Dayue Yunwu Mountain Scenic Area

Dayue Yunwu Mountain Scenic Area

Yunwu Mountain is a major peak of the Huaying Mountain Range, known for its pleasant scenery, fresh air, clear water, majestic peaks, and frequent clouds and mist, hence its name. “Snow-Covered Western Hills” is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Dayue. It stands alongside Chaixiangping of Tongluo Mountain and Fengding Mountain of Mingyue Mountain, making it an ideal destination for summer retreats, winter snow viewing, and year-round sightseeing and leisure.

A land of abundant treasures, gathered in the misty hills

In addition to its beautiful landscapes, Yunwu Mountain also harbors a wealth of natural resources, such as coal mines and widespread limestone deposits. The Yunwu tea produced here is renowned far and wide. The region features well-developed karst landscapes, including karst stone hills, depressions, sinkholes, and dolines on the surface; and numerous underground caves with diverse and stunning calcified formations. Known examples include the Huxian Cave in Jiupan Village, which extends over 2 km deep, as well as the Bailong Cave of Jiupan Temple, the Long Cave in Yunwu Village, and the Xiaodong Cave in Gongqiao Village.

The Yunwu Mountain Scenic Area is home to notable cultural sites such as the ancient Xishan Path and Yunwu Temple. The Xishan Ancient Post Road originated in the pre-Qin period and flourished during the Three Kingdoms era, later serving as the main overland route from Chengdu through eastern Sichuan, across the Three Gorges, and into Hubei—a living chronicle of China’s road construction history. Today, about 7 km of this road remains well-preserved between Yunwu Gorge and Yunwu Temple. It is roughly 1.5 meters wide and consists of stone slab paths, plank roads, and bridges. Along the route, you’ll find memorial archways, murals, stone carvings (such as the Rice-Leaking Stone), and remnants of ancient mountain strongholds (like Baiyunzhai) on the adjacent hills, as well as caves once inhabited by ancient Ba people—making it a site rich in cultural heritage.

Yunwu Mountain Temple is built atop the summit of Yunwu Mountain. Originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty, the temple sits on the ridge of the Huaying Mountains, at the boundary between Zhuzhou and Quxian counties—one temple straddling two counties. Legend has it that “a golden carrying pole on the stone bridge lifts one end for Dayue and the other for Quxian,” making it an exceptional spot for scenic views.

Highlights of the Scenic Area

Ancient Three Kingdoms Post Road: Originating in the pre-Qin period and flourishing in the Three Kingdoms era, this route was historically the main transportation artery from Chengdu through eastern Sichuan, across the Three Gorges, and into Hubei. The entire post road serves as a living history of China’s road-building legacy. Within the scenic area, around 5 km of ancient roads from various dynasties remain well-preserved, featuring robust and rustic elements such as plank paths, stone roads, and bridges. The stone walls along the road display exquisitely crafted stone carvings from the Tang and Song dynasties. The rocky cliffs also feature numerous caves once inhabited by ancient Ba people, offering a wealth of historical remains.

Yunwu Temple: Built atop Yunwu Mountain, Yunwu Mountain Temple was originally established during the Tang Dynasty and once served as the most important religious site in eastern Sichuan, earning the nickname “Little Emei of Eastern Sichuan.” At the height of its pilgrimage popularity, the temple complex comprised 19 individual temples, with the sound of bells ringing year-round and incense burning incessantly.

Tea Garden Hot Springs: Located within the picturesque Yunwu Mountain Scenic Area, approximately 3 km from the county town, these are rare low-temperature therapeutic mineral waters in northeastern Sichuan, containing metasilicic acid, metaboric acid, fluoride, and strontium—beneficial for treating various ailments.