Wuzhishi

Wuzhishi

Wuzhishi is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Wuzhishi, a provincial-level scenic area in Pingyuan County, is a famous Danxia landform destination in eastern Guangdong. Situated in Chagan Town, 57 kilometers north of Pingyuan County, five stone peaks rise dramatically from the earth, shaped like five extended fingers reaching toward the clouds, exuding grandeur.

The mountain boasts many scenic spots, such as Sword Gate Rock, Stone Forest Temple, Clever Spring, Primordial Tower, the One-Line Sky, Immortal’s Bed, Hall Stone, Green Cloud Path, the ruins of the Stone Chamber Study, Sleeping Buddha Cave, Manjusri Platform, Taming Ridge Trail, Horse Racing Field, and more. With thousands of peaks competing in beauty, steep cliffs, and breathtaking scenery, it is a visual feast.

Viewed from afar, Wuzhishi features steep cliffs and rock formations resembling five outstretched fingers rising from the ground and piercing the sky, hence the name "Wuzhishi" (Five-Finger Rock).

In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Zhu Yujian, the ninth-generation descendant of the Ming Dynasty's founding emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and the Prince of Tang, was enthroned by Zheng Zhilong and others. Xie Zhiliang and his son Xie Shangkui, military commanders of Taiyuan, were ordered to establish a base at Wuzhishi to carry out anti-Qing and pro-Ming activities for 16 years before being defeated by the Qing army, which surrounded them with troops from Huizhou, Chaozhou, Tingzhou, and Ganzhou. These stone tables and stools symbolize the ceremonial throne of Emperor Longwu. The Primordial Tower beneath the hall was built by the monks of Stone Forest Temple to commemorate the fallen soldiers of that time, and the tomb’s top remains intact.

Stone Forest Temple. "How high are the Stone Forest peaks? The sacred temple stands firm atop the summit." Before us are the extraordinary Wuzhishi peaks. The ancient structure on the left is Stone Forest Temple, established during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. The temple houses the "Three-Thousand-Jin Treasures of the Temple"—iron-cast Buddha statues, incense burners, and a large bell, each weighing one thousand jin (approximately 500 kg).

Wuzhishi mainly consists of five finger-like rocks: Baoding Rock (thumb), Luohan Rock (index finger), Tianzhu Rock (middle finger), Xianglong Rock (ring finger), and Baogai Rock (little finger). Each has a relative elevation of over 250 meters above the ground, forming the core of a red-bed basin.

The red strata of Wuzhishi’s Danxia landform are predominantly horizontally layered. Due to well-developed vertical joints, prolonged intense water erosion and gravitational collapse have created steep mountains, developed fissures, deep caves, and a landscape that is both majestic and elegant. Dense vegetation further enhances the beauty of these rocky peaks, combining ruggedness with inner grace.

The highest peak of Wuzhishi stands over 460 meters above sea level. The area boasts rich and unique natural and cultural landscapes. The scenic zone features the "Five Wonders" (peculiar rocks, vines, crevices, trees, and caves), the "Eight Scenic Spots" (Sword Gate, Stone Forest Temple, Clever Spring, Primordial Tower, the One-Line Sky, Immortal’s Bed, Longwu Hall, and Green Cloud Path), and over 60 attractions such as Danjing Residence, Butterfly Valley, and the Eco Park.

Visitors can only squeeze through sideways, but it’s absolutely thrilling yet safe. Passing through the rock crevices tests one’s willpower and brings the joy of overcoming hardship. After traversing the Belly-Grinding Crevice, life’s path will be smooth. The Star-Haired Canopy Vine on Guan’gai Rock, with a trunk diameter of 32 cm and foliage covering half the rocky mountain, is hailed as the "Number One Vine in Lingnan."

Clever Spring and Cliff-Vine. "The Clever Spring is no ordinary water, suspected to be immortal nectar from the heavens. A sip boosts wisdom, three cups extend your lifespan." This clear spring is the Clever Spring. According to records, Xie Shenrong from Chagan Huyang Village in the Qing Dynasty was slow-witted in his youth. After studying diligently at the Stone Forest Study with the help of this spring, his literary talent flourished, and he eventually passed the imperial examination as a Jinshi in the 50th year of Qianlong’s reign. Beside the spring lies a nearly 50-meter-long crevice, only 0.5 meters wide, called the "Belly-Grinding Crevice."

Lü Zhixian, former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, praised Wuzhishi after visiting: "The beauty of Wuzhishi is a heavenly paradise on Earth," calling it an emerging gem of tourism in southern Guangdong.

