Zhailiáoxi Scenic Area, an extension of the Southern Yandang Mountains, is located in the middle reaches of the Feiyun River in Rui’an City, 82 kilometers away from the urban area of Wenzhou. The scenic area is composed of nine parts, including the Jade Maiden Valley and Jiuzhu Tan in the south, Longtan and Huilong Stream in the east, Feiyun Lake and Jimen Stream in the west, Tengyan Waterfall in the north, and Hua Yan in the northeast. It is characterized by a series of connected waterfalls and ponds, meandering streams, and lush forests. The streams of Zailiáoxi are winding and curved; the streams follow the mountains and terrain; the water is clear and clean; the streamside oases and stone beaches are swaying with bamboo and trees; the mountains on both banks are winding, with green valleys crisscrossing, presenting both the Jiangnan pastoral scenery of ‘small bridges, flowing water, and homes’ and the rich wild charm of southern Zhejiang’s countryside. Silver waterfalls and green ponds are a major attraction of Zailiáoxi, especially the extraordinary waterfall ponds. Here, there are waterfalls above ponds, and ponds above waterfalls, each with its own unique features. It has the reputation of ‘no need to see other ponds after returning from Zailiáoxi’. Within the area, there are many colorful and lifelike halls, rocks, and caves among the different mountains and valleys. Visitors can enjoy the Turtle Cave, Silver Cave, Water Curtain Cave, and Immortal Cave, among other exemplary works. Longtan: Along the path lined with bamboo shoots and a refreshing breeze, one can climb up to see the three ponds of Dragon Pearl, Dragon Tongue, and Dragon Mouth. Standing here, one can see a waterfall like a ribbon cascading down a gap in the dark rock back, resembling a dragon’s mouth fountain, ringing and pleasant to the ear. Climbing up the fifty or sixty steps of the ladder by the pond, the cliffs on both sides suddenly split open, and a bright white dragon shoots out, rushing up to the sky, and then turns into a turbulent river in the sky, falling into the pond with a loud crash, splashing countless star-like water droplets. The pond is filled with mist, and if the sun shines, rainbows leap over the water, dazzling and stunning. Legend has it that there are stone tables and chairs hidden in the pond, inviting reverie. The Water Curtain Cave: Near Longtan, there is a crescent-shaped shallow cave, with a curtain of water hanging down from the cliff of a hundred feet, and through the silver curtain of rain, this is the ‘Water Curtain Cave’. Passing by the dangerous rocks and entering the cave, one can immediately feel the cold air, refreshing and penetrating. The Four Ponds: Not far from the Water Curtain Cave are the four interconnected ponds – Jade Plate Pond, Jade Spoon Pond, Jade Jar Pond, and Sleeping Lion Pond. Side view is a four-section waterfall, and top view is a rolling dragon waterfall in a ‘z’ shape, like a white dragon playing with snow, spectacular. Above the Sleeping Lion Pond, there is also a lake called Tianchi, where one can play in the water or row a boat. Sitting in the bamboo grove by the lake, one can also enjoy the wonders of Guanyin Rock, Eagle Rock, and Golden Monkey Rock. Huilong Stream: Climbing up along the stream, in the middle section of the more than 200-meter-long Huilong Stream, there are large and small Longsi Pond, Longyu Pond, Longji Pond, and Longtong Pond, each with its own style. Beside the stream stands the White Dragon Waterfall, with a waterfall cascading down like a ribbon and curtain, broad and spectacular, with extraordinary momentum. Going forward is the Soft Mountain Reservoir, commonly known as Shui Yao Pond. The pond water is as clear as a mirror, a cool world in summer. What attracts people is the 100-meter-high Feilai Waterfall.
Waterfalls cascade down from the mountaintop where water and sky blend into one, following the perilous cliffs with a resounding thunder, akin to the galloping of ten thousand horses. The Feilai Waterfall flows perennially, creating dozens of small emerald pools in the thousand-meter-long stream below. The minor rapids resemble a sinuous, dancing dragon. To the right of the Feilai Waterfall stands a towering and majestic Lion Rock, with a flat top like a bed, capable of accommodating over 40 people at once. When a few individuals push on its lower end, it trembles slightly. However, if one attempts to pry it with a steel rod, it remains utterly motionless. Locals thus refer to it as the Pushing Rock. The entire area is open from 08:00 to 16:30 all year round; from 08:30 to 17:00, with different times for various internal areas. Specific times and operational status are subject to the daily opening conditions of the scenic area. Service facilities include a parking lot: [Zhailiáoxi Scenic Spot]
