Zhuangyuan Rock

Zhuangyuan Rock

Located in Changxing Village on the northern outskirts of Tanning County, 11.7 kilometers from the urban area and close to Shangqing Stream.

Zhuangyuan Rock got its name because the eminent official Zou Yinglong studied here in his youth before later becoming the top scholar in the imperial examinations. This has also given rise to many folk legends, and later generations regard it as a place to inspire children to study diligently. The Zhuangyuan Rock scenic area is divided into sections such as Zhuangyuan Valley, Gourd Heaven, Five-Toe Mountain, Xiangpo Rock, and Birdsong Gully,

Key attractions include:

Five Tigers Ascending the Mountain: The five toes of Five-Toe Mountain strikingly resemble five tigers leaping simultaneously toward Zhuangyuan Peak.

Zhuangyuan Valley: The valley is flanked by cliffs nearly 100 meters high and stretches over 700 meters. The front section is straight and open, lined with lush flowering trees; the latter part winds along the mountain, with perilous peaks on both sides creating a dramatic and tense atmosphere. The end of Zhuangyuan Valley is Triangle Well, which is slightly more open.

Straight Stone Path: The stone slabs along this path are all straight-cut stones, uniquely paved throughout the center and edges of the trail.

Yuewang Terrace: The sixth spur of Zhuangyuan Peak extends outward and ultimately forms a steep small hilltop, known as the place where King Goujian shot at the heavens.

Zhuangyuan Peak: Five-Toe Peak, at an elevation of 549 meters, is the highest peak among the surrounding red rock formations. Legend has it that Zou Yinglong once studied in a cave dozens of meters below the summit.

Doumi Steps: The ancient path to Zhuangyuan Rock was the Doumi Steps, ascending from the northern slope of Triangle Well. Winding and intermittent, it is said to have been hand-chiseled by Zou Yinglong himself. Later generations called it Doumi Steps, meaning the stone steps were as numerous as grains of millet.

Heavenly Drum: The last dozen or so steps of the Incense Path Celestial Stairs emit a uniquely crisp sound when stepped on forcefully, as if the mountain were hollow inside, making the whole range seem like a giant drum. Three Gods Guarding the Rock: On the right side of the entrance to Zhuangyuan Rock, the rock wall caves inward resembling three figures. Legend says that when Zou Yinglong studied here, the local earth gods of Changxing, Chonghua, and Jiangxi came to protect him from mountain spirits. Over time, their shapes were imprinted into the stone wall.

Zhuangyuan Rock: Zou Yinglong’s study site, located on a cliff face dozens of meters below Zhuangyuan Peak. The cave faces north, is over 60 meters long, up to 8 meters deep, with a flat floor and a bell-shaped ceiling. The rock wall features Qing Dynasty Qianlong-era cliff inscriptions of the three characters “Zhuangyuan Rock.”

Zhuangyuan Hat: The rock ceiling of Zhuangyuan Rock has three sunken circular cavities, referred to as the Zhuangyuan Hat.

Doumi Stone Mortar: Beneath the cave of Zhuangyuan Rock lies a conical stone mortar, said to have been personally carved by Zou Yinglong for hulling grain.

Ink Brush Rack: Opposite Zhuangyuan Rock, three distant peaks rise abruptly, standing tall with interconnected bodies, resembling a brush rack—called Brush Rack Mountain.

Ancient Plank Walkway: The former path connecting Zhuangyuan Rock and Shaijing Cliff involved driving wooden stakes diagonally into the cliff face, then laying logs horizontally across their bases, enabling passage along the cliff. Below the walkway lies a deep ravine, with space only for one person to inch along the wall—not recommended for those with acrophobia. A newly built walking trail bypasses the dangerous ancient plank road and passes through Zizhi Rock instead.

Zizhi Rock: Located dozens of meters below Zhuangyuan Rock, the rock wall is purple-red in color and covered with various round, oval, and streamlined cavities. The largest resembles a lingzhi mushroom.

Shaijing Cliff: Climbing a small slope from Zizhi Rock and crossing the mountain ridge leads to a flat platform, backed by cliffs on both sides—this is Guanjing Platform. In front lies the expansive, smooth Great Red Cliff, known as Shaijing Cliff. The surface of Shaijing Cliff is covered with reddish-brown lichen, resembling a massive unfurled screen and is one of the most majestic red cliffs among Taining’s red rock formations. In the middle of the cliff are several crimson weathered cavities where eagles nest.

Vine Painting: The right wall of the trail is covered with creeping vines, growing like murals.

Three Mountains Forming a Character: At the exit, one peak to the south of the road and two to the north stand in a “品” (character) formation, majestic and spectacular. Half a kilometer from Zhuangyuan Rock lies Pipa Rock, where the Ming Dynasty Taoist sage Xing Dexing practiced.

Transportation: Take a direct shuttle bus within Taining County to the scenic spot.

Reference ticket price: 34 RMB/person (excluding guide fee)

Address: Changxing Village, Taining County, Sanming City

Type: Geological landscape mountain

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0598-7839307

Opening hours:

8:00–16:00 (summer), 8:00–14:30 (winter).