Yaolong Mountain Natural Scenic Area

Yaolong Mountain Natural Scenic Area

Yaolong Mountain Natural Scenic Area

Tianping Township is situated at the northern end of Tongzi County, bordering Qijiang County in Chongqing, and is known as the “Gateway to Northern Guizhou.” The area boasts a prime location, distinctive natural conditions, significant regional advantages, and highly accessible transportation. National Highway 210 and the Zunyi–Chongqing Expressway traverse the township. It is 140 kilometers from Chongqing, with a drive of about 1.5 hours, 120 kilometers from Zunyi, about 1.2 hours by car, and 70 kilometers from Tongzi County town, roughly 50 minutes by vehicle. The average elevation of the entire township is around 1,100 meters, with forest coverage exceeding 50%. It features verdant mountains, clear waters, a cool climate, and abundant local produce.

Yaolong Mountain is located within Tianping Township, extending from north to south over dozens of kilometers. The mountain features numerous peaks and ridges, with crisscrossing valleys, resembling thousands of dragons paying homage to and encircling the main peak of Yaolong Mountain, fully embodying its majestic presence—hence the name Yaolong (Roaring Dragon) Mountain. The main peak, Ruifengding, stands at an elevation of 1,795 meters, and the entire summit resembles a giant Buddha’s head, poetically referred to as the “Buddha.” It stands magnificently as the crowning touch bestowed by nature upon Yaolong Mountain. Since ancient times, Yaolong Mountain has been home to many temples with thriving incense offerings. Though the temples have been destroyed multiple times by bandits and wars, rising and falling through the ages, only the Ruifeng Temple at the mountain’s summit and several others remain today. Legend has it that the ancient temples were first built during the Qin Dynasty, with historical records dating back to the Ming Dynasty. After enduring the erosion of time and multiple restorations, stone tablets, stupas, stone carvings, and remnants of monks’ burial grounds still exist. Attractions such as the Suomi Hole, Guanyin Water, Ancestor’s Pagoda, Scripture Depository, and Viewing Pavilion are shrouded in many beautiful, mysterious legends and unsolved mysteries. During the incense festivals held annually in the lunar months of March, June, and September, visitors and worshippers from Chongqing, Zunyi, and other areas number over 20,000. Monks, devotees, and tourists flock to the site in an endless stream, filling the temples with curling incense and chanting, creating a grand and magnificent atmosphere. The enduring popularity of Yaolong Mountain’s incense offerings is undoubtedly linked to its bizarre legends and tales of miraculous Buddhist interventions, casting an air of mystique over the mountain.

The wonders of nature have blessed Yaolong Mountain with breathtaking natural scenery. Its rugged terrain, steep slopes, and dramatic vertical drops have created naturally exquisite landscapes such as the “Elephant Trunk,” “Gate of Heaven,” “Natural Bridge,” and “Buddha’s Candle Mountain,” adding an element of danger and charm to Yaolong Mountain. The mountain boasts a healthy ecosystem, with streams running throughout, trees covering the hillsides, and lush greenery stretching as far as the eye can see. Blooming flowers compete in beauty, while birds and animals sing in harmony, forming a natural masterpiece. The area grows dozens of precious medicinal herbs such as Gastrodia elata, Coptis chinensis, and Eucommia ulmoides, and shelters rare wildlife including pangolins and leopards. The air is rich in health-beneficial negative ions, and the cool climate remains refreshing even in the height of summer, earning it the name “Cooling Mountain.” It is an ideal destination for lung detoxification, recuperation, leisure, and summer retreat. From the summit of Yaolong Mountain, one can also witness

the “Buddha’s Light” phenomenon—a rare and magical meteorological spectacle said to be visible only on sacred Buddhist mountains like Mount Emei. To witness this extraordinary sight is considered a sign of great fortune, as it occurs only when fate allows. For thousands of years, Yaolong Mountain has been a renowned tourist destination for its unique geology, majestic and perilous natural scenery, and profound religious heritage. It serves as a place for Buddhist worship, sightseeing, adventure, and summer retreat, earning widespread acclaim and the reputation of the “Yaolong Immortal Mountain” across a radius of over 100 kilometers in both northern Guizhou and southern Chongqing.

Tianping features a subtropical monsoon climate, with vast primeval forests, a pleasant climate, distinct seasons, and abundant rainfall. The terraced rice fields surrounding the base of Yaolong Mountain span tens of thousands of acres. Under the sunlight, the layered paddies resemble pieces of glass inlaid among farmhouses and green mountains, earning the area the beloved title of “Glass Village,” well-known across both Guizhou and Chongqing. The region is dotted with dozens of reservoirs and ponds, making it a perfect spot for fishing, picnicking, and leisure. Tianping also has a deep historical and cultural heritage, including the Guizhou-Northern Boundary Chongxi River Boundary Stele inscribed by Yang Sen, former Governor of Guizhou; the millennia-old market town of Jian Touya, known as the “One-Step-to-Guizhou-and-Chongqing” crossroads; the “Maotian” site where Mao Zedong and Zhu De’s Red Army troops once camped; and the ancient geological formations of Hanjiadian.

In recent years, with the booming growth of eco-tourism and rural tourism, immersing oneself in nature, returning to nature, and enjoying nature have become fashionable pursuits. As summer approaches, batches of tourists flock here, staying in our farmhouse accommodations. The cool climate, beautiful scenery, tranquil environment, quality service, and simple local hospitality attract guests from all directions. Currently, the township has nearly 100 farmhouse inns, capable of accommodating over 1,000 guests for food and lodging simultaneously.

The magnificent and fantastical scenery of Yaolong, the timeless vicissitudes of ancient temples, the picturesque pastoral beauty, and the profound cultural heritage will surely allow you to personally experience the harmony, civilization, warmth, and hospitality of Tianping during your visit. The friendly people of Tianping welcome you with renewed vigor and excellent service for a refreshing summer retreat or a memorable sightseeing journey.