Lin'an Daming Mountain

Lin'an Daming Mountain

Lin'an Daming Mountain is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Daming Mountain, the only provincial-level scenic area in Lin'an, western Zhejiang, is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. Located 116 kilometers from Hangzhou, it is a radiant jewel on the golden tourism route between Hangzhou and Huangshan. The Daming Mountain scenic area spans 29 square kilometers, with its currently developed core zone covering 15.18 square kilometers. Its highest peak, Daming Summit, rises 1,489.9 meters above sea level and features 32 unique peaks, 13 secluded valleys, 8 waterfalls, 3 alpine meadows each exceeding 1,000 mu, a 10,000-meter-long cave system traversing six mountains, and a total of 96 scenic spots. Rooted in the historical legend of Zhu Yuanzhang stationing troops in Qianmu Tian and launching his rebellion against the Yuan Dynasty to establish the Ming Empire, Daming Mountain is renowned for its breathtaking scenery: “a jade-like lake, ten miles of secluded valley, hundred-zhang waterfalls, thousand-mu meadows, ten-thousand-meter caves, soaring peaks, and boundless wonder.” Pristine, mystical, precipitous, and ancient, it is hailed as the “Huangshan of Zhejiang.”

　Daming Mountain, the only provincial-level scenic area in Lin'an, western Zhejiang, is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, located 116 kilometers from Hangzhou and adjacent to the Hang-Yu First-Class Highway. It is a radiant jewel on the golden tourism route between Hangzhou and Huangshan. The Daming Mountain scenic area spans 29 square kilometers, with its currently developed core zone covering 15.18 square kilometers. Its highest peak, Daming Summit, rises 1,489.9 meters above sea level and features 32 unique peaks, 13 secluded valleys, 8 waterfalls, 3 alpine meadows each exceeding 1,000 mu, a 10,000-meter-long cave system traversing six mountains, and a total of 96 scenic spots. Rooted in the historical legend of Zhu Yuanzhang stationing troops in Qianmu Tian and launching his rebellion against the Yuan Dynasty to establish the Ming Empire, Daming Mountain is renowned for its breathtaking scenery: “a jade-like lake, ten miles of secluded valley, hundred-zhang waterfalls, thousand-mu meadows, ten-thousand-meter caves, soaring peaks, and boundless wonder.” Pristine, mystical, precipitous, and ancient, it is hailed as the “Huangshan of Zhejiang.”

Within a radius of just over ten square kilometers, Daming Mountain features elevation differences of more than a thousand meters. With high mountains, deep valleys, undulating ridges, towering peaks, and flowing streams, its natural wonders include uniquely shaped pines, grotesque rocks, and sea of clouds. Particularly notable are the thousand-mu alpine meadow at 1,100 meters above sea level, the sprawling 10,000-meter cave system, and the stunning Daming Lake at high altitude — all unique to the region and unmatched across China. The vast expanse of pristine secondary broadleaf forest renders Daming Mountain a sea of green, with fresh air and an oxygen ion concentration 100 times that of Hangzhou. Its ecological environment is top-notch, making it the premier mountain-water leisure destination in the Hangzhou area. Daming Mountain takes on different charm in each season, like a graceful woman constantly shifting her beauty: spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery full of vitality; summer offers murmuring streams and cool air, perfect for vacationing and escaping the heat; autumn displays vibrant red foliage rivaling Beijing’s Fragrant Hills; and winter blankets the landscape in white, showcasing majestic peaks reminiscent of northern China.

Geographic Features

Daming Mountain lies 70 kilometers from Huangshan and features elevation differences exceeding a thousand meters, resulting in high mountains, deep valleys, undulating ridges, and towering peaks that create a spectacular sight. With climate and geological conditions similar to Huangshan, its dark verdant hues resemble ink-wash landscapes in traditional Chinese paintings, and it boasts endless unique pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, and peak forests, earning it the nickname “Little Huangshan of Zhejiang.” However, Daming Mountain differs from Huangshan in that its several peaks over 1,400 meters on the southern side and three high-altitude basins above 1,100 meters are composed of metamorphic sandstone, shale, and volcanic rock. These areas have gentle slopes, lush forests, abundant water plants, and crystal-clear streams that flow year-round. Streams meander gently through the high-altitude basins but transform into cascading waterfalls when they reach granite zones. Misty sea of clouds is a common sight at Daming Mountain, especially in spring and autumn — sometimes rolling waves of fog engulf the green mountains; other times, peaks emerge mysteriously from the ethereal clouds. On summer mornings, particularly after rain clears, emerald-green mountains glisten under the rising sun as white clouds float above the valleys, and peaks rise like mythical islands from a sea of mist.

Daming Mountain’s highest peak, Daming Summit, rises 1,489.9 meters above sea level and features 32 unique peaks, 13 secluded valleys, 8 waterfalls, 3 alpine meadows each exceeding 1,000 mu, a 10,000-meter-long cave system traversing six mountains, and a total of 96 scenic spots.

