Zhongyandang Mountain, once known as Baishishan, is a place of breathtaking beauty. Its majestic peaks, perilous ranges, deep gorges, and ingenious stones are complemented by secluded caves and ancient temples. The area boasts abundant waters, including beautiful waterfalls, with lakes and peaks that enhance each other’s charm. Amidst its lofty and magnificent appearance, there is a tenderness and charm, and within its majestic masculinity, there is an elegance and softness. It is a renowned national scenic area.
Despite being overshadowed by the fame of Beiyandang Mountain, Zhongyandang Mountain remains largely unknown, akin to a hidden beauty in a deep boudoir. To the locals of the Yandang Mountain area, both Zhongyandang and Beiyandang are equally beautiful, each with its own unique charm. Visiting Beiyandang without seeing Zhongyandang is not considered a complete tour of Yandang.
The three lakes of Zhongyandang Mountain—Zhongqian Lake, Baishi Lake, and Longshan Lake—are like three bright mirrors inlaid among the peaks, shimmering all year round. Tourists can climb to the peak to enjoy a panoramic view of thousands of miles and witness the sunrise over the East China Sea. During breaks, they can fish in the shade of willows or go boating on the blue waves. It offers both beautiful landscapes and waters, a place where both the benevolent and the wise would be so delighted that they forget to return.
Xiji in Zhongyandang Mountain is an important scenic area. Following the gurgling water and passing through the stone gate, one is suddenly met with a sense of openness and brightness.Amidst numerous mountains and between the clouds, a plain suddenly appears, astonishingly a wonderland. This description is from ‘Collected Works of Zai Jingtang – Landscapes – Yandang Mountain.’ The contemporary famous couplet artist Chen Zhisui penned a couplet for ‘Stone Gate of Xiji,’ which reads: “Entering the gate, there is a peach blossom realm; Dividing the water, it is remotely connected to the rice village.” This couplet paints an image of the ‘peach blossom world’ found within the stone gate.
Zhongyandang Mountain oversees seven major scenic areas: Yuzeng, Xiji, Sanhu, Dongji, Phoenix Mountain, Yangbadong, and Liugonggu. Spanning a total area of 93.44 square kilometers, it boasts over 300 scenic spots. The mountain is renowned for its majestic peaks and perilous ranges, as well as its flying waterfalls and flowing springs. It also features secluded caves and ancient temples, along with beautiful lakes and mountains, green ponds, and verdant forests.
Scholars and refined individuals throughout history have been drawn to this place, leaving behind a wealth of precious inscriptions that enhance the mountain’s allure. Wang Shipeng of the Song Dynasty eloquently described the scenery: “The ten-mile lake and mountain are horizontally adorned with emerald, and the two streams are like jade pendants clinking.”
The opening hours for the mountain are from 08:00 to 17:00, operational all year round.
