Chongqing Yutai Mountain

Chongqing Yutai Mountain

I. Introduction to Yutai Mountain

The Yutai Mountain Scenic Area is located 12 kilometers east of Fuling City at the confluence of the Yangtze and Wujiang Rivers, 119 kilometers from downtown Chongqing. It is a blessed paradise characterized by rain-prayer culture, integrating sightseeing, health retreats, and business conferences. With an elevation of 862 meters, Yutai Mountain was historically a place where people prayed for rain during droughts. Originally called Hongdu Mountain, after the Eastern Han Dynasty, it was also known as Baidi Mountain because it was said that Gongsun Shu stationed troops here. During the Tang Dynasty, it was referred to as Zhongsong Mountain, as legend has it that the immortal Erzhu cultivated immortality and planted pines here. On the eighth day of the sixth lunar month in the sixteenth year of the Chongzhen era in the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Xianzhong entered Sichuan, climbed to the mountaintop to raise a flag, and surveyed the military situation in Fuzhou—this gave the mountain the name Flag-Raising Mountain. The region around Fuling features many slopes and is prone to drought, hence the name Yutai Mountain. The ancient tradition of praying for rain dates back centuries, with records found in the Northern Song Dynasty’s "Yuandeng Jiuyu Zhi · Ancient Sites · Fuzhou" and the Qing Dynasty’s "Fuzhou Annals" from the 25th year of the Daoguang reign. While the exact dynasty when rain-prayer altars were first established on Yutai Mountain is unknown, extant fragmented inscriptions indicate that the current altar was rebuilt during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. Yutai Mountain is bordered by the Wujiang River to the south, the Yangtze River to the northwest, and the Zilu Stream to the east, where three rivers converge. Surrounded by cliffs on three sides, it connects to the outside world only through a mountain ridge at its southern end, historically known as Zouma Ridge, part of the famed Peng-Fuling courier route. The terrain is gentle, with lush pines shading the area, bamboo covering the hillsides, and a rich diversity of plants, with over 96% vegetation coverage. The scenic area is home to more than 60 macaques and over 10 black swans. At the mountaintop, twelve peaks encircle a nearly 100-acre Crane Fairy Lake, whose waters remain clear year-round. Facilities such as bamboo rafting, natural bathing beaches, and lakeside camping are available. The Yutai Mountain Resort and Xingyue Villa can accommodate 400 guests daily, while the conference center holds up to 300 people. Amenities include chess and card rooms, and a VOD karaoke system to meet visitors’ recreational needs. The square can host fireworks shows, whole lamb roasts, and bonfire parties for 500–1,000 people. From May to October, a Bathing Culture Festival is held at the natural bathing beach; from the seventh to the eighth lunar month, competitions for Rain-Praying Maidens and the New Rice Festival take place; and during the Spring Festival, the Yutai Mountain Temple Fair is held. From the mountain’s western side, visitors can view the confluence of two rivers and enjoy a panoramic view of Fuling, including the Eight Scenic Spots of Fuzhou. The eastern side features a 3-kilometer-long Tianyun Divine Path, where you can see one kilometer of cliff inscriptions, the ancient Dongwan Fortress used by people fleeing war during the “Huguang Filling Sichuan” migration, the Windmill Stone believed to ensure bumper harvests, the Yiyang Temple from the Northern Song Dynasty, the Living Bodhisattva worshipped by tens of thousands, the hidden “Treasure Chest,” and the ancient stone bell nearby. There is also the Mountain King God who protects the region, the Changchun Cave where Taoist hermits cultivate themselves, the Flowering Rock of Guanyin, the kind-hearted precious-jewel Guanyin, a 500-meter-long Sky Ladder, the Rain-Prayer Altar for praying for rainfall, and the elegant “Eagle’s Beak.”

