Kalazuo Yuncheng Mountain Villa

Kalazuo Yuncheng Mountain Villa

Kalazuo Yuncheng Mountain Villa is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Located 30 li southeast of Kalazuo County, nestled among rolling mountains, lies a picturesque haven where breathtaking natural scenery and splendid cultural landmarks blend seamlessly with activities such as breeding, planting, picking, leisure, sightseeing, and recreation. Spanning over 1,000 acres, this treasured site is the grand tourist destination of Greater Western Liaoning — "Yuncheng Mountain Villa."

Four li southeast past the Caochang Township government government, facing south, an imposing and majestic mountain gate suddenly comes into view. Along both sides of the path, more than ten large bluestones are stacked, and faux elm trees with diameters exceeding two meters and lengths of five zhang are mounted horizontally atop the standing stones. The dragon-claw-like roots twist down through the rocks on the western side and dig into the earth; at the center of the trunk, the four gleaming characters “Yuncheng Mountain Villa” shine brilliantly and dazzle the eye; near the top of the trunk, two golden, shimmering divine dragons face each other playfully, their eyes locked on a flaming pearl, fierce and lifelike. This uniquely shaped, grandiose mountain gate blends ingeniously with the villa’s landscape, instantly intensifying visitors’ desire to explore its grounds — a true masterpiece of ingenious design and craftsmanship.

Passing through the mountain gate and descending along a sloped pathway paved with colorful marble fragments, rows of fruit trees and vegetables line the area outside the railings, accompanied by the occasional barking of dogs, crowing of chickens, and the circling of eagles overhead — the distinctive charm of the villa greets you immediately. A hundred meters down the slope, behind a small square stands a simple Beijing-style flat-roofed building, which serves as the administrative office of the villa. In front of it, a pink two-story building is where visitors can dine. Here, hand-grilled lamb, whole roasted sheep, wild mountain delicacies, and fresh vegetables abound — green foods fill the plates, offering strong ethnic flavors that promise a feast for the taste buds. Below the dining hall, ten red-brick cave-style guest rooms are lined up in a row, integrating harmoniously yet distinctly with the western visitor accommodation area. Staying here, guests can not only experience the rustic charm of the Northeastern kang bed but also enjoy the serene ambiance of northwestern cave dwellings. In front, a rockery landscape features a cascading waterfall, misty sprays, and blooming water droplets, while a lush locust forest frames a winding water channel that leads all the way to a bluish-green stone rockery in the southeast. Small bridges span the channel, with peculiar rocks lying about; tree stumps line the water’s edge, each uniquely shaped. Beneath the rockery lies a crescent-shaped pool, crystal clear, reminiscent of the “Little Stone Pond” described by Liu Zongyuan — a delightful sight that refreshes both the eyes and the spirit. To the west of the dining building lies the fishing pond. Covering two acres, the pond shimmers with gentle ripples as anglers cast their lines, their silhouettes mirrored in the shimmering water. Fruit-laden branches nearby exude sweet fragrances, while willow trees along the bank shelter the shore, their dangling tendrils playing host to birds. Such a tranquil and idyllic retreat is enough to captivate any traveler, filling them with wonder and longing.

On the southwestern hilltop stands an artificial bluestone rockery over seven meters tall and roughly the size of three rooms, towering majestically and overlooking the entire garden. On the stone wall, the bright red characters “Bishui Zhulian” (Jade Water Curtain) shine brilliantly, catching the eye. Below lies a delicate, small pool where fish swim playfully and the moon and stars seem to sink beneath the surface. A waterfall splashes down from the rocky cliff, scattering jade and silver, rustling softly as it cascades like dancing beads or falling snow. Magpies and doves circle above, while goldfish glide gracefully in the pool — a true earthly paradise. Visitors can rest on man-made tree stumps by the pool, lean against the massive, tripod-shaped pile of rocks, listen to the roar of the falls, hear birds chirping, watch fish leap, and gaze at drifting clouds — an image of pure contentment. This is the highest point of the villa. Looking out in all directions: mountains surround the area, radiating the vitality of spring in every direction. To the east, one sees the cloud-wreathed Louzishan Mountain; to the south, the cone-shaped Zhuizipeng Peak appears as if writing upon the sky with a giant brush; to the west, the summit of Bailangshan Mountain peeks curiously; and to the north, the Linhe Riverbank shimmers with mist and rainbows. Standing here, one feels as though “the sky is a dome, encompassing all,” with the mountains like emerald pythons coiling protectively around the land. It evokes the sensation of “standing at the center of nature’s vortex, where heaven and earth meet at your feet.”

The entire scenic area is built in harmony with the mountain, following the ways of nature with a unique charm and naturally delightful appeal. In 2007, it was honored with the title of “Top Ten Tourist Resorts in Liaoning Province” by relevant provincial authorities. The park integrates apricot, peach, plum, apple, chestnut, jujube, and grape orchards. From spring through autumn, the air is filled with the fragrance of ripe fruits, vibrant colors abound, and the scenery is overwhelmingly beautiful. Visitors who taste the fresh fruits they’ve picked themselves, experience the joy of labor’s rewards, and take in the idyllic charm of a paradise on earth will surely resonate with the sentiment of “picking chrysanthemums beneath the eastern hedge, gazing leisurely at the southern mountain.” It’s a place that brings genuine joy, lingering memories, and endless aftertaste. In the special poultry farming area: dozens of rare and exotic birds and fowl — including peacocks, turkeys, swans, and grey cranes — make their home here, living leisurely and gracefully. Visitors wandering through can listen to birdsong, watch pheasants and warblers flutter about, and appreciate the harmony between humans and nature, pursuing an ideal of balanced ecology — an experience that offers a unique emotional resonance. The southern hillside hosts Liaoxi’s largest hunting park. Wild rabbits, pheasants, and other game are released here, complemented by artificially crafted moving targets, offering visitors the chance to draw bows, shoot arrows, chase, and play — a lively, wildly romantic scene full of unrestrained thrill and excitement. The eastern hillside is home to the province’s largest breeding base for meat and breeding geese. Over 20,000 snow-white geese live in three enclosures. Five additional enclosures are under construction. Upon completion, the base will house cattle, sheep, pigs, rabbits, raccoon dogs, foxes, pheasants, and more, creating a vibrant ecosystem that contributes significantly to the park’s economic returns. The vegetable garden features both cold and warm greenhouses, complete water supply facilities, and uses only organic fertilizer to produce a variety of fresh, green, and pollution-free vegetables. These not only meet the needs of villa visitors and provide feed for poultry but are also supplied to local markets — achieving multiple benefits and a richly fruitful harvest.

From a high vantage point, the entire vista of the villa unfolds before your eyes. Lush orchards, winding pathways, pavilions reaching skyward, and green waters embracing the horizon. In the early morning, morning mist drifts poetically, bathed in the glow of sunrise; at noon, the view is wide and bright, heavy with the fragrance of fruit, bustling with visitors; come dusk, birds return to their nests, farm songs echo, and the sunset glows brilliantly; at night, stars and moonlight intermingle, colorful lights twinkle gently, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. Visiting this tourist destination, you can admire verdant gardens and exotic flowers in spring, enjoy small bridges over flowing streams and fragrant melons in summer, gaze at wild geese soaring across the sky and jujubes hanging from branches in autumn, and take in snow-blanketed landscapes in winter. This is a travel destination that refreshes the soul and a heavenly escape from the clamor of the world. Come, friends, and unwind here, rediscovering your true self; come, friends, and open your heart to experience the boundless beauty of Greater Western Liaoning.