Fu'aotang Scenic Area

Fu'aotang Scenic Area

Fu'aotang Scenic Area is the central part of the Sanbai Mountain area, covering a total area of 15.01 square kilometers. Its main attractions include the Three-Tiered Jade Pool, Zhiyin Spring, Fu'aotang, and Heavenly Seal Peculiar Pines. These sites feature over 40 scenic spots.

1. Fu'aotang: Situated on the southern edge of the core area, it is a small mountain basin located at an altitude of 960 meters, covering an area of 0.2 square kilometers. Remote from villages and surrounded by verdant mountains, it resembles a paradise on earth. It serves as the junction between the River Valley Scenic Area and the Rocky Ridge Scenic Area, making it an ideal spot for establishing a tourist service center and a forest sanatorium.

2. Zhiyin Spring: Ascending from the Nine-Bend Eighteen-Rapids section and passing by Leopard Pool, you will reach the Zhiyin Spring attraction, located about 2.5 kilometers downstream from the Fu'aotang Waterfall, covering an area of 2.32 square kilometers. In the dense forest and deep valley, there is a massive, emerald-green stone screen resembling a sturdy cliff. On both sides of the stone screen are waterfalls. The northern waterfall has a drop of over 10 meters and features three tiers and bends. The southern waterfall has five tiers with a drop of over 100 meters. The two waterfalls of varying heights and sizes converge into a deep pool in front of the stone screen. The pool water is crystal clear, with steep cliffs, thickets, and hanging vines around the perimeter. As you approach the pool, you can hear the roaring sound of the dual waterfalls, like a stampede of horses, deafening and majestic.

3. Golden Turtle Drinking Spring: Located about 2.5 kilometers downstream from Fu'aotang and near Changkeng, the riverbank features three giant rocks shaped like divine turtles, floating on the water surface as if chasing and playing with one another—vividly lifelike and true to form.

4. Dragon Pool: About 4 kilometers downstream from Fu'aotang lies a circular deep pool. The pool is broad, with crystal-clear water and shimmering ripples. Surrounded by steep cliffs and featuring a unique terrain, being here feels like stepping into a fairyland.

5. Dongjiang’s First Waterfall: Located about 0.5 kilometers north of Fu'aotang in the Sanbai Mountain Scenic Area. With a drop of nearly 100 meters, the waterfall is majestic and serves as the iconic landscape of the Dongjiang Source Sanbai Mountain Scenic Area. Towering cliffs rise on both sides of the falls, covered with ancient trees. About 50 meters to the right of the waterfall is a massive rock that forms a natural viewing platform for the waterfall, which can accommodate dozens of people. The edge of the stone platform is lined with uniquely growing trees that form a natural railing, allowing visitors to lean over and enjoy the view. The area in front of the waterfall offers an open view, with distant green mountains stretching as far as the eye can see, creating a breathtakingly serene atmosphere. Compared to the Three-Tiered Spring Waterfall of Mount Lu, it offers a bit more charm.

6. Heavenly Seal Peculiar Pines: This attraction is located on the rocky ridge east of Fu'aotang, covering an area of 2.75 square kilometers. At an altitude of 500–1169 meters, it boasts a forest coverage rate of over 99%. Bare rocks on the mountaintop form a platform, on which four square stone pillars of varying heights and sizes stand, resembling seals—hence the name “Heavenly Seals.” Next to them, a pine tree stubbornly grows out of a crevice among the rocks, full of vitality, known as the “Peculiar Pine.” Standing on the stone platform, visitors are greeted with an open view of the surrounding mountain scenery.

7. Sanbai Mountain—: Comprising over 300 peaks, Sanbai Mountain features undulating ridges and overlapping ranges, majestic and beautiful. The main peak stands at an altitude of 1169 meters, while the lowest point is at 320 meters, with an elevation difference of over 800 meters. Covering tens of square kilometers without any permanent human settlements, it retains a primitive mountain wilderness. The natural environment is rustic, tranquil, and serene. Looking out from above, endless green mountains and misty forests stretch as far as the eye can see, inspiring awe and wonder.

8. Sword Tip Peak: Located about 4 kilometers east of Fu'aotang. A peak standing at an altitude of 1064 meters, its upper 200-meter section resembles a long sword piercing straight into the blue sky. Sword Tip Peak features steep cliffs and a precipitous terrain. From the summit, one can witness the spectacular sights of sunrise and sunset.