Gaoling • Yaoli Scenic Area

Gaoling • Yaoli Scenic Area

Gaoling • Yaoli Scenic Area is a national-level scenic spot and a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

A national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a national key scenic spot, a famous historical and cultural town in China, a national mining park, a national forest park, a national key cultural relics protection unit, and a national natural and cultural dual heritage site. Located at the northeastern edge of the world-renowned porcelain capital, it is 50 kilometers from downtown Jingdezhen. Situated at the center of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Huangshan, Lushan, Xidi and Hongcun), it is known as the "Source of Porcelain, Hometown of Tea, and Sea of Forests," with a planned area of 195 square kilometers.

I. Overview

Yaoli, anciently named "Yaoli" (meaning "Kiln Village"), earned its name as the birthplace of Jingdezhen’s ceramics. As early as the mid-Tang Dynasty, there were manual workshops producing ceramics here. The scenic area enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, with dense forests covering over 86.3% of the region. It is home to more than 180 species of rare flora and fauna, including the southern yew, ginkgo, torreya, and the leopard and Chinese giant salamander. The highest peak in the area, Mount Wuhua, stands at 1,618 meters above sea level and is the source of the East River of the Changjiang River in Jingdezhen.

Yaoli is a land of abundant resources and talent, being the hometown or neighboring area of historical figures such as Wu Rui, the King of Changsha in the Western Han Dynasty, Li Chunnian, the founding marquis of the Southern Song Dynasty, and Wu Congzhi, an official of the Qing Dynasty’s Ministry of Works. Founding Marshal Chen Yi once worked and lived here, leading the reorganization of the New Fourth Army. This ancient and magical place boasts profound cultural heritage and serves as a green paradise for enjoying nature. It combines natural beauty with cultural richness, history with folklore, making it an ideal destination for tourism, leisure, historical exploration, and adventure.

II. Timeless Ceramic Culture

Yaoli is rich in dense forests and mountains, and is abundant in kaolin, the raw material for porcelain production. Despite centuries of mining, it remains rich in reserves. The village of Gaoling within the area was the source of ceramic raw materials for ancient Jingdezhen. In the early 18th century, the name "Gaoling" spread abroad and became the naming origin of the international clay mineralogical term "kaolin." Gaoling gave birth to the porcelain capital, and the porcelain capital brought Gaoling to the world. Gaoling has drawn global attention from the ceramic industry, attracting numerous experts and scholars who have traced its origins, explored its mysteries, and written extensively, deepening the world’s understanding and appreciation of Gaoling.

III. Classic Ming and Qing Charm

The ancient town of Yaoli, established in the late Western Han Dynasty, is surrounded by peaks and resembles a picturesque screen. It lies to the south of Elephant Mountain and to the north of Lion Mountain, with the Yao River flowing through the town. Hundreds of well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings are nestled along the riverbanks, featuring the classic Huizhou architectural style with upturned eaves, white walls, and black tiles, all set against a backdrop of lush green mountains and clear waters.

Highlights include the Shigang Shenglan and the Cheng Family Ancestral Hall, which showcase Huizhou’s renowned "Three Carvings" art; the Jinshi Mansion, reflecting feudal family etiquette; the former residence of Marshal Chen Yi, the site of the Anti-Japanese Mobilization Meeting, and the Red Army guerrilla base, which recount revolutionary history; the Ming and Qing commercial streets and Huizhou ancient paths that attest to past prosperity; as well as lantern performances and local operas that reflect Yaoli’s unique customs.

The Ming and Qing Commercial Street is one of the busiest commercial streets along the ancient Huizhou Grand Road. Stretching over 1,000 meters, it is divided into Upper Street, Middle Street, and Lower Street. In the past, hundreds of shops lined the street, many of which remain well-preserved today, with the Ming Dynasty shops—designated as a key cultural relic protection unit of Jingdezhen—being particularly distinctive.

Dongbu Ancient Street, one of the four ancient streets of Fuliang, consists of the old street, ancient bridges, and docks. It flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties as a hub for kaolin transportation due to its busy shipping activity. The rows of shops and the ruts left by wheelbarrows on the bluestone slabs vividly record the bustling past of kaolin transport at the ancient Dongbu Dock.

IV. Breathtaking Natural Scenery

The most stunning scenery in Yaoli can be found in the Wanghu Ecological Tourist Area and the Meiling Leisure Resort, where steep mountains and dense forests create a majestic landscape. Here, 648 species of woody plants across 95 families thrive, alongside hundreds of species of wildlife. The area features cascading waterfalls, peculiar rock formations, ancient camphor tree groves, and pristine forests, combining mountains, water, rocks, and forests with elements of danger, wonder, ruggedness, and beauty. The ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons makes it a prime destination for exploration.

The Nanshan Waterfall Cluster in the Wanghu Ecological Tourist Area consists of four sections: Nanshan Waterfall, Shihua Waterfall, Flying Dragon Waterfall, and Floating Brocade Waterfall. Spanning over 400 meters with a total drop of 220 meters and a main waterfall width of 70 meters, the cluster features four interconnected falls that vary in size and intensity, creating a dynamic and ever-changing spectacle.

Another highlight in the Wanghu Ecological Tourist Area is the Primitive Forest and Tianhe Valley, characterized by a humid climate and intact vegetation. From broadleaf to coniferous forests, and from vines to shrubs, the area is a vibrant, layered natural botanical garden.

The Yaoli Scenic Area combines natural wonders such as mountains, forests, waterfalls, and valleys with cultural sites like ancient towns and kiln ruins. It offers both pristine beauty and tranquility, with a pleasant climate year-round, making it a green haven to connect with nature and an ideal place for historical exploration and experiencing harmony between humanity and nature.

Source: Jingdezhen Government Website

Yaoli Town: Located at the junction of Anhui and Jiangxi provinces, encompassing four counties (Qimen and Xiuning in Anhui, and Wuyuan and Fuliang in Jiangxi), Yaoli is 59 kilometers from downtown Jingdezhen.

Yaoli, anciently known as Yaoli (Kiln Village), was formerly part of Xinzheng District, Jinxiu Township, Fuliang County. As early as the mid-Tang Dynasty, it had manual workshops for ceramic production and gained its name from its renowned kilns. In the early 20th century, Yaoli was renamed three times. On August 24, 1994, it was upgraded from a township to a town. On April 2, 2001, it was designated as a provincial-level nature reserve, and on October 9 of the same year, it was listed as a provincial-level scenic spot. On August 9, 2003… More details about Yaoli Town++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Scenic Spots