Dan Mountain and Red Water, part of the Siming Mountain range, is situated 45 kilometers southwest of the Yuyao urban area. The area is named for the striking “red rocks printing on the brook,” a feature that contributes to its extremely beautiful scenery. The mountain also boasts a wealth of Taoist relics, adding to its cultural significance.
The most suitable seasons to visit Dan Mountain and Red Water are autumn and winter. During these times, the mountain is adorned with red leaves, creating a picturesque landscape. Additionally, it is an excellent period to indulge in persimmons, a local delicacy. Many tourists from the surrounding areas drive to this location to immerse themselves in the rural pleasures it offers.
The scenic area features two entrances. The main entrance is conveniently located near Shilin Village, at the foot of the mountain, in the direction of Yuyao. The secondary entrance, to the east, is about 2 kilometers away from the village, in the direction of Ningbo. Shilin Village serves as the base for accommodation and meals within the Dan Mountain and Red Water area. Tourists typically stay and dine here before crossing the brook to climb the mountain.
In the summer, visitors can enjoy rafting on the brook, adding an element of adventure to their visit. When persimmons are in season, they can be purchased in the village at a very affordable price. The persimmons are naturally ripened and cost only a few yuan per catty, making them both delicious and budget-friendly.
Upon entering Shilin Village, one’s attention is immediately drawn to a group of ancient trees, said to be hundreds of years old. In autumn, when these trees are laden with persimmons, they become even more enchanting. Almost every household in the village grows persimmons, and the majority of the residents share the surname Shen, indicating that they are descendants of the historical figure Shen Kuo.
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In this quaint village, a stroll through the narrow alleys might lead you to encounter locals engaged in idle chatter by the roadside, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. Comprised entirely of stone houses, this village offers a refreshing change from the Huizhou architecture and Jiangnan ancient towns you might be more accustomed to. The village is home to many farmhouses, old dwellings with stone walls and black tiles, which, despite not matching the comforts of urban hotels, possess a unique charm.
For those interested in mountain climbing, upon entering the scenic area gate, you can turn left to find Chishui Bridge. Beyond the bridge lies the mountain’s entrance, marked by a stone tablet inscribed with the characters ‘Dan Mountain and Red Water’—a perfect spot for a souvenir photo. Alternatively, you can begin your journey from Niutoushan Road within the village, passing by Qiaosu Garden and following the Nine Bends of Good Fortune Road to the brook, which serves as the starting point for summer rafting adventures. From here, you can embark on a rubber raft and漂流 all the way to the secondary entrance downstream.
Veering left, you’ll find a footpath that leads to the mountain. This path meanders along both sides of the brook, connected by small bridges. The ascent is relatively steep, but it forms a loop, so you won’t need to retrace your steps. At about one-third of the way up the mountain, you’ll encounter a cave known as ‘Nine Refinements of Golden Elixir’.
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Legend has it that Siming Mountain is the place where the Taoist ancestor refined elixirs and cultivated truth. As you ascend, the mountain becomes increasingly steep. When physical exertion starts to challenge you, there’s a Yitian Corridor where you can take a breather.
Upon reaching the mountain ridge, you’ll encounter a massive stone statue of Tai Shang Lao Jun, a landmark feature of the mountain. Following a relatively flat mountain path, you’ll come across Siming Taoist Temple, a significant Taoist temple within Siming Mountain worth visiting.
At the peak, don’t miss the Medicine Scattering Platform, which juts out over the cliff edge, offering a remarkable view.
Climbing from the base to the summit of the mountain takes at least half an hour. Continuing along the footpath, you’ll return to the stream at the mountain’s base, leading to the service area of the ‘Ninth Cave Heaven’ grand crossing. This area is in proximity to the Chishui Bridge.
The Ninth Cave Heaven features new outdoor expansion projects within the scenic area, including zip lines and mountain single-plank bridges. It operates from 08:00 to 17:00 between April 1st and November 30th, and from 08:30 to 16:30 between December 1st and March 31st.
In terms of preferential policies, children under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.2 meters in height (inclusive) enter for free, while minors aged 6 years old (exclusive) to 18 years old (inclusive) are eligible for children’s tickets.**Admission Policies for Yuyao Dan Mountain and Chishui Scenic Area:**
– **Elderly**: Complimentary admission for individuals aged 70 and above, inclusive, upon presenting ID cards and senior citizen cards.
– **Disabled Individuals**: Free entry with valid disability certificates.
– **Tour Guides**: Admission is free for tour guides with valid tour guide certificates.
– **Journalists**: Press card holders enjoy free admission.
– **Students**: Full-time undergraduate and below students can avail of discounted tickets with their student ID cards.
– **Active Servicemen and Soldiers**: Discounted tickets are available with valid certificates.
– **Teachers**: Teachers with a 30-year teaching honor certificate qualify for discounted tickets.
– **Firefighters**: Discounted tickets are provided with valid certificates.
**Supplementary Note**: The information provided is for reference only. Please refer to the announcements made on the same day at Yuyao Dan Mountain and Chishui Scenic Area for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
**Service Facilities:**
– **Parking Lot**: [Dan Mountain and Chishui Parking Lot]
– **Reference Price**: ¥10 per entry
– **Address**: Shilin Village, Dalan Town, Yuyao City, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province
– **Parking Spaces**: 50 available spots
