Huanghua Mountain in Jixian County

Huanghua Mountain in Jixian County

Huanghua Mountain Scenic Area is one of the three major areas of Tianjin Jiulongshan National Forest Park, covering a total area of 7,600 mu, with the main peak Huixian Peak standing at an elevation of 741 meters. The mountain features majestic and winding ridges and lush pine forests, and is one of the ten most historically significant mountains in Jixian County. It earned the name Huanghua (Yellow Flower) Mountain due to the abundance of yellow wildflowers across its slopes.

Relying on its abundant forest and natural landscape resources, the Jixian County Forestry Bureau has adhered to the principles of “people-oriented development, strict protection, comprehensive planning, rational development, and sustainable utilization.” After more than two years of development and construction, with an investment of over 10 million yuan, the bureau has successively completed 11 kilometers of scenic roads, 4.3 kilometers of hiking trails, a 100-square-meter tourist service center, and a 5,600-square-meter parking lot, among other tourism infrastructure projects. Scenic spots such as the Viewing Pavilion, Educated Youth Forest, Stone Sea, Lilac Grove, Chaoyang Cave, and Ancient Beacon Tower have been developed, while the Wanshou Xinglong Taoist Temple is currently under restoration. The scenic area has preliminarily met the conditions for opening to the public.

Huanghua Mountain Scenic Area lies within the golden tourism corridor of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. To the east, it neighbors the Qingdongling (Eastern Qing Tombs), a UNESCO World Heritage Site; to the west, it connects with Baxianshan, Limutai, and Huangyaguan Great Wall; and to the south, it overlooks the vast expanse of Cuiping Lake’s azure waters. Located just 25 kilometers east of the county town, the Bangxi Highway links to the Dongling Road, providing direct access to the scenic area with convenient transportation and an exceptionally strategic location.

Huanghua Mountain rises abruptly from the surrounding landscape, vast and imposing, with a distinct vertical distribution of forest vegetation and a forest coverage rate exceeding 90%. The scenic area is home to 362 species of higher vascular plants across 89 families, with a stable natural ecosystem formed by the integration of trees, shrubs, and grasses, making it a typical representation of the warm temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest vegetation zone in North China. Within the dense forests of Huanghua Mountain in Jixian County, the Wanglong Pavilion stands prominently.

The area’s lush forests also serve as habitats and breeding grounds for a diverse array of wildlife. To date, 429 species have been identified, belonging to 34 orders and 136 families, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects, making it an excellent base for ecological and science education.

Huanghua Mountain boasts a profound cultural heritage. Taoist culture has been practiced here since the 31st year of the Hongwu reign during the Ming Dynasty. In the 38th year of the Wanli reign, the Xinglong Taoist Temple of Huanghua Mountain was decreed to be built, and the Taoist priest Lanfeng was bestowed the title of “Gaozi Zhenren” (Realized Immortal). Locals commonly refer to this temple as the “Iron Tile Temple.” An ancient beacon tower also stands atop the mountain. In the 24th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty, the Wanshou Xinglong Taoist Temple was again decreed to be built, the iron tiles were replaced with yellow glazed tiles, and the temple was elevated to an imperial place of worship under the jurisdiction of the Beijing Lifan Yuan (Court of Colonial Affairs), with its Taoist priests serving the royal family by chanting scriptures during imperial tomb visits. At the southern foot of Huanghua Mountain lie the mausoleums of six Qing princes, including Prince Rong, as well as remnants of the Fengshui (geomantic) wall of the Qing Eastern Tombs, all of which are integral components of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Qingdongling.

Huanghua Mountain is composed of the world’s oldest metamorphic rocks, dating back 3.6 billion years, and sedimentary rocks that are 1.8 billion years old. The mountain itself was formed 180 million years ago during the Mesozoic Era’s “Yanshan Orogeny.” The scenic area features geological formations spanning 3.6 billion and 1.8 billion years, as well as rock masses from 1.7 billion and 1.8 billion years, with the spectacular Stone Sea formed by mountain collapses. The mountain is also rich in gold, silver, and iron ore. Given its existing forests, natural landscapes, and mineral resources, Huanghua Mountain is truly a “mountain of gold.”

With the opening of its gates to summer visitors, Huanghua Mountain—once isolated for centuries—has finally emerged from seclusion, allowing more tourists to admire and experience the magnificent natural scenery of Jixian County, enjoy the pleasure of returning to nature, and gain a deeper understanding of its rich Taoist cultural atmosphere. This not only enriches Jixian County’s tourism offerings but also plays a positive role in promoting the development of its tourism industry.

Reference ticket price: 34 yuan per person