Located at the southern foot of Yuntai Mountain, Dong Lei boasts one-third of the Yuntai Twenty-Four Scenic Spots, particularly the Stone Sea, which is renowned for its peculiar and diverse rocks, and is known as one of the four famous seas in China. Together with the eight-hundred-year-old magnolia trees and the five-thousand-year-old Sun Stone, they form one of the six famous scenic spots in the country. Half of the characters from ‘Journey to the West,’ the entire plot of ‘The Mirror Flower Water Moon,’ and the latter part of ‘The Eastern Travels’ featuring the dragon king’s misfortune are all set in the Dong Lei Scenic Area. The close connection of three ancient mythological novels with a single scenic area is rare in the country. Historically, Dong Lei’s ancient temple, Yanfu Temple, was the Taoist center of Northern Jiangsu, with incense spreading throughout the region. It was simultaneously ennobled with Sanyuan Temple in Huaguo Mountain during the Ming Dynasty. Among the Yuntai Twenty-Four Scenic Spots, Dong Lei alone accounts for eight. It is home to nationally famous attractions such as the Sun Stone carvings and the Magnolia Flower King. At the Sun Stone carving site, one can witness the sunrise over the sea. After centuries of development, the scenic area features peculiar rocks and strange stones, famous flowers and plants, towering ancient trees, and a symphony of birdsong. Dong Lei Scenic Area is an important part of Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area, located 10 kilometers from the city center. The scenery here is renowned for its ‘strange rocks, strange trees, strange temples, and strange colors.’ The Dong Lei strange rocks stretch as far as the eye can see, commonly referred to as the ‘Stone Sea.’ Each rock has a unique shape, formed by the movement of the mountain, creating a natural and skillful combination. Some resemble people, others objects, some are like flowers, birds, and beasts, and others evoke the image of wind and waves. After viewing the Stone Sea, one cannot help but marvel at the wonders of nature’s craftsmanship. The area is open all year round from 10:00 to 21:00.
Dong Lei Scenic Area
Located at the southern foot of Yuntai Mountain, Dong Lei boasts one-third of the Yuntai Twenty-Four[...]
