Lingyan Scenic Area is a relatively small one among the ‘Three Wonders of Yandang’, but it is quite interesting. In a small area, it gathers some moderately famous natural landscapes such as Tianzhu Peak, Xiaoxiao Longqiu (Small Dragon Waterfall), and Wolong Valley. There is the Heartbreak Cliff, an outdoor shooting location in ‘The Return of the Condor Heroes’. The thrilling ‘Lingyan Flying Traverse’ performance is also very eye-catching. Walking tour within the scenic area is sufficient. There are conspicuous signboards at famous strange stone landscapes and forks, so there is no need to worry about getting lost. Entering the scenic area gate and walking along the footpath among the metasequoia forest, after walking for a while, you can see a statue of Xu Xiake. The signboard next to it indicates that this is the first stone landscape, ‘Frog Gathering’. If you observe carefully, you will find many stones on the top of the mountain that resemble little frogs. Continuing forward, after passing landscapes such as ‘Old Monk Worshiping Pagoda’ and ‘Eagle Spreading Wings’, you can reach in front of Lingyan Temple in about 10 minutes. Tianzhu Peak and Zhanqi Peak are lined up on the left and right sides of the temple respectively. The Pingsha Zhang (Screen Cloud Barrier) behind is like a huge chair back, adding a bit of solemnity to Lingyan Temple. Near Lingyan Temple is the viewing point for the ‘Lingyan Flying Traverse’. Some places are set up as tea seats, allowing people to watch the performance while sipping tea (around 20 yuan). The flying traverse performance is generally around 10:30 am. There will also be 1-2 shows in the afternoon (subject to the scenic area’s announcements on the day). First, various thrilling actions are performed on the cliff wall, and then there is the traverse on the steel cable. Actions such as somersaults and sliding are used to simulate the scene of Yandang people collecting herbs, which is very wonderful. This is also the crossroads of the scenic area. Continuing straight ahead from here leads to Xiaoxiao Longqiu (Small Dragon Waterfall) and Wolong Valley, which are the essence of the scenic area. Turning right leads to Longbi Cave and Lianhua Cave. Turning left leads to Yangtian Lake. Generally, tourists who have visited Wolong Valley and watched the flying traverse end their tour. If there is enough time, they will also spend some time admiring these奇峰怪石 (strange peaks and rocks) that inspire imagination from various angles. In fact, the water flow and height of Xiaoxiao Longqiu (Small Dragon Waterfall) are far inferior to those of Dalongqiu (Big Dragon Waterfall). In dry seasons, it appears even more shabby. More tourists come here for the Wolong Valley next to it. Taking the elevator beside the waterfall up to the valley, the green valley in front of you is a small world like a paradise: Heartbreak Cliff has become famous because it is the outdoor shooting location of ‘The Return of the Condor Heroes’. Tourists always take a photo with the stone tablet engraved with ‘Heartbreak Cliff’ and recall the scene of Xiaolongnv jumping off Heartbreak Cliff. There is a statue of Guanyin in Longkou Lake. There are two lotus flowers in front of the statue. If you throw a coin into the round hole in the center of the lotus flower, the lotus seat at Guanyin’s feet will spray water. Many tourists throw coins here to seek good luck. In addition, you can walk on the suspended rope bridge or take a bamboo raft on Wolong Lake into the cave to see Xiaolongnv’s ‘Ice Bed’ (additional fee required).
The entire Wolong Valley can be traversed in approximately 20 minutes, with an elevator ride back to the original path. It is important to note that during peak seasons, there is a large number of tourists queuing for the elevator, especially after the morning’s flying performance. It is advisable to enter the scenic area early, visit Wolong Valley, and then return to Lingyan Temple to watch the flying performance, avoiding tour groups. Lingyan is not far from both Fangdong and Dalongqiu. Dalongqiu is easily accessible by green minibus and is usually included in the same itinerary. The entire area is open year-round from 07:00 to 17:30, with slight adjustments according to the seasons.
