Yan Lake Scenic Area, historically known as Xiwai Valley, is a vast expanse of natural beauty. It stretches from Dongling in the east to Xiaozhoushan in the west, and from Benjue Temple in the south to Yanhuang Ridge in the north. Covering an area of approximately 57 square kilometers, the area spans 7.2 kilometers from east to west and 7.8 kilometers from north to south.
This remarkable region boasts over 50 scenic spots, including 12 peaks, 6 rocks, 8 waterfalls, 6 caves, 2 gates, and 2 valleys. Lakes, waterfalls, peaks, and valleys are the main attractions that draw visitors to this picturesque landscape.
“Yan Lake,” the origin of the name Yandu Mountain, is referred to by Xu Xiake as the “Home of the Wild Geese.” Climbing the ridge offers a breathtaking view of the sea of clouds and the spectacular sunrise. Among the remarkable sights are the misty Plum Rain Waterfall, the silk-like Luodai Waterfall, the secluded and peculiar Xidabu Waterfall, and the petrified shapes of the Hanzhu Peak, Shihao Peak, and Yutu Peak. The perilous and secluded Tiyun Valley and Xishiliang Cave are also not to be missed.
Located at an altitude of over 1040 meters on a high mountain ridge, Yan Lake, also known as Yandu, was described by Xu Xiake as the “Home of the Wild Geese.” Ancient texts depict Yan Lake as “ten miles square, with water that never dried up, and was a frequent resting place for returning geese in autumn.” Xu Xiake’s travel notes mention, “On the top of Yan Lake, there are more than six depressions, with water accumulated in them forming lotus flowers, as far as the eye can see, all green.” A poem by Qing Dynasty poet Fang Shanghui about Yan Lake states, “A view that connects to the sea, the lake is always cold like autumn.”Empty mountains are home to wild geese, and the chaotic reeds reflect on the blue continent. Time has changed, and Yan Lake has long been silted up and dried out, with only a few shallow ponds remaining on Yanhuang Ridge. However, because Yan Lake is located on the mountain top and Yandu is named after this lake, it has always been a place for seeking seclusion and exploring beauty, with spectacular sunrise and sea of clouds views from the ridge top. Looking at the towering mountains, mist entwined; the East China Sea and rivers like a belt, a full view of the source of the Qingjiang River; towards the west, layers of mountains overlap, as far as the depths of the white clouds. Recently, an inscription from the Qing Qianlong period, ‘Marvels of Mountains and Seas,’ was discovered on the Pu Chuan Rock.
Yanhuang Ridge opens its doors to visitors from January 1st to December 31st, operating daily from 08:00 to 17:30. Should you require preferential policies or seek additional information, kindly refer to the updates and disclosures provided by the scenic area on the day of your visit.
