Yunmeng Mountain in Yixian County

Yunmeng Mountain in Yixian County

Yunmeng Mountain is located 25 kilometers west of Yixian County. It earned its name from the year-round clouds and mist that shroud the area, along with frequent light drizzle. At dawn and dusk, the mountain is often veiled in vast seas of fog with jagged peaks piercing through, creating a spectacular sight. From the mountaintop, visitors can gaze upon undulating ridges, emerald hues stretching across the sky, dense forests of ancient trees, and serene valleys. As early as the Warring States period, the “Layered Emeralds of Yunmeng” was listed among the Ten Scenic Spots of the Yan Kingdom.

During the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era, Yunmeng Mountain was bestowed the name Yongning Mountain. Since the Qing Western Tombs, imperial burial grounds, are located at the foot of Yongning Mountain, the area was designated as protected land for the tombs and remained sealed off for years. With its high elevation and dense forests, the mountain boasts well-preserved vegetation. From the mountaintops, one can look out over the mountains that resemble a rolling green ocean. The area is rich in wild plant resources, with over a hundred species of trees including poplar, willow, elm, sandalwood, Chinese prickly ash, locust, Chinese toon, Chinese sweet gum, jujube, wild hawthorn, walnut, and hawthorn fruit—making it a natural botanical garden. In addition, the forest is home to wild animals such as roe deer, Mongolian gazelles, rabbits, foxes, leopard cats, and wolves, turning it into a natural wildlife park.

Covering a total area of 40 square kilometers, Yunmeng Mountain consists of 77 peaks and 33 valleys, with its highest peak reaching an elevation of 1,120 meters. Due to the mountain’s complex terrain and seasonal changes, it offers stunning scenery all year round. “Silver Silk Valley” is one of the 33 valleys of Yunmeng Mountain, celebrated by visitors for its distinct landscapes in each of the four seasons. In spring, wild peach blossoms take center stage. During the Peach Blossom Festival on the third day of the third lunar month, visitors can witness the magical transformation of the peach blossoms’ colors. In the morning, the blossoms appear white across the mountains; by noon, they turn pink; and by evening, they display a riot of colors. Viewed from below, the blossoms are pink tinged with white; seen from the mountainside, they are pink mixed with red; and when surrounded by them, the three hues—white, pink, and red—are distinctly visible. Vast stretches of white blossoms gleam like jade, while patches of pink ones blaze like fire, with their fragrance drifting on the spring breeze. There is an old saying: “The peach blossoms of Yunmeng perfume the hills for ten miles.” In summer, Yunmeng Mountain is lush and picturesque, alive with birdsong and teeming with life. During the rainy season in June, waterfalls cascade down the peaks, sending up plumes of spray that can reach hundreds of meters. Climbing up the cliffs toward the falls is thrilling yet safe, offering an intoxicating experience. In autumn, the mountains are ablaze with red foliage, as Yunmeng sheds its fresh green attire. The autumn colors of various plants merge into a fiery sea of red. Wild fruits ripen in this season, offering a variety of flavors from tart to sweet. In winter, Yunmeng Mountain transforms into a slumbering dragon that has rested for millennia. Ice formations quietly emerge within the 2-kilometer-long “Silver Silk Valley.” Here, visitors can admire exquisitely crafted natural ice sculptures and the spectacular ice caves that stretch hundreds of meters within the valley. Stepping into the valley, one encounters steaming pools of water surrounded by ice formations in all shapes—some resembling humans, others animals—each uniquely bizarre and fascinating to behold.