Located in Zhejiang Province, Mount Yandang is famous for its unique and magnificent natural landscapes. It is characterized by its precipitous peaks, grotesque rock formations, and beautiful valleys. The mountains here are of various shapes, some resembling animals, some like human figures, and others like mythical creatures, which have given rise to numerous vivid legends and stories.
Best Time to Visit: All year
Opening Time: Different spots open at different times
Tickets: Lingfeng Peak : 41CNY; Lingyan Rock: 40CNY; Dalongqiu Waterfall: 40CNY; Three-layer Waterfall: 15CNY; Wild Goose Lake: 15CNY; Sheep Horn Cave: 15CNY; and Xiansheng Gate: 15CNY.
Address: Leqing, Wenzhou, Zhejiang
Geological Features
Typical rhyolitic volcanic landforms
It is a typical ancient rhyolitic volcano of the Cretaceous period, formed about 120 million years ago. The rhyolite, due to rapid cooling of magma on the surface, has unique flow structures. After long-term weathering and erosion, it has formed numerous strange peaks and rocks, such as the variously shaped Lingfeng in the Lingfeng Scenic Area.
Well-preserved volcanic craters and relics
In the Dalongqiu Scenic Area, there are relatively intact volcanic crater relics, which were the center of volcanic eruptions in ancient times. These relics provide important clues for studying the evolution history of the earth and are of great significance for geological research.
Distinctive erosional landforms
Under the combined action of internal and external forces such as volcanism, crustal movement, weathering, and erosion, Yandang Mountain has formed deep valleys, steep cliffs, and other erosional landforms. The valleys are deep and the peaks rise abruptly, presenting magnificent and precipitous natural landscapes.
Rich cave landscapes
There are more than 60 caves in Yandang Mountain, which were formed by the irregular cracks and lithology of lava erupted in different periods under differential weathering. For example, the Guanyin Cave under the Hezhang Peak is 113 meters high and about 76 meters deep, with 9 layers of halls and 377 steps inside, showing a unique cave landscape.
Spectacular waterfalls
Due to the large terrain drop and abundant water sources, Yandang Mountain has formed many spectacular waterfalls, such as the famous Dalongqiu Waterfall with a vertical drop of 197 meters. The waterfalls here are slender, with the water flowing rapidly during the rainy season and water droplets floating gracefully in the dry season, showing ever-changing sceneries.
Must-see Scenic Spots
Lingyan Scenic Area: It is famous for the Nantianmen Gate formed by two peaks in front of Lingyan Temple and the high-altitude cable show "Lingyan Flying Crossing", which is regarded as an intangible cultural heritage .
Dalongqiu Scenic Area: The main attraction is the magnificent waterfall. Despite the water flow varying in different seasons, it still presents a spectacular scene.
Fangdong Scenic Area: Known for its caves and there are two cafes on the cliff where you can take a break and enjoy the beautiful scenery while sipping a drink.
Lingfeng Scenic Area: It is not only a great place for mountain climbing but also has unique cave landscapes. Moreover, it is the top night attraction in Wenzhou, with the combination of lights and natural landscapes at night creating a mysterious and charming atmosphere.
How to best enjoy the scenery of Mount Yandang
Choose the Right Time
Spring (March to May)：The weather is mild, and everything comes back to life. You can enjoy the lush greenery and abundant waterfalls, such as Dalongqiu Waterfall, which is especially spectacular with plenty of water. It is also a great time to see beautiful flowers like azaleas and cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Autumn (September to November)：The temperature is pleasant, and the sky is clear. This is the best time to view the mountain scenery as the leaves change color, presenting a picturesque scene of mountains covered with red, yellow, and orange leaves. There are fewer tourists compared to spring and summer, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature more deeply.
Plan Your Route
Must-visit Spots：Dalongqiu, known for its magnificent waterfall with a drop of 197 meters, is one of the four famous waterfalls in China. Lingyan is famous for being the filming location of "Broken Heart Cliff" in "The Return of the Condor Heroes" and offers the thrilling "Lingyan Flying" performance. Lingfeng has different sceneries during the day and at night, with majestic rocks during the day and mysterious shapes at night. Fangdong allows you to overlook the mountains and enjoy the unique rock formations. Sanzhe Waterfall is divided into upper, middle, and lower sections, each with its own characteristics.
Two-day Route：On the first day, you can visit Yandang Town, Dalongqiu, Fangdong, Lingyan, and enjoy the night view of Lingfeng. On the second day, explore Lingfeng in the daytime, Sanzhe Waterfall, and Xiansheng Gate.
Prepare Adequately
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and climbing, as there will be a lot of walking involved in the scenic area. Dress in layers according to the weather to adapt to temperature changes. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella or raincoat to protect yourself from the sun and unexpected rain. If you plan to hike or climb, it is advisable to bring professional outdoor equipment such as a backpack, hiking poles, etc. Carry a sufficient amount of water to stay hydrated during the journey. You can also bring some snacks and fruits to replenish energy.
