Chongqing Yutai Mountain

　　The Yutai Mountain Scenic Area is situated 12 kilometers east of Fuling City at the confluence of the Yangtze and Wu Rivers, and 119 kilometers from downtown Chongqing. It is a blessed land known for its rain-prayer culture, integrating sightseeing, wellness retreats, and business conferences. With an elevation of 862 meters, Yutai Mountain was historically a place where people prayed for rain during droughts. It was originally called Hongdu Mountain. After the Eastern Han Dynasty, it became known as Baidi Mountain because, according to historical accounts, Gongsun Shu stationed troops here. During the Tang Dynasty, it was referred to as Zhongsong Mountain, after the legend that the immortal Erzhu cultivated Daoism and planted pine trees here. On the eighth day of the sixth lunar month in the sixteenth year of the Chongzhen Emperor’s reign in the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Xianzhong entered Sichuan, climbed to the mountaintop to raise his flag, and surveyed the military situation in Fuzhou — hence it also became known as Qizhi Mountain (“Flag-Raising Mountain”). The area around Fuling has many slopes and is prone to drought, which is why it is also called Yutai Mountain (“Rain Altar Mountain”). The tradition of praying for rain dates back to ancient times, with records found in the “Yuanfeng Jiuyu Zhi · Ancient Relics · Fuzhou” by Wang Cun of the Northern Song Dynasty and the “Fuzhou Annals” from the 25th year of the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty. While the exact dynasty when rain-prayer altars were first established on Yutai Mountain is unknown, extant fragmented steles record that the rain-prayer altar was rebuilt during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. Yutai Mountain is bordered by the Wu River to the south, the Yangtze River to the northwest, and the Zilu Stream to the east, where three rivers converge. With cliffs on three sides and only a mountain ridge to the south connecting it to the outside world — historically known as Zouma Ridge, part of the famed Peng-Fuling Post Road — the terrain is gently sloped, shaded by verdant pines and bamboo groves, and home to diverse plant species with over 96% vegetation coverage. The scenic area hosts more than 60 wild monkeys and over 10 black swans. At the mountaintop, twelve peaks encircle Xianhe Lake, covering nearly 100 acres with crystal-clear waters year-round. Activities 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. Facilities include chess and card rooms, and a VOD karaoke system to meet tourists’ 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, there is a Rain Prayer Maiden Selection Contest and a New Rice Festival; and during Chinese New Year, the Yutai Mountain Temple Fair takes place. From the mountain’s western side, visitors can view the convergence of two rivers and take in a panoramic view of Fuling and its eight famous scenic spots. To the east lies a three-kilometer-long Tianyun Divine Path, featuring one kilometer of cliff inscriptions, the ancient Dongwan Fort used for shelter during the “Huguang Filling Sichuan” migration and wartime, the Fengche Stone believed to bless a bountiful harvest, the Yiyanshan Temple from the Northern Song Dynasty, the Living Buddha worshipped by thousands, the hidden “Treasure Box Clasp,” and the ancient stone bell nearby. Other sights include the Mountain King God who guards the area, the Changchun Cave where Taoist hermits practiced, the Flowering Rock of Guanyin, the kind-hearted Baizhu Guanyin, a 500-meter-long celestial ladder, the Rain Prayer Altar for praying for rainfall, and the elegant Eagle’s Beak peak.

　　II. Attractions Introduction

　　Rain Prayer Altar. Legend has it that “Mao Fazhen” was an immortal who attained Dao on Yutai Mountain. He could summon rain during 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 — where the stele stands, the god remains. In times of severe drought, people would burn incense, offer prayers, and recite petitions, asking for rain, which was always granted. Through the ages, the Rain Prayer Altar underwent many changes. It was rebuilt during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1875 AD), but was heavily damaged during the “Smash the Four Olds” campaign in the early years of liberation. Today, only the pillar slots and the fragmented stele inscribed with “Rain Prayer Altar — Mao Fazhen’s Altar” remain standing, bearing witness to Yutai Mountain’s ancient and mystical history of rain prayer and blessings.

　　Living Buddha. Legend says that one summer night in 1979, a farmer’s wife cooling off across the mountain saw a group of figures flying from east to west and landing above this cliff. On a clear, moonlit night, the images of China’s four great leaders allegedly appeared vividly on the rock face. Word spread quickly, and soon the site became known as the Living Buddha. People flocked here to worship, with up to tens of thousands visiting daily at its peak. This spot was originally the site of the Yiyanshan Temple from the Northern Song Dynasty, known for granting every wish and enjoying thriving incense offerings.

