Natural Marvel Baishuiyang and Masterpiece of Nature Wuyishan – Fujian Travel Notes (4), May 2023
Natural Marvel Baishuiyang and Masterpiece of Nature Wuyishan
——Fujian Travel Notes (4), May 2023
On May 14 of that year, we took train K8746 from Fuzhou Railway Station to Pingnan County in northeastern Fujian. From Pingnan Station to Pingnan County town, we took a bus covering 16 km at a fare of 6 yuan, with no discount. Buses were infrequent, but there was always one waiting after the train, scheduled according to the train timetable. After getting off the train, we boarded the only bus, which was packed full. Despite the crowding, we had to get on because the next bus would be hard to wait for.
We got off at the bus station in Pingnan County town. For convenience, we stayed at the nearby Xingmin Zhihui Hotel. At noon, we had fried noodles at "Jiangxi Fried Noodle Shop." At 1 p.m., we took a dedicated shuttle bus from the bus station to Baishuiyang. The driver had a busload of students going to Shuangxi Town. He said only the two of us were going to Baishuiyang, so we had to pay for three people, 12 yuan per person, totaling 36 yuan. To save time, we had to comply. For the return trip, we had to call him and again pay for three people, another 36 yuan. It was said that this was their rule during the low season with very few passengers. The distance from Pingnan County town to Baishuiyang was over 20 km. We spent more than two hours at Baishuiyang and returned to the county town a little after 4 p.m.
Baishuiyang is often featured on CCTV, which sparked our longing to visit. Not visiting Baishuiyang would make a Fujian trip incomplete. Once in Fujian, it was a must-see.
Baishuiyang Scenic Area is one of Fujian Province's eight major tourism brands. Due to its unique geological features, it is praised as "a peerless wonder under heaven and a mystery of the universe." Baishuiyang is a rare shallow water square in the world, formed by a giant rock spreading across the bottom, covering an area of 80,000 square meters. It is naturally connected to the surrounding mountains, seamlessly integrated. The rock surface is smooth as a whetstone, without cracks or moss, and without deep pits or gullies. The water evenly covers the rock, only ankle-deep, and even in deeper spots does not exceed the knees. The gentle slope, clear water shimmering under sunlight like silver, is astonishing and enchanting. Baishuiyang is never "calm and still"; at every moment, waves lap against waves, singing all the way to the ocean.
Natural marvel Baishuiyang, hidden deep in the mountains, little known. In olden times, Xu Xiake did not visit; today,遊客 (tourists) fill the hills.
Beautiful landscapes are always accompanied by many lovely myths and legends. The folklore of Baishuiyang is interesting, unique, and reflects local scenery. Legend has it that when Cheng Huize accidentally swallowed a dragon pearl and transformed into a dragon, he opened up 300 fields for Sanfeng Village. As he soared into the air, preparing to fly to the East China Sea, he wanted to do more for the countryside. Due to time constraints, he used his divine power, swung his dragon tail, and swept out a piece of farmland in the towering mountains. This fertile land brought peace and prosperity to the local people. Unexpectedly, a bully named Guo, who had long coveted this fertile land, claimed the mountains as his own and colluded with the county magistrate to seize it. This happened to be known by the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong, who was cultivating in the Water Curtain Cave downstream. Overnight, using his power to move mountains and seas, he relocated all the fields to the mountains near the Water Curtain Cave, forming a new village called Yiyang (移洋, meaning moved ocean). Since then, only a smooth stone bed remained, as the folk tale goes: The legend has been passed down for ages; Cheng Huize displayed his power to create large fields; the Great Sage moved the soil for the people, leaving only a giant rock accompanying the clear stream.
According to introduction, every midsummer (August), Pingnan County holds a "Water Sports Meeting" at Baishuiyang, with over 20,000 participants. The quiet valley becomes lively, Baishuiyang boils with excitement. Today, Baishuiyang carries people's joy, happiness, and bliss.
We chose to visit Baishuiyang in May, the perfect time—neither hot nor cold. We could take off shoes and socks, step into the vast water, play, take photos, and soak our feet to relieve travel fatigue.
