Laojiashan Scenic Area

Laojiashan Scenic Area

Laojiashan Scenic Area is a provincial-level forest park, known as the “Ridge of the Watershed” on the Jianghuai Watershed. In ancient times, Jiashan belonged to the Laian region. According to the Laian County Annals from the tenth year of the Daoguang reign (1830), “There is a Dragon King Temple on the mountain, built by imperial decree during the Jiading era of the Song Dynasty (1208–1284) and bestowed the name ‘Jiaze’ (Auspicious Marsh), from which the mountain takes its name.” The Shuowen Jiezi dictionary states: “Jia means beautiful.” The scenic area is located 28 kilometers southeast of Mingguang City and features natural landscapes such as Fairy Bridge, Fairy Cave, Crescent Lake, Little Jiuzhai, Back Valley Bamboo Sea, General Platform, and Six-Butterfly Spring, as well as cultural sites including Ganlu Temple, Red Nun Nunnery, Dragon King Temple, and Huaguo Temple.

I. Laojiashan

A national forest park located at the border between Zhangbaling Town and Shiba Town in Mingguang City, with an elevation of 332.4 meters, making it the second highest peak in eastern Anhui. The mountain is covered with dense, pristine secondary forests, boasting a forest coverage rate of over 90%, and is known as the “Ridge of the Watershed” on the Jianghuai Watershed. It is home to more than 20 species of wild mammals, over 100 species of birds, and more than 80 species of trees, most of which are edge species from northern and southern regions, forming a natural gene pool for flora and fauna. The scenic area includes numerous natural and cultural attractions such as Zhuoyue Spring, Bamboo Sea, Chaiwang City, and Ganlu Temple. Within the Laojiashan Scenic Area, undulating peaks, steep cliffs, murmuring streams, and dense forests allow visitors to enjoy the unique beauty of nature, refreshing the spirit, while also experiencing the depth of its historical and cultural heritage. The scenic area spreads outward in a radial pattern, forming an X-shaped tourism landscape belt.

II. Fairy Bridge

Located in Laojiashan, the massive rock spanning the cliff between two mountains forms the Fairy Bridge. Situated in the middle and upper sections of the southern canyon of the 245th Unit, it stands about 4 meters high and spans approximately 8 meters, with flowing water beneath. It is a marvel of nature that inspires awe.

III. Back Valley

Nestled at the foot of Laojiashan, Back Valley lies in a low area between two mountains, formed over years of erosion by mountain streams. This rarely visited spot features rugged rocks at the valley bottom, undulating ravines, and scenes of withered vines and old trees, with layers of dead leaves spread across the floor. Clear spring water trickles through crevices, creating a continuous tinkling sound that evokes the tranquility of a secluded path. Exploring Back Valley requires “jumping across rocks,” “wading through streams,” “crawling through caves,” and “climbing cliffs.” Though fraught with peril, it is immensely rewarding and fun.

IV. Butterfly Valley

Located in Laojiashan, this valley teems with butterflies, either resting or dancing. Wildflowers emit a delicate fragrance, and lush trees provide ample shade—making it an ideal place to relax and unwind.

V. Fairy Cave

Located in Laojiashan, the cave is deep and cool, remaining warm in winter and cool in summer, and can accommodate dozens of people. At the cave entrance stands a pillar-like rock resembling a door. About ten square meters in front of the cave are scattered jagged stones. The surrounding area has sparse peach and hawthorn trees. From the cave’s mouth, one can overlook a vast expanse of ravines—a breathtaking view that feels like standing above the clouds.

VI. Moon-Embracing Spring

The spring water is crystal clear and transparent. On moonlit nights, the moon seems to rest in the center of the spring, as if the spring were embracing the moon, creating an infinite sense of peace and beauty. Hence the name. Chairman Mao wrote in “Prelude to Water Melody – Returning to Jinggangshan”: “We can climb to the very nine heavens to pluck the moon, we can dive to the ocean depths to catch turtles.” Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty wrote in “Farewell to Uncle Yun, the Imperial Librarian, at Xie Tiao’s Pavilion in Xuanzhou”: “We both are filled with lofty ideals and bold aspirations, eager to ascend to the blue sky and embrace the bright moon.” Moon-Embracing Spring stirs endless romantic imagination.

VII. Moon-Hiding Spring

Located in Laojiashan, this spring is long and narrow, shaped like a crescent moon. Its partially closed form resembles a shy, half-closed eye, conveying a sense of bashfulness, thus earning its name Moon-Hiding Spring.