　　Guanyin Rock’s Flowering Stone. This site enshrines Baizhu Guanyin, the Jewel Pearl Guanyin who protects peace and delivers all beings. Every year on Guanyin’s birthday, devotees from far and wide come to worship. Inscriptions on the rock wall date back to the 11th year of the Tongzhi reign in the Qing Dynasty (1872 AD). Worship of Guanyin began before the inscription, making the site approximately 200 years old. Legend says that the sincere devotion of worshippers moved heaven, causing beautiful flowers to bloom on the rocks above the right side of the Guanyin statue. In reality, the rocks do not bloom — those “flowering stones” are ancient rock nodules embedded in the sandstone formed 160 million years ago, making them 200–300 million years older than the sandstone itself.

　　Xingyue Lake. Also called Xianhe 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 the light of stars and moon, purifying the human spirit to achieve unity with nature — hence the name Xingyue Lake (“Star-Moon Lake”). In ancient times, participants in the rain prayer ceremony had to bathe in Xianhe Lake first to cleanse themselves of worldly impurities before ascending the altar, ensuring the ritual's efficacy. Another tale says that the white crane raised by the immortal Erzhu frolicked and rested on this lake. Thus, it is also called Xianhe Lake (“Crane Lake”).

　　Dongwan Ancient Fort. Throughout history, the Bashu region suffered frequent warfare. To escape conflict, ancient Ba people built a tall stone wall along the mountain, hiding within the fortress. Backed by high cliffs and fronted by deep ditches, the fort was concealed by dense forests, making it hard for outsiders to find. Hence it was named Dongwan Ancient Fort. A remnant section survives, featuring double bull-eared stones and earthen core walls.

　　Monkey Valley. Located at the entrance of the Rain Prayer Sky Road, this is the most active area for Yutai Mountain’s macaques. Nestled in the rhythmic “breathing” forest, feeling sunbeams filtering through leaves, they leap between treetops or splash in ponds. The monkeys live harmoniously with humans, sharing the beauty of nature.

　　Black Swans. In China, swans have long been symbols of beauty, luck, and nobility. Among them, black swans are the most elegant, graceful, and visually stunning members of the species, highly favored for their beauty. With bodies almost entirely black except for small white primary wing feathers and a mantle of fluffy gray feathers, black swans are gracefully shaped, dignified, gentle, and loyal — they mate for life. Leveraging Yutai Mountain’s pristine environment, the scenic area introduced over 10 black swans from Australia, giving visitors the rare chance to see them up close.

　　III. Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

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

　　Ticket Price: 38 RMB.

　　Discount Policy: Children under 1.2 meters are free; seniors over 70 with a senior discount card are free; active-duty military, martyrs' families, and retired officers are free with valid ID; children between 1.2–1.4 meters get half-price tickets; seniors aged 60–69 with a senior discount card receive half-price tickets; groups of 10 or more qualify for group rates; local Fuling residents enjoy a discounted price of 10 RMB with ID.

　　IV. Dining and Accommodation Recommendations

　　Yutai Mountain Daming Mountain Villa (dining, accommodation, entertainment)

　　Specialties: Whole Lamb Roast (lamb skewers), Stewed Native Chicken

　　Special Events: Bonfire Party

　　Address: Within Yutai Mountain Scenic Area

　　Contact: 023-72769188, 023-72769133

　　Wooden Cabin Boutique Hotel (accommodation)

　　Built with premium solid wood, surrounded by pristine nature, and with full Wi-Fi coverage, you can enjoy a hermit-like tranquil life while staying connected to the world.

　　Contact: 023-72769188

　　Tent Camping (accommodation)

　　Yutai Mountain’s unique environment makes it a must-visit for camping enthusiasts. With mountains, lakes, and grasslands, enjoy self-service barbecues under the starry night sky, listen to frog choruses, and experience a different pace of life away from the city’s hustle.

　　V. Travel Transportation

　　V. Transportation for Travel

　　1. Bus: Starting point at the bus stop next to Jianfu Hotel on Luyijia Dam, Route 109. Stops along the way include Gaosuncan — West Passenger Transport Station — Wujiang Bridge — Jiangdong Office — Dayakou (walk to the main entrance of Yutai Mountain from here).

　　2. Taxi: Pick-up available from anywhere in the urban area. Metered fare is approximately 30–35 RMB, while a verbally agreed 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 Yutai Mountain WeChat public account.)

　　VI. Scenic Area Tourism Service Hotlines

　　Inquiry Hotline: 023-72769000, 023-72769002

　　Complaint Hotline: 023-72769008

　　Tour Guide Contact Hotline: 023-72769000

　　Ticketing Center Hotline: 023-742760766

　　Emergency Rescue Hotline: 023-72769188

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