Jiongtai Xiangu, situated 8 kilometers northwest of Tiantai County, is celebrated for its granite landforms and is one of the many scenic spots in Tiantai. The area is characterized by its clear lakes and streams, as well as its steep and verdant mountain ridges, making it a particularly worthwhile visit among the hundred scenes of Tiantai.
The scenic area features two entrances: upper and lower. Given the steep Lingyun Plank Road, which is approximately 1 kilometer long and located near the upper entrance, it is generally advised to enter from the upper entrance and exit from the lower entrance (Yingxian Square). This route allows for a downhill walk, saving both time and effort. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to walk from the upper to the lower entrance, whereas the reverse journey takes nearly 4 hours. There is a shuttle bus service that operates between the two entrances, with buses running every 1-2 hours at a cost of 10 yuan per person. You can take a bus to the lower entrance and then transfer to a shuttle to ascend the mountain, which is a 1-hour walk.
Upon entering the scenic area from the upper entrance, the first site you will encounter is the Yellow Emperor’s altar, believed to be the location where ancient sacrifices to heaven were conducted. Beyond this point, you begin to delve into the canyon, offering a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding mountains and waters from the mountaintop, which is an exceptionally magnificent sight. Crossing the Du Xian Bridge, which spans the cliffs, leads you to the steep Lingyun Plank Road. As you descend along the path carved into the cliff face, you will often come across tourists panting from the lower entrance. Throughout your journey, the granite peaks around you morph into fascinating shapes with every step, often presenting opportunities for spectacular photographs.At the exit of the Lingyun Plank Road, the archway is inscribed with the words ‘Passage to Heaven’. Looking back at the winding plank road on the cliff, one cannot help but feel emotional.
When you reach the Yu Xian Bridge, you arrive at the Lingxi Stream. Surrounded by attractions such as the Baizhang Rock Waterfall, Jinting Cave Heaven, and Wu Zhen Terrace. The Lingxi Stream runs through the entire latter part of the tour. The plank road along the stream, though suspended, is very flat. Walking through the deep valley with lush vegetation, watching the strange rocks piled in the stream and the gurgling water, one feels integrated with nature.
When the water surface widens, you have arrived at the area of the Fairy Lake. This is actually a reservoir, with the plank road built along one side of the lake. In the shallow water, there are several natural rocks standing in the water, known as the ‘Fairy Lake Collection of Rhymes’, some resembling Ji Gong and others like a medicine-collecting Taoist, vividly alive. Further along the road, there are pictographic stones named ‘Xia Ke’s Exploration’ and ‘Tai Bai’s Poetry Recitation’, which can also be endowed with meaning based on one’s imagination, making it quite interesting. At the end of the plank road, you can see a corridor bridge spanning the lake from afar. The dam under the bridge creates a waterfall with a drop of dozens of meters, which is very spectacular. After crossing the corridor bridge and looking back, the bridge, waterfall, and the valley behind complement each other, making it a standard photo of Jiongtai Xiangu.Tongbo Palace, located two kilometers southeast of Jiongtai Xiangu, is a site of historical and cultural significance where Zhang Bodu established the ‘Southern Ancestral Court’. Though the palace has been reconstructed, it remains an intriguing destination for those interested in the legends of Taoist immortals. The visit is free, and you can reach the site by bus, alighting at Tongbo Palace and walking a short distance to arrive.
Visitors should be aware, however, that returning transportation is less convenient, requiring you to hail a car by the roadside. Walking back takes approximately half an hour. The palace is open daily from 08:00 to 16:00.
Admission优惠政策 are as follows:
– Children under 1.2 meters in height enter for free.
– Children between 1.2 meters and 1.5 meters in height, full-time undergraduates and below with their student ID cards, and individuals over 60 years old with their ID cards receive half-price tickets.
– Military personnel with active service certificates enter for free.
– Disabled individuals with disability certificates enter for free.
– Blood donors, teachers, and talents with specific certificates from Zhejiang Province or Taizhou City enter for free.
Please note that the above information is provided for reference, and actual policies may vary based on the disclosure of the scenic spot.
For convenience, there is a parking lot available at the [Qiongtai Fairy Valley Parking Lot], which is free of charge.Address: Near Tiantong Road, Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province.
Parking Spaces: 100.