VIII. Moon-Washing Spring

Located in Laojiashan, this spring is named for its clear waters, said to be able to wash the moon. From the “Wu Capital Rhapsody” of the Jin Dynasty: “Huge clams are split in the deep whirlpool, the bright moon is washed in ripples.”

IX. Six-Butterfly Spring

Located in Laojiashan, this spring is named for the frequent gatherings of colorful butterflies, often seen in groups of six resting or dancing. The spring water is clear, reflecting the green mountains, creating a scene where green mountains and clear waters complement each other, with butterflies fluttering about—as if in a fairyland on earth.

X. Hexagonal Spring

Located near the headquarters of the Third Sub-farm of Baimi Mountain Farm, it is named Hexagonal Spring due to its hexagonal shape. The spring water is clear and reflective, mirroring the green mountains, blue sky, and white clouds—an incredibly beautiful sight.

XI. Ox Head Bay

Located in Laojiashan, the bay covers an area of about 100 acres. Both the eastern and western ends of the lake resemble ox horns in a symmetrical fashion, while the middle part extending southward looks like a grand face—giving the whole area the appearance of an ox’s head.

XII. Shanzi Lake

Located in Laojiashan, also known as Sansi Lake, it is named for its shape resembling the Chinese character “山” (mountain). As noted in the Book of Southern Qi, “Ji Wenzi reflects thrice before acting,” reminding people to think carefully before making decisions and not to act rashly.

XIII. Dongchong Lake

Located in Laojiashan, the lake gets its name from the local area. There is a village group here called Dongchong. Due to its remote mountain location and inconvenient transportation, former residents have gradually relocated, leaving Dongchong Lake nearly free from domestic pollution—making its waters exceptionally clear.

Fourteen. Ripple Spring

Located in Laojiashan Mountain, originally called Shuangtang, also known as Sisters’ Spring or Lovers’ Spring. A ridge divides the pond into upper and lower sections, closely connected to each other, hence the name Ripple Spring. The layered ripples on the lake surface seem to whisper sweet nothings that could go on forever.

Fifteen. Red Willow Bay

Situated in Laojiashan Mountain, it earned its name due to the dense growth of water willows on the lake’s central island. In the Jianghuai Watershed region, which enjoys relatively abundant rainfall, aquatic plants are widely distributed—with the water willow being one of the representative species.

Sixteen. Triumph Lake

Located in Laojiashan Mountain, its shape resembles the English letter “V,” hence the name Triumph Lake. Legend has it that when Zhu Yuanzhang raised his army here, he saw ten glowing red suns rippling at the lake bottom, filling him with unshakable confidence about conquering Chuzhou. Believing his troops would triumphantly return, he ordered them all to drink from the lake together. True to the omen, the attack on Chuzhou went smoothly, resulting in a great victory.

Seventeen. Crescent Lake

Found in Laojiashan Mountain, it is named for its crescent-like shape. With ancient trees, clear springs, and birdsong all around, the scenery is delightful. A poem praises it: “In a grove of green, a sapphire bay; where cattle graze and ducks play. Who crafted this scene so divine? It rivals paradise, so serene.”

Eighteen. Red Silk Nunnery

At the entrance of Hougu, there lies a spectacular bamboo grove, beside which stand towering cypress trees reaching into the sky. This is the site of Hongni’an, the hermitage of the legendary Tang Dynasty heroine Hongxiannu, one of the “Three Gallant Heroes of the Dusty World.” Though the moving folk tales have faded with time, the remaining ruins continue to ignite visitors’ passion for exploring history and seeking out hidden charm.

Nineteen. Bamboo Sea

At the foot of Laojiashan Mountain, near the entrance of Hougu, lies an awe-inspiring bamboo grove covering dozens of acres. The bamboo stalks are tall and graceful, the branches stretch out artfully, and the leaves are lush and vibrant, forming a dense canopy that blocks out the sun. This bamboo forest is hailed as the “Quietest Bamboo Grove in Eastern Anhui” and is also the largest bamboo sea in the area.

Twenty. Swallow Bay

Located in Yanziwan Village, Zhangbaling Town, it lies along the upper reaches of the Qingliu River branch of the Yangtze River basin, with a drainage area of 33.0 square kilometers. The Yanziwan Reservoir has a check flood level of 56.83 meters and a total capacity of 13.9 million cubic meters. Its beneficial water level is 54.00 meters, with a corresponding capacity of 7.48 million cubic meters. It is a medium-sized reservoir primarily used for irrigation, while also serving purposes such as sightseeing, flood control, and aquaculture. It gets its name from its swallow-like shape and the large flocks of swallows that gather there.