuring green waters, clean sand, and continuous green mountains on both sides. Lush green bamboo drips with dew, tall pines stand firmly, wildflowers bloom brilliantly, birds chirp melodiously, and green shades sway gently—all visible in the panorama. There are also attractions like Jin Si Pool, Miedi Pool, Lion Pool, and Baiyan Pool, all with emerald-green waters and a refreshing chill, making them perfect summer swimming spots.

Especially Jin Si Pool, whose water is so clear yet bottomless. Legend says even a one-jin silk thread could not measure its depth, hence the name Jin Si Pool. The scenery here is captivating, and the beautiful legends are enchanting. It has now been developed into a famous natural bathing spot in Shengzhou, complete with Jin Si Pool Villa and a parking lot. Every summer, many citizens drive here to escape the heat and swim, creating a quite spectacular scene. Thanks to its elegant environment and attentive service, guests flock to this destination.

Address: Nanshan Scenic Area, Changle Town, Shengzhou, Shaoxing

Type: Caves, Mountains, Waterfalls, Ponds

Ticket Information:

Door Price: 10.0 RMB

Opening Hours

7:30—17:00