Snow Mountain Scenic Area

Snow Mountain Scenic Area

The Snow Mountain Scenic Area is located 2 kilometers east of Yongji City, Shanxi Province, south of Wuxing Lake, the largest inland wetland in Shanxi. It lies within the Zhongtiao Mountain National Forest Park and was the anti-Japanese revolutionary base of national hero Yang Zhenbang. Developed over nine years with an investment of over 100 million yuan by Yongji Snow Mountain Scenic Area Tourism Development Co., Ltd., it is a comprehensive tourism project integrating leisure, vacation, hotels, conferences, folk culture exhibitions, water challenges, stone sculpture art displays, and natural landscapes.

In 2010, the scenic area invested an additional 50 million yuan and hired a professional and experienced tourism planning team to manage and develop the site. Following AAAA-level standards, the area underwent in-depth development and standardized management. The Snow Mountain Scenic Area consists of two parts: the cultural landscape of the front mountain and the natural landscape of the back mountain. The front mountain covers over 1,000 acres and includes a resort hotel, Snow Mountain Cultural Management Office, Yang Zhenbang Memorial Hall, Adventure Water Park, Southern Shanxi Folk Culture Expo Park, Stone Sculpture Art Exhibition, Animal Park, Bamboo Garden, Fishing Garden, Temple Area, and Outdoor Camping Area. The back mountain stretches over 10 kilometers and features unique natural ecological landscapes such as Bailong Waterfall, Sky Ladder, Tunnels, Tianhu Lake, Heifeng Gorge, Hulu Pool, Milky Way Waterfall, Ancient Ji Temple, Yang Zhenbang’s Training Ground, and Snow Mountain Peak.

Six Major Theme Features of Snow Mountain Scenic Area:

1. The Highest Peak of Zhongtiao Mountain: Located at the southernmost part of the scenic area, the main peak of Zhongtiao Mountain—Snow Mountain—stands at an elevation of 1,994 meters. The mountain is dotted with peculiar rocks that reveal ever-changing vistas; wildflowers fill the air with fragrance, clear springs flow over stones, lush pines and cypresses thrive, and ancient vines cling to age-old trees. Ascending Snow Mountain offers a breathtaking panoramic view where all other peaks seem small. The refreshing mountain breeze invigorates the body and soul. It is truly a paradise on earth, a summer retreat, and a healthful sanctuary. Invite family and friends, bring fine wine and fruit, and wander through the mountain, where you may find yourself never wanting to leave.

2. The Largest Folk Stone Sculpture Collection: The stone sculpture collection is located in the Folk Culture Expo Park of the scenic area. It houses over 10,000 pieces of folk stone sculptures from various dynasties and periods, including 854 stone lions of various sizes, 313 steles such as Merit Steles, Virtue Steles, Mourning Steles, Educational Steles, Longevity Steles, and Spirit Way Steles, 821 horse-tethering posts, 1,692 pairs of door stones, 338 stone drums, 207 stone troughs, 201 stone mortars, 74 stone mills, 1,421 millstones, and over 4,000 other stone items such as farming tools, architectural components, religious sculptures, statues, and columns. These sculptures were crafted using various techniques including incised carving (outlining), shadow carving, relief carving, round carving (fully three-dimensional without background), and openwork carving (also called pierced carving). Crafted with steel chisels of different sizes on bluestone, the artisans used the size, depth, and spacing of the chisel marks to depict landscapes, birds, animals, human figures, and flowers. Each piece showcases exquisite craftsmanship, lifelike imagery, and vivid charm, offering high artistic, collectible, and research value. They represent the pinnacle of folk artistry and the boundless creativity of the people.

3. The Largest Southern Shanxi Folk Culture Park: Here, you will encounter distinctive Southern Shanxi snacks, traditional labor scenes, and live handicraft demonstrations. Marvel at exquisitely crafted paper-cuttings, dough figurines, and embroidery. Taste freshly ground soy milk, traditional tofu pudding, tofu, and handmade steamed buns. Experience the rugged art of blacksmithing and metal forging. Witness daily activities like grinding grain, plowing fields, and milling rice. Enjoy the vibrant energy of folk performances such as social dances and bridal sedan chair processions. Explore the intricate arts of spinning, weaving, and the stunning skills of folk artists. Every corner reflects the most authentic production and lifestyle of Southern Shanxi. You can even participate in these activities for a hands-on experience and enjoy the unique satisfaction of self-reliance.

4. The Most Thrilling Water Challenge: The water challenge features a variety of activities such as suspension bridges, couple bridges, water walking, plank crossings, board bridges, Myanmar bridges, zip lines, roller bridges, swing bridges, ladder bridges, plank walkways, and cable bridges. By participating in these challenges, you can experience a range of thrills and excitement, discover your potential, and boost your confidence. Overcome psychological inertia and build resilience to tackle difficulties. Adjust your physical and mental state to face work and life’s challenges with optimism. Understand the role of teamwork, enhance group participation awareness, and develop a sense of responsibility. Improve interpersonal relationships and learn to care for and cooperate more harmoniously with others.