Wuzhishi boasts abundant wildlife and plant resources, including over 1,000 species of higher plants from 70 families and 200-plus genera, as well as more than 30 types of wildlife. With a subtropical monsoon climate—neither too cold in spring, too hot in summer, too dry in autumn, nor too cold in winter—the area has a long tourism season. Its dramatic peaks, dense forests, and clear springs have earned it the reputation of "the most exquisite scenery under heaven, Little Guilin of Chagan."

Wuzhishi is an extension of the Wuyi Mountains into Guangdong, with geological formations dating back to the mid-to-late Cretaceous period, consisting of lacustrine clastic sedimentary rock layers. The dominant rock types are brown and reddish-brown sandstone, conglomerate, and siltstone, with some sand shale.

"The crown jewel of the Eight Scenic Spots, the One-Line Sky, where crevices and clouds intertwine. Marvel at the peculiar vines and peaks, a paradise surpassing the immortal realm." The rocky canyon before you is the rare "One-Line Sky" phenomenon in China. Standing in the middle and looking up in any direction, you’ll see a narrow sliver of sky—a truly rare sight in the world.

Wuzhishi Scenic Area contains numerous historical and cultural relics. These include the "Sword Gate" defense ruins, the 300-year-old "Stone Forest Temple" (now restored and open), the remnants of the "Longwu Hall" from Emperor Longwu of the late Ming Dynasty, the legendary "Primordial Tower" ruins with surviving walls, and the "Ancient Battle Wall" ruins under Luohan Rock.

Wine Vat Rock and Rice Basket Rock. Legend has it that in ancient times, villagers here lived in hardship, dreaming of days filled with food and wine. A wandering immortal noticed their plight and transformed two rocks into perpetual sources of wine and rice, bringing prosperity. But over time, the villagers grew lazy and corrupt. The immortal, revisiting the site, lamented, "Even immortals can make mistakes," turning the rocks back into mountains devoid of wine or rice, leaving behind a moral: "Abstain from drunkenness, for the Wine Vat Rock shall never pour again; cherish virtue, for all should gaze upon the Rice Basket Mountain." The spot where the immortal rested is called Immortal Stone, also known as Immortal’s Bed.

In 1992, it was designated as one of the "National Natural Tourism Landscapes" by the National Tourism Administration; in 1999, it was recognized as a "Provincial-Level Tourist Attraction" by the Provincial Tourism Bureau; in March of the same year, it was approved as a "Provincial-Level Scenic Area" by the Guangdong Provincial People’s Government; in September 2000, it was listed as a "Guangdong Leisure Resort Destination" by the Provincial Tourism Bureau.

Wuzhishi Plank Walk: The first phase of this project starts at the entry of the Concubine Valley, extends along the right mountain wall to Wan’an Fort, winds around the Lion’s Turn, crosses a suspension bridge to Yuming Cave, meanders to Banana Valley, and ends at the Forest Farm Orchard. Key features include a 2,900-meter plank walk, a 35-meter suspension bridge, one glass viewing platform, six observation decks, five rest platforms, one management facility, and a 600-meter footpath, covering a planned area of 15 mu. It opened in October 2013.

Transportation: Accessible via the Guangmeizhan Railway, Meizhou Airport, Meikan Railway, and the under-construction Meijie Expressway. Travelers can transfer to Pingyuan County from Meizhou to reach Wuzhishi. Eight minibuses shuttle between Pingyuan County and the scenic area, departing hourly.

Address: Chagan Town, Pingyuan County, Meizhou City

Type: Geological, Landscape, Mountain, Forest

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours

Phone: 0753-8272828; 0753-8273252

Opening Hours: 9:00–17:30

Ticket:

Adult ticket to Wuzhishi in Meizhou (includes sightseeing bus and cable car) – 135 yuan

Chagan Town: Chagan Town is located in the northwest of Pingyuan County. To the east, it borders Xiaba Township of Wu Ping County in Fujian Province; to the west, it adjoins Xiangshan Township of Xunwu County in Jiangxi Province; to the south, it neighbors Renju and Shangju within the same county; and to the north, it leans against Minzhu Township of Wu Ping County in Fujian Province. The town covers an area of 93 square kilometers, comprising 8 village committees and 42 villager groups. By the end of 2003, it had 1,794 households and a population of 7,736, including 152 non-agricultural households and 454 non-agricultural residents. In 2003, the town achieved a gross domestic product of 34.37 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 12.4%; total industrial output value of 38.39 million yuan, up 22.9%; and total agricultural output value of 23.9... More detailed information about Chagan Town++