Located beside Baishuiyang, "Five Old Men Peak" is said to be the best viewing spot for Baishuiyang. Those who go in the morning have ample time; those who go in the afternoon have limited time. Like many afternoon visitors, due to our physical limitations, we did not climb Five Old Men Peak, leaving a slight regret.
Baishuiyang Panoramic Video 1
Baishuiyang Panoramic Video 2
Baishuiyang Panoramic Video 3
The next day, we visited Yuanyangxi (Mandarin Duck Creek). The dedicated shuttle bus to Yuanyangxi Scenic Area was also infrequent. Yuanyangxi was a few kilometers farther than Baishuiyang, with a fare of 14 yuan per person. We arrived at the scenic area at 9 a.m. and agreed with the driver to return promptly at 12:20 p.m.
Yuanyangxi Tour Area is the central scenic area of Yuanyangxi, the world's only nature reserve for mandarin ducks and macaques, and a national AAAAA-level key scenic spot. It lies downstream of Baishuiyang. Because thousands of pairs of mandarin ducks come here from the north to winter each year, it is called Yuanyangxi. The scenic area is densely forested, with a canyon depth of over 500 meters and a lateral span as narrow as one meter. It features wild mandarin ducks, macaques, and rare plants, integrating streams, waterfalls, peaks, rocks, caves, pools, and mist into a unique comprehensive tour area. The most distinctive spot is "Baizhangji Water Curtain Cave," which ranks first among the five major water curtain caves in China.
Upon arrival at the scenic area, we collected free tickets at the ticket office and entered. After taking photos at the gate, we walked along the left trail. The first thing that caught our eye was a large area of thick nan bamboo, similar in quality to the nan bamboo in Hunan, but far superior to the thin nan bamboo we saw all over Nanjing. Along the way, there were scenic spots like "Entering Victory Pavilion," the highest point of the trail "Mountain-touching Immortal Pavilion," and then steep descending steps. My wife and I held the handrails and slowly descended. Several tourists were too scared to proceed and turned back. During the descent, we witnessed the primitive forest of Yuanyangxi, with towering trees everywhere—some thick and straight, some reaching into the clouds, and some with "four brothers" growing from one root. The mountains were covered with green shrubs, a natural oxygen bar bringing pure joy. After finishing the steep steps, we arrived at "Lianxin Terrace" (Heart-to-Heart Terrace), where two paths diverged. The left path continued downward to the creek bottom, then climbed back up; the right path led horizontally to an observation deck and then to Baizhangji Water Curtain Cave. We chose the right horizontal path. At Lianxin Terrace, we fully enjoyed the green mountains and clear waters at the deep end of Yuanyangxi; at the Observation Deck, we could overlook the entire scenery of Yuanyangxi. The Observation Deck had a "shared telescope" that could be used by scanning a code. Actually, standing on the Observation Deck, the whole panorama of Yuanyangxi—front, back, left, and right—was in full view. Unless one is nearsighted, a telescope is unnecessary.
Ahead of us was a group of Shanghai tourists. The guide took the horizontal path but told them to go down to the creek bottom. When we saw them climbing to Baizhangji, they were gasping for breath and exclaiming "tired." We admired the Shanghai "brothers and sisters" for coming all the way from big Shanghai to Yuanyangxi to test their will and perseverance.
Baizhangji Water Curtain Cave is located in the middle of Yuanyangxi Scenic Area and is one of its four wonders. The waterfall in front of the cave is over 150 meters high and more than 20 meters wide, magnificent in scale, earning it the title "Number One among the Five Major Water Curtain Caves in China." During high water, it is a single waterfall; during low water, it can split into three waterfalls with graceful twists. Its features are a wide fall, high drop, large water volume, and not located halfway up the mountain, capable of容纳 over a hundred people.
Baizhangji Water Curtain Cave is the best scenic spot in Yuanyangxi and also the end point of the Yuanyangxi sightseeing route. There are two exits: one continues climbing steps, and the other takes the "Baizhangji Cave Elevator." We chose the elevator, with a discounted fare of 20 yuan per person. