Baoshan Scenic Area

Baoshan Scenic Area

Baoshan Scenic Area is a national-level scenic spot.

Baoshan Scenic Area is located in the northwest of Shunchang County, within the territories of Dagang Town and Yuankeng Town. It consists of three scenic zones: Baoshan, Yanshan, and Qitaishan, covering a total area of about 30 square kilometers. It borders the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site of Wuyi Mountain to the north, the provincial-level scenic area of Mangdang Mountain to the east, and neighbors the two national-level scenic spots — the Yuhua Cave in Jiangle and the Jinping Lake in Taining — to the west. According to China’s classification system for scenic areas, it is categorized as a mountainous scenic zone. The area boasts a long cultural history, as well as rich natural, cultural, and celestial landscapes. Its main features can be summarized as the “Three Treasures,”

the “Three Wonders,” and thirty-six scenic spots. The “Three Treasures”

are: first, the Baoshan Chan Temple, a national key cultural relics protection unit — a mid-Yuan Dynasty all-timber sandstone structure hall, unique in China; second, the ancient ginkgo tree clusters that form the cultural landscape of Shanghu Village, known as the Ginkgo Village; and third, the National Bamboo Township, featuring a ten-thousand-mu high-yield moso bamboo demonstration forest — representing agricultural and forestry tourism culture. The “Three Wonders” refer to the diverse, spectacular sea of clouds, sunrises, and Buddha’s light seen in Baoshan. The Thirty-Six Scenic Spots highlight the area’s uniquely exceptional natural landscapes, showcasing the integrated beauty, wonder, and peril of its natural scenery and cultural elements. These spots hold significant aesthetic value and are among the county’s premier tourist destinations.

Baoshan Scenic Area is part of the eastern extension of the Shanling branch of the Wuyi Mountain range, with its main peak rising 1,305 meters above sea level — from the summit, one overlooks a sea of mountains with clouds churning below, while the Futun River and Jinxi River twist like silver ribbons around the ridges, creating a truly magnificent view that evokes the feeling of “reaching the summit and looking down upon all the other peaks.” The area features overlapping peaks, including the precipitous Baoshan, the majestic Qitaishan, and the meandering Yanshan. Most of the rocky peaks are covered with pristine forests, rich in variety and lush in growth, with a vegetation coverage rate of about 99% and clear biodiversity distribution. The mountains are dotted with streams, ravines, pools, and waterfalls. The waterfalls vary in height from several meters to over a hundred meters and in width from narrow to broad. The torrents cascading from the sky crash against rocks and splash into pools, creating billowing mists that, when touched by sunlight, transform into dazzling rainbows — extraordinarily beautiful. Among them, the hundred-meter waterfall of Baoshan and the Eighteen-Bend Gorge of Yanshan are the most spectacular and picturesque. The main streams in the scenic area today are the Loushan Stream and the Luofang Stream. Along their banks rise verdant, steep peaks. Looking up from the valley floor, the towering rocks appear like mushrooms hanging precariously overhead, creating a thrilling, gravity-defying sight. The stream waters are crystal clear, with occasional sightings of the Chinese giant salamander. The valley is strewn with oddly shaped rocks, resembling a natural rock exhibition — including a Ten-Thousand-Year Divine Turtle, hippopotamus, dolphin, and even a dragon egg. It feels as if you’ve stepped into a fantastic stone museum. The “fairy of butterflies,” the Golden Birdwing (Ornithoptera aesacus), flutters through the valley, amid a profusion of rare and exotic flowers, painting a breathtaking mountain landscape.

Baoshan Scenic Area has a long cultural history and abundant heritage. According to historical records such as the Huanyu Ji (Record of the World), there are ancient temples from the Tang Dynasty (now in ruins), as well as Yuan Dynasty sandstone structures mimicking wooden architecture. Among them, the Baoshan Chan Temple, built with Yuan Dynasty sandstone in imitation of wooden construction, is the only surviving example of its kind in China. In 2001, it was designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit with approval from the National Cultural Heritage Administration. Its affiliated relics, such as the South Heaven Gate, the Great Sage Tomb, and cliff inscriptions in Shanli Cave, are invaluable cultural remains and physical evidence for studying the local monkey god culture and pre-Journey to the West literature. The excavation, discovery, and development of these cultural sites offer considerable value for sightseeing, culture, and scientific research.

Tulong Village: Commonly known as “Tongku,” Tulong Village is located in the northwest of Dagang Town, about 16 kilometers from the town center. Tulong Village is situated in a high mountainous area, with an average elevation of over 700 meters. The highest peak in the area is Baoshan, which rises 1,305 meters above sea level and stands opposite Mount E to the northwest. The village consists of five natural villages and five villager groups, with a population of 202 households and 612 people — 306 male and 306 female — predominantly surnamed Gao, Zhang, and Rao.

Tulong Village covers a total area of 33,221 mu, including 28,590 mu of forest land and 1,547 mu of arable land... More detailed information on Tulong Village ++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Scenic Areas