The Huanglong Mountain Scenic Area, a treasure trove of natural beauty, is nestled within the territory of Chengbei Township. Spanning an area of 4 square kilometers, this picturesque region stands sentinel in the east of a newly-built small plain. To its west lies a flat and open expanse, while the eastern, southern, and northern sides are embraced by a gentle embrace of low hills.
Beneath the mountain ridge, a verdant tapestry of green pine trees gathers, creating a misty haze that envelops the landscape. On the ridge itself, an array of indescribable, strange stones perch high above, connected in a seemingly endless line. The cliff that lies beneath the ridge stretches for five or six miles, resembling a drum and a screen, and from afar, it appears as a hovering, wriggling black dragon.
Within the mountain’s embrace, one can find secluded valleys, deep ponds, and ancient trees that reach skyward. The area is home to a variety of striking landscapes, including the Golden Monkey Holding Peach Rock, Pyramid Rock, Eight-Window Cave, Bat Cave, Flying Boat, Iron Shoulder Pole, and Pearl Cave, among others. This makes Huanglong Mountain a rare paradise, a place of unparalleled natural splendor.
The mountain’s steep slopes on all sides and its strategic terrain have made it a significant location throughout history. In ancient times, a mountain stronghold was constructed here, serving as a military fortress in the northern part of Chuzhou. The area is steeped in legend, with one story recounting how the third prince of the old Dragon King of the East Sea was once sent to pay homage at the Yuxu Palace in Xiandu. Upon witnessing the dire state of the rivers and streams in Zhejiang and Fujian, with fields and crops withered and the people suffering, he took pity and secretly released rain. This act of compassion, however, incurred the wrath of the heavens.The Heavenly Master Zhang once locked the little prince on a flat area near Xiandu. Over time, the coiled little dragon transformed into a mountain. To honor the kind-hearted little dragon, people named this mountain Huanglong Mountain. Huanglong Temple, located in the northern part of Shangzhou, has a rich history of military fortifications. It has been built three times throughout history.
The first stronghold was constructed by Shi Jianshi, the governor of Chuzhou during the late Tang Dynasty. The second was erected at the turn of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, by Lin Binzu, a general of the Yuan Dynasty, along with Hu Dahai and Geng Zaicheng, generals of the Ming Dynasty. The third construction was by Chen Jianhu, Tao De’er, and Ye Zongliu’s rebel armies in the late Ming Dynasty.
Beneath the towering ancient trees and amidst huge stones behind Huanglong Temple, lies a stone vat that once served as the collective silver treasury for the peasant rebel armies. Near the inverted stone, there is a saying that hints at hidden treasure: “There is hidden gold under the corner-occupy rock, and there is hidden silver where the corner-drill rock is flat.”
Ascending from the silver treasury and climbing along the mountain path through the dense forest, one soon arrives at the south ridge of Huanglong Mountain. This ridge is surrounded by peculiarly shaped stones resembling pigs, sheep, lions, and leopards. From the ridge, one can gaze out over the fields, hills, and villages that are clearly visible in the distance.
Standing majestically on the ridge is a stone carving bearing two large characters, “Strange-Shaped Non-Boat,” adding to the mountain’s mystique and allure.Outside the stone lies a cliff, upon which two massive stones embrace a boat-shaped mountain stone. This natural wonder measures several feet in length, over ten feet in width, and seven or eight feet in thickness. Venturing eastward along the ridge line from the main peak, one encounters even more peculiar stones and breathtaking peaks. Here, one can find groups of turtles stacked up, lions on guard, and a shoulder pole lying horizontally. The eight immortals appear to be sleeping soundly. Together with the flower and fruit orchard at the foot of the mountain and the Golden Monkey Holding Peach Rock in the north, these features create a natural paradise reminiscent of the Journey to the West.
The site is open year-round from January 1st to December 31st, with operating hours from 08:00 to 17:00.
Preferential policies are as follows:
– Children: Free admission for those under 1.2 meters (excluding 1.2 meters); preferential rates for those between 1.2 meters (including 1.2 meters) and 1.4 meters (including 1.4 meters); discounts with a student ID.
– Elderly: Discounts for those over 60 years old (excluding 60 years old) with a valid ID card and senior citizen card.
– Military personnel: Free admission with relevant certificates.
– Disabled people: Free admission with a disability certificate.
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