Recommended Attractions

Mingfei Seven Peaks

Named in honor of the seven consorts of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Mingfei Seven Peaks bear poetic names: Guangxiu (Wide Sleeves), Xiangchou (Longing), Yuzheng (Jade Zither), Xiuyue (Blushing Moon), Shuangleng (Frost Cold), Jianmei (Sword Charm), and Luoyan (Falling Goose). Each name reflects the distinct and graceful character of the peaks. Frost-defying pines rooted in the cliffs form striking silhouettes with the peaks and precipices, resembling magnificent paintings — appearing as if brushstrokes in ink-wash when shrouded in mist and rain, or standing tall like pillars under the sun, evoking the illusion of Huangshan. The Mingfei Seven Peaks are among the most iconic of Daming Mountain’s many peak formations. Although plans were made to build cable car stations on these peaks, their pristine and mysterious nature led experts to recommend preserving them untouched, ensuring their sanctity, purity, and grandeur remain forever unspoiled.

Dragon Gate Waterfall

The water source of Dragon Gate Waterfall comes from the vast thousand-mu grassland overhead. With tremendous volume and force, the waterfall roars as it cascades down in a spectacular three-tiered formation. From a distance, it looks like a heavenly river descending relentlessly toward the eastern sea.

A bridge spans north to south. As brave adventurers venture across this suspension bridge leading to the thousand-mu grassland, though not as perilous as the Luding Bridge over the Dadu River nor facing enemy fire, it still requires courage. As you step onto the swaying bridge amidst clouds and mist, the thunder of falling water and the sensation of staring into the abyss below bring a rush of adrenaline. This bridge is the only passage to the thousand-mu grassland.

This is also the location of Daming Mountain’s bridge rappelling area. The suspension bridge is 1.8 meters wide, 58 meters long, and 48 meters high. Named “Dragon Gate Crossing” due to its location at Longmenkou, it offers an exhilarating experience. Rappellers should wear safety harnesses, secure protection ropes, and under professional guidance, descend along the main rope using specialized gear (at a moderate speed) to feel like an eagle in flight. Proper use of the descender is essential. This activity helps foster a fearless spirit, builds courage, challenges limits, and teaches the use of professional equipment while encouraging teamwork and mutual support.

Daming Lake

The Daming Lake Scenic Area is located in the southern part of the Daming Mountain National Park, centered around Daming Lake, hence its name. Covering approximately 5 square kilometers, with its highest peak Guangming Summit at 1,489.9 meters, the area boasts picturesque scenery and unique resources. Highlights include plunging waterfalls, lotus-shaped peaks, serene lakes, secluded caves where monks once meditated, ancient paths used by Zhu Yuanzhang’s army, rare protected plants, dense stands of black pines, and vantage points for watching sunrises.

The area is divided into four scenic zones: Jinfeng Valley, Daming Lake, Lotus Nine Peaks, and Wansong Forest.

At an elevation of 1,100 meters, the Daming Lake Leisure Resort features lush vegetation, fresh air, flat terrain, mild climate, and distinct seasons. With an oxygen ion density 100 times higher than Hangzhou’s, it offers a first-class ecological living environment. Facilities around the lake include Daming Lake Resort Hotel, wooden cabins, fishing pavilions, camping grounds, adventure bases, natural oxygen bars, and sightseeing areas. Water activities on the lake include paddle boats, tandem water bikes, and leisure boats. Indoor amenities consist of conference rooms, karaoke, chess and card rooms, and multi-purpose halls. As the highest alpine resort in Zhejiang and one of the best around Hangzhou, it is also designated by the Hangzhou Tourism Commission as one of the official alpine resorts for the 2006 Hangzhou World Leisure Expo.

Thousand-Mu Meadow

The thousand-mu meadow is a unique gift bestowed upon Daming Mountain by nature. Nestled atop the mountains at over 1,100 meters, this expansive grassland is nothing short of a natural wonder. With sheer cliffs on one side and flat open land on the other, climbers ascending from deep valleys may feel lost until reaching this meadow — a sudden burst of light akin to discovering an oasis. The ever-changing views, life reflections, and visual shocks converge here. Moreover, the meadow presents stunning seasonal scenes: azaleas in spring, reeds in summer, snow in autumn, and frost-covered grass in winter, echoing the vast frontier charm of “boundless sky, endless fields, wind blowing low grass revealing grazing sheep.” The historical tale of Zhu Yuanzhang stationing troops and launching his rebellion here adds depth and mystery. Ruins of Huizhao Temple and a stone tablet inscribed with “Prosperity with the Nation,” bestowed by Zhu Yuanzhang himself, further enrich the meadow’s legacy.

Standing at the Jingjiangang Command Platform on Jingma Gang, gazing out at the thousand-mu meadow, one feels the weight of time and the vastness of the universe. Imagining Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang rallying troops and commanding armies here stirs endless fascination.

Ten-Thousand-Meter Cave

Among Daming Mountain’s breathtaking natural wonders, the ten-thousand-meter cave is a man-made marvel. In 1958, demobilized miners from early post-liberation China arrived to extract tungsten ore, a vital material for lighting filaments that brought hope and illumination — echoing the “Ming” (brightness) in Daming Mountain. Though now abandoned, the cave remains a remarkable feat of mountain engineering. The winding tunnel stretches over 10,000 meters through six mountains. Two sections, Tongming Cave and Yinghui Mansion, both “Ming”-themed, offer unique experiences and add playful cultural resonance. Many original mining-era cave sections are preserved, evoking nostalgia. Peering into the cave’s branching entrances adds to the mountain’s mystique. The “One-Line Sky” view — where the mountain has been split open to reveal a blade of daylight — recalls the daring feats of miners working on sheer cliffs, inspiring awe and the feeling of standing “high above the chilling void.”