Yutai Mountain is bordered by the Wujiang River to the south, the Yangtze River to the northwest, and the Zilu Stream to the east, where three rivers converge. Surrounded by cliffs on three sides, it connects to the outside world only through a mountain ridge at its southern end, historically known as Zouma Ridge, part of the famed Peng-Fuling courier route. The terrain is gentle, with lush pines shading the area, bamboo covering the hillsides, and a rich diversity of plants, with over 96% vegetation coverage. The scenic area is home to more than 60 macaques and over 10 black swans. At the mountaintop, twelve peaks encircle a nearly 100-acre Crane Fairy Lake, whose waters remain clear year-round. Facilities such as bamboo rafting, natural bathing beaches, and lakeside camping are available. The Yutai Mountain Resort and Xingyue Villa can accommodate 400 guests daily, while the conference center holds up to 300 people. Amenities include chess and card rooms, and a VOD karaoke system to meet visitors’ recreational needs. The square can host fireworks shows, whole lamb roasts, and bonfire parties for 500–1,000 people. From May to October, a Bathing Culture Festival is held at the natural bathing beach; from the seventh to the eighth lunar month, competitions for Rain-Praying Maidens and the New Rice Festival take place; and during the Spring Festival, the Yutai Mountain Temple Fair is held. From the mountain’s western side, visitors can view the confluence of two rivers and enjoy a panoramic view of Fuling, including the Eight Scenic Spots of Fuzhou. The eastern side features a 3-kilometer-long Tianyun Divine Path, where you can see one kilometer of cliff inscriptions, the ancient Dongwan Fortress used by people fleeing war during the “Huguang Filling Sichuan” migration, the Windmill Stone believed to ensure bumper harvests, the Yiyang Temple from the Northern Song Dynasty, the Living Bodhisattva worshipped by tens of thousands, the hidden “Treasure Chest,” and the ancient stone bell nearby. There is also the Mountain King God who protects the region, the Changchun Cave where Taoist hermits cultivate themselves, the Flowering Rock of Guanyin, the kind-hearted precious-jewel Guanyin, a 500-meter-long Sky Ladder, the Rain-Prayer Altar for praying for rainfall, and the elegant “Eagle’s Beak.”

II. Attractions Introduction

Rain-Prayer Altar. Legend has it that “Mao Fazhen” was an immortal who attained enlightenment on Yutai Mountain. He could summon rain during severe droughts and disperse floods during heavy rains, ensuring favorable weather for the people. As a result, Mao Fazhen was worshipped by locals as the Altar God—the tablet remains as long as the god does. During droughts, incense was burned and prayers chanted to ask for rain, which was always granted. Over time, the Rain-Prayer Altar was rebuilt during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1875 AD). In the early years of liberation, it suffered repeated damage during the “Four Olds” campaign, and now only the column bases and a fragmented inscription reading “Rain-Prayer Altar of Mao Fazhen” remain standing, witnessing the ancient and mystical history of rain prayers on Yutai Mountain.

Living Bodhisattva. Legend says that one summer night in 1979, a farmer’s wife cooling off across the mountain saw a group of horsemen flying from east to west and landing above this cliff. On a moonlit night, the faces of China’s four great leaders appeared distinctly on the rock face. Word spread quickly, and the reputation of the Living Bodhisattva reached far and wide. Thousands traveled from afar to worship, with up to tens of thousands visiting daily at its peak. This site was originally the ruin of the Yizhuang Temple from the Northern Song Dynasty, known for granting wishes and bustling with incense offerings.

Guanyin Rock’s Flowering Stone. This site enshrines the precious-jewel Guanyin, who protects peace and delivers all beings. Every year on Guanyin’s birthday, devotees from near and far come to worship. The rock face of Guanyin Rock bears an inscription dated to the 11th year of the Tongzhi reign in the Qing Dynasty (1872 AD). Worship of Guanyin began before the inscription was carved, making it about 200 years old. Legend says the sincere devotion of worshippers moved heaven, causing beautiful flowers to bloom on the upper right rock of Guanyin Rock. In reality, rocks don’t bloom—the “flowering stone” on the temple roof is actually an old rock nodule embedded in the sandstone during sedimentation. The sandstone itself is 160 million years old, but the “flowering stone” is even older, at least 200–300 million years old.

