Jiaoyan Scenic Area

Jiaoyan Scenic Area

Jiaoyan Scenic Area is located within Yanshan County, bordering Hengfeng County to the west and facing the Xin River to the south. Across the river are Zhuangyuan Mountain, the burial site of Fei Hong, the Chief Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty, and Henglin, the former residence of Fei ?, who served as the Grand Protector of the Ming Dynasty and Minister of Rites.

The terrain of Jiaoyan Scenic Area consists of eroded low hills and mounds, with rock formations primarily composed of red sandstone and conglomerate. Years of water erosion have created numerous "U"-shaped valleys and steep cliffs throughout the area, exposing the bedrock and forming distinct Danxia landform features. The soil here is acidic, sandy, and red in color. The scenic area features undulating peaks, beautiful mountains and rivers, and spectacular scenery. The saying “seven parts mountains, half parts water, half parts farmland, and one part roads and estates” vividly depicts the typical Danxia landscape of Jiaoyan. The area’s development of “green tourism” and its eco-tourism routes have captured the attention of travelers from across the nation.

Within the scenic area, forest vegetation is well-preserved, with large reservoirs, fresh air, high negative ion content, a tranquil environment, and a comfortable climate, making it an ideal destination for urban dwellers to relieve fatigue, relax both body and mind, restore energy, and rejuvenate their lifestyle. It has been confirmed by numerous tests that the concentration of negative ions in cave air is generally much higher than that in the outside atmosphere.

A long history has left Jiaoyan with numerous historical sites and relics, which serve as cultural calling cards highlighting Yanshan’s status as an ancient cultural city. Historical sites include the ruins of the ancient Lingying Temple and the reliquary pagoda site. Historic landmarks include the Red Army River-Crossing Command Post ruins and the Women’s Canal, among others. These remnants of red revolutionary history add unique dimensions to the green landscapes of Jiaoyan. The area’s cultural tourism resources mainly consist of traditional Jiangnan architecture, such as ancestral halls, mansions, covered bridges, stone arch bridges, residences, stages, shrines, well platforms, and the “three-carving” arts of stone, wood, and brick, as well as stone steles and tablets, all characteristic of ancient villages.

The rich cultural tourism resources and the influence of notable historical figures make the area truly captivating. As a carrier of these tourism resources, Jiaoyan still retains a wealth of ancient buildings and cultural relics that allow visitors to “indulge in nostalgia.” In the various ancient villages and mansions, every grand gate and hall embodies the ideals of wealth, achievement, and traditional essence. Xu Xiake had a close connection with Jiaoyan—he once traveled here, marveled at its beauty from his boat, and couldn’t help but disembark at the ancient ferry to explore the scenic area, later leaving behind travel writings about his experience.