5. The Tragic Anti-Japanese History:

A heroic chapter of the Yongji people’s anti-Japanese resistance unfolded at Snow Mountain. Yang Zhenbang, a native of Wucun at the foot of Snow Mountain, built a resistance force numbering in the thousands from a single rifle. Relying on the mountain’s strategic defenses, he led his troops through arduous struggles across Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Henan, risking their lives in battles against the Japanese invaders and protecting the Communist Party’s Southern Shanxi organizations. On the eve of victory in the war, he was falsely accused and killed by the Kuomintang outside Yuxiang Gate in Xi’an at the age of 39. His remaining thousands of soldiers were airlifted to Yunnan under the name of Expeditionary Forces, where most died fighting along the China-Burma border. We must honor this vivid and tragic history of resistance, commemorate the martyrs, and inspire future generations.

6. The Most Unique Landscape: The Snow Mountain Scenic Area combines the majesty of Mount Tai, the steepness of Mount Hua, the serenity of Mount Lu, the uniqueness of Mount Huang, and the beauty of Mount Emei. The scenery changes with the seasons: spring brings a sea of flowers, summer offers a cool retreat, autumn paints the mountains red, and winter adorns the land in silver. The area boasts rich wild plant resources, with 96 families, 437 genera, and 912 species of vascular plants. These are categorized by economic use into 13 types: starch plants, oil plants, vitamin plants, beverage plants, sweetener plants, and more.

Xiushui Villa Mainly Features Six Scenic Areas

Mountain Exploration: Stroll along winding mountain paths to admire the unique grandeur, steep beauty, and picturesque views of Snow Mountain, the meandering and miraculous Xiushui Valley, and the breathtaking Milky Way Waterfall that cascades down like a hundred-foot waterfall.

Water Play: Upon entering the mountain gate, you’ll find a series of connected attractions including a green lake, fishing pond, swimming pool, and lotus pond. Venturing into the valley, you’ll be greeted by thunderous water sounds and continuous waterfalls, resembling silver dragons rushing down. Further up the steps, a reservoir capable of holding 50,000 m³ of water shimmers beautifully. Walking along the stream, the harmonious blend of mountains, water, trees, bridges, stones, fish, flowers, and grass—whether naturally formed or ingeniously crafted—creates a feast for the eyes, making you feel as if you’re in a heavenly paradise.

Temples: The temples, including the Jade Emperor Pavilion and Dragon King Temple, are bustling with incense and prayers, adding a touch of mystery and spiritual charm to the beautiful villa.

Fishing: The 2,600 m³ fishing pond offers a serene environment for anglers to relax and enjoy the art of fishing.

Bamboo Viewing: The 2,100 m² bamboo forest features winding paths through a tranquil maze, where visitors can wander and lose themselves in the beauty. The swaying green bamboo forms a majestic sea of bamboo, a spectacular sight.

Pine Listening: Stroll through the pine and cypress woods, where the rustling leaves and chirping birds drown out the noise of the city, bringing peace and joy to the heart. The villa also features a cultural corridor, leisure corridor, theater, pavilions, and hosts year-round competitions in hiking, fishing, table tennis, photography, calligraphy, and swimming, adding further charm. Eleven-arch caves and a grand hotel covering 6,000 m², equipped with various entertainment facilities, provide visitors with a full range of services including food, accommodation, and recreation.

The virtuous enjoy the mountains, the wise enjoy the water. Xiushui Villa is an ideal destination for sightseeing, cultural tourism, leisure and entertainment, as well as photography and art.

Upon visiting the scenic area, explore the front mountain where you’ll see: pavilions and towers meticulously crafted, swaying bamboo, towering ancient cypresses, newly greened old locust trees, and birds and animals roaming the surroundings. Move to the back mountain, where you’ll find: overlapping ridges, steep cliffs, perilous peaks, and scattered oddly shaped rocks, accompanied by rustling pine waves, misty clouds, murmuring springs, and roaring waterfalls. The towering ladder reaches into the clouds, leaving you awestruck. The water of Heilong Pool shimmers in green waves. The mysterious Heifeng Gorge holds untold secrets. The ancient Ji Temple guides people toward kindness. The Milky Way Waterfall stirs the heart and soul.

With continued investment in scenic construction and ongoing facility improvements, the functional layout fully embodies the philosophy of “seamless integration and mutual enhancement of nature and culture.” Our scenic area will become a shining pearl in the tourism industry of Shanxi.

Admission Ticket

Admission Ticket: 60 RMB

Scenic Spot Location

Snow Mountain Scenic Area, East of Yongji City, Shanxi Province

Information Source: Yuncheng City Local Chronicles Compilation Committee