Xingyue Lake. Also known as Crane Fairy Lake, it covers over 100 acres with a maximum depth of 25 meters. Legend says the lake gathers the spiritual energy of Yutai Mountain and reflects starlight and moonlight, purifying the human spirit to achieve harmony between heaven and man—hence the name Xingyue Lake. In ancient times, those participating in rain prayers had to bathe in the lake to cleanse themselves of worldly impurities before ascending the altar, ensuring efficacy. It is also said that the white cranes raised by the immortal Erzhu lived and played on this lake, which is why it is also called Crane Fairy Lake.

Dongwan Ancient Fortress. Historically plagued by warfare, the ancient Ba people built a tall stone wall along the mountain to hide from conflict. Nestled behind high cliffs and facing deep valleys, the fortress was concealed by dense forests, making it hard for outsiders to find—thus named Dongwan Ancient Fortress. Today, remnants of the fortress wall with two-layered ox-ear stones and packed earth remain.

Monkey Valley. Located at the entrance of the Rain-Prayer Sky Road, this is the most active area for Yutai Mountain’s macaques. They live amidst the forest’s rhythmic breath, basking in dappled sunlight, sometimes leaping across treetops or playing in ponds. The monkeys coexist harmoniously with humans, sharing the beauty of nature.

Black Swans. In China, swans have long symbolized beauty, luck, and nobility. Among them, black swans are the most elegant, more graceful than their white counterparts, and highly valued for their ornamental beauty. Their plumage is entirely black except for the primary flight feathers, which are partly white, with a frosted gray sheen on their backs. Black swans are graceful, dignified, gentle, and loyal—often seen in inseparable pairs. Thanks to Yutai Mountain’s pristine environment, the scenic area has introduced over 10 black swans from Australia, offering visitors a rare close-up experience.

III. Ticket Information and Opening Hours

Opening Hours: Year-round, no peak or off-season. Daily from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

Ticket Price: 38 RMB.

Discounts: Children under 1.2m free; seniors over 70 with ID free; active military, martyrs’ families, and retired officers free with credentials; children 1.2–1.4m half-price; seniors 60–69 with ID half-price; groups of 10+ eligible for group rates; Fuling residents receive a discounted price of 10 RMB with ID.

IV. Dining and Accommodation Recommendations

Yutai Mountain Daming Manor (dining, lodging, entertainment)

Specialties: Whole Lamb Roast (kebabs), Stewed Native Chicken

Activities: Bonfire Party

Address: Within Yutai Mountain Scenic Area

Contact: 023-72769188, 023-72769133

Wooden Chalet Boutique Hotel (lodging)

Premium solid wood construction, ultra-primitive outdoor surroundings, full Wi-Fi coverage—enjoy a hermit-like life while staying connected.

Contact: 023-72769188

Tent Camping (lodging)

Yutai Mountain’s pristine environment makes it a must for camping enthusiasts. With mountains, lakes, and grasslands, enjoy self-grilled food under the stars, listen to frog croaks, and escape the urban rush.

V. Transportation

1. Bus: The starting station is next to Jianfu Hotel at Luyijia Dam on Route 109. The bus stops along the way at Gaosun Pond — West Passenger Transport Station — Wujiang Bridge — Jiangdong Office — Dayakou (walk to the main entrance of Yutai Mountain).

2. Taxi: Available from any location within the urban area. Metered fare is approximately 30–35 RMB, while an agreed verbal fare is around 40–50 RMB.

3. Self-driving: A) Middle section of Fuling Binjiang Road — Wujiang Second Bridge (turn right) — Jiangdong Office (go straight left) — Yutai Mountain. B) Fuling Binjiang Road — Wujiang Bridge (old bridge) — turn right at Jiangdong Roundabout — go left at Dayakou — Yutai Mountain. (You can enable one-click navigation by following the official WeChat account of Yutai Mountain.)

VI. Scenic Area Tourism Service Hotlines

Inquiry Hotline: 023-72769000, 023-72769002

Complaint Hotline: 023-72769008

Tour Guide & Interpretation Contact: 023-72769000

Ticketing Center Phone: 023-742760766

Emergency Rescue Hotline: 023-72769188

Official WeChat Account: Search for “Yutai Mountain” in the WeChat public accounts to follow.