Xinchang Tianzhu Fairyland Scenic Area

Xinchang Tianzhu Fairyland Scenic Area

Xinchang Tianzhu Fairyland Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

It is a newly developed attraction in Xinchang County, located at the foot of Tianzhu Ridge along the Ten-Li Qianxi Stream, about 7 kilometers from the county town. Completed in September 1998, Xinchang Yincheng Real Estate Company pioneered corporate involvement in tourism development in our county. They constructed a 73-meter-long and 26-meter-high reservoir dam in the gorge between Zhamaotou Mountain and Xiaotianlong Mountain at the foot of Tianzhu Ridge, creating Tianzhu Lake by impounding the waters of the mountain stream.

With a catchment area of 320,000 square kilometers and a water storage capacity of 3.05 million cubic meters, Tianzhu Lake stretches over 3 kilometers in length, varying in width from several hundred meters to just a few meters. The winding lake extends deep into the serene valley, with crystal-clear, shimmering blue waters. Visitors can take dragon boats or speedboats to admire the rustic power station and the majestic dam, as well as enjoy the scenic beauty along the lake. The surrounding mountains are not high but are layered and staggered with charming arrangement; the trees are lush and dense, rustling in the wind. Occasionally, a cluster of stone forest emerges from the woods, rugged and oddly shaped; sometimes one or two giant rocks appear, resembling deities or beasts with striking resemblance that amazes visitors.

The shallow bay area of Tianzhu Lake Scenic Zone also offers participatory activities such as fishing and barbecuing, with unique local flavors. In addition, more than ten exquisitely built small bamboo cottages are situated on gentle slopes in the hills, providing resting spots for visitors. This area lies at the foot of Tianzhu Ridge along the Ten-Li Qianxi Stream, about 7 kilometers from Xinchang County Town. Originally, this region was home to many natural wonders, yet they remained “hidden beauties undiscovered.”

In 1997 and 1998, a 73-meter-long and 26-meter-high reservoir dam was built in the gorge between Zhamaotou Mountain and Xiaotianlong Mountain at the foot of Tianzhu Ridge, forming Tianzhu Lake by collecting the waters of the mountain stream. With a catchment area of 32 square kilometers and a water storage capacity of 3.05 million cubic meters, the lake stretches over 3 kilometers, varying in width from several hundred meters to just a few meters. The winding lake features crystal-clear, shimmering blue waters that extend into the secluded valley. Boating on the lake is truly captivating. By taking dragon boats or speedboats, visitors can admire the rustic power station and the majestic dam, as well as enjoy the scenic beauty along the lake. The surrounding mountains are not high but are layered and staggered with charming arrangement; the trees are lush and dense, rustling in the wind. Occasionally, a cluster of stone forest emerges from the woods, rugged and oddly shaped; sometimes one or two giant rocks appear, resembling deities or beasts with striking resemblance that amazes visitors.

The shallow bay area of Tianzhu Lake Scenic Zone also offers participatory activities such as fishing and barbecuing, with unique local flavors. In addition, more than ten exquisitely built small bamboo cottages are situated on gentle slopes in the hills, providing resting spots for visitors.

The scenic area includes Tianzhu Lake Scenic Zone and Dashibao Waterfall Scenic Zone.

Cruising on a dragon boat across Tianzhu Lake, you’ll be surrounded by crystal-clear, shimmering waters and rugged, deity-like stone forests. On the left is Wuzhi Mountain, where the three characters “Tian Zhu Hu” (Tianzhu Lake), inscribed by Guo Zhongxuan, honorary chairman of the Zhejiang Calligraphers Association, cover an area of 75 square meters. However, they are not evenly sized due to perspective—when viewed from below, the character “Tian” (Heaven) and “Hu” (Lake) appear to be two meters apart, giving a majestic and vivid impression. Beside Wuzhi Mountain, in a dense pine forest, stands a giant candle-like rock proudly atop the cliff, with a cypress tree on top resembling a flickering flame. The shore is dotted with charming bamboo cottages, including restaurants, teahouses, and guest rooms. If you truly wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect place—a true paradise. As the dragon boat turns another bend, on the right hilltop is the “Frog Teasing Turtle” scene, where numerous small turtles are carved stretching their necks and crawling—this is called “Turtles Coming Ashore.” Some climb to the hilltop, others remain at the foot, some crawl from the left, and some from the right. Legend says these turtles have attained enlightenment and are hurrying to the Heavenly Court for an exam, making this ridge their necessary path, hence the race. On the left is a pool called Huping Pool, small at the mouth but large inside, now only the cave entrance is visible, and no one dares venture inside. Further ahead are stone formations like the Ghost-Face Doll and the Great Mercy Maitreya; the most lifelike are the nearby Child-Giving Guanyin and the cliff carving of Sanmao, who slightly bows her head with strands of black hair falling onto her forehead, exuding an expression as if she’s about to speak. Turning the boat around to head back, as you approach the “Frog Teasing Turtle,” on the right mountain stands a giant with chest out and head up, seemingly wearing a safety helmet—oh, it’s actually a steelworker. After disembarking, you’ll reach a three-way junction. Heading right uphill leads to a temple housing a red-faced, black-bearded seated statue known as Hu Gong Da Di (Emperor Hu). Hu Gong, named Ze, was a native of Yongkang in the Northern Song Dynasty. He served as prefect in Hangzhou, Wenzhou, and Fuzhou, and also held positions as vice minister in the Ministries of Personnel, Works, Justice, and War. Known for his integrity and remarkable achievements, the people of Zhejiang built many temples in his honor. It is said that the Hu Gong Temple at Fangyan was modeled after the one at Tianzhu Lake, verified by an inscription in the temple: “Beautiful mountains and clear waters stem from Tianzhu’s divine power; far-reaching reverence reveals Fangyan’s true face.” From this junction, looking up, the steelworker you saw earlier now appears as a giant eagle about to spread its wings—the landscape changes magically with every step. Passing the restaurant and crossing a small bridge, you’ll see on the opposite hill the Stone Statue of a Beauty Bathing—look, she lies on her back with long black hair cascading behind her. After crossing the bridge, turning left takes you to a teahouse for tea or card games with friends. Going right brings you to the fishing and barbecue areas, where you can also play on the seesaw. On rainy days, the Tianzhu Waterfall on the opposite side is also spectacular. Further uphill, you can even sit on the “Immortal’s Chair” at the mountaintop—but the path is rugged, so those with limited stamina or in bad weather should proceed with caution.

Address: Tianzhu Lake Reservoir, Qixing Subdistrict, Xinchang County