Yandang Mountain Scenic Area

Historical Overview

The mountain’s documented history dates to the Jin Dynasty (265–420 CE), when poet Xie Lingyun praised its beauty in his works. In the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), monks established Buddhist temples on Xianglu Peak. The area gained modern recognition in 2005 as a national geopark, later earning UNESCO status for its rare rhombus-shaped volcanic vents. Recent conservation efforts (2020) expanded trails and introduced digital guides.

Structural Layout

The park is divided into three core zones:

1. Flexible Cliff Zone: Famous for its 200m-tall cliffs, waterfalls, and caves.
2. Eight Scenic Spots Zone: Includes the "Pair of Swallows in the Sky" and "Immortal’s Residence."
3. Three Peaks Zone: Features the park’s highest summits—Baigu, Lingfeng, and Tianyan.

Key landmarks include the Xianglu Peak Temple (1,108m elevation) and Daluo Peak (volcanic vent site).

Major Attractions

1. Flexible Cliff Waterfall: A 197m cascade, one of China’s tallest, with seasonal rainbow sightings.
2. Three Peaks: Baigu Peak (sunrise views), Lingfeng Peak (cliff carvings), and Tianyan Peak (sea of clouds).
3. Pair of Swallows in the Sky: Twin rock formations resembling swallows in flight.
4. Xianglu Peak Temple: Ming Dynasty temple with bronze bells and panoramic vistas.
5. Daluo Peak Volcanic Vent: A 1.2-billion-year-old geological site with hexagonal basalt columns.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (4–5 hours):
   Visitor Center → Flexible Cliff Waterfall → Pair of Swallows → Xianglu Peak Temple → Baigu Peak → Exit
   Highlights: Iconic waterfalls, rock formations, and sunrise views.
2. Adventure Route (6–7 hours):
   Add Daluo Peak hike and cave exploration (¥30 entry).
3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   Include all zones, plus a boat ride on Xianju Lake and cultural performance at the park’s theater.

Ticket Purchase

• Main Entrance Ticket: ¥210 (peak season April–October), ¥180 (off-season).
• Discounts: ¥110 for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m.
• Purchase: Book online via Ctrip or the park’s official WeChat account.

Transportation

• By High-Speed Rail: Yandang Mountain Station (2 hours from Shanghai), then taxi (15 mins).
• By Bus: Wenzhou City → Yandang Mountain (1.5 hours via Route 15).
• By Car: Shanghai → Yandang Mountain via G60 Expressway (4.5 hours).

Best Time & Tips

• Ideal Seasons: spring (April–May) for blooms, autumn (October–November) for clear skies.
• Essentials:
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots for steep trails.
  • Bring a raincoat (weather shifts rapidly).
  • Photography allowed except in temple inner sanctums.
• Prohibited Items: Drones, large bags, and outside food (picnics allowed in designated areas).
• Cultural Note: Remove hats in temples; avoid climbing on sacred rocks.