Yushan is located to the north of Wenquan Town in Donghai County, approximately 8 kilometers away in straight-line distance. Running east-west, Yushan has an elevation of 269.5 meters and is the highest peak in Donghai County. Legend has it that Emperor Shun executed Gun, who had failed to control the floods for many years, on Yushan. Gun could be considered a martyr in the history of flood control, and later Shun sought the help of Gun’s son, Yu, to manage the waters.
Although Yushan’s modest fame is attributed to these legendary stories, for the locals, it is simply a place for free mountain climbing. Although there are good mountain paths on Yushan, more local tourists seem to enjoy challenging the scattered rocks on the mountain, relishing the joy of climbing. If you take the well-trodden path, it only takes half an hour to climb from the base to the summit; however, if you choose the rocky path, caution is advised. Self-driving tourists can drive up to the mid-point of the mountain and then climb to the top. A golden face of Maitreya Buddha is embedded in the cliff at the summit of Yushan, and the original Jiqun Spring, which was said to have been destroyed, no longer exists. Standing at the top, one can overlook the scenery below, with Yushan Reservoir to the south. Additionally, there are other scenic spots on the mountain, such as the Three-Slit Stone, which is said to have been used by Shun to test his sword when he killed Gun. Donghai Crystal City, Donghai Hot Springs, and Yushan are all on the same tourist route and can be visited together. Open all year round, accessible 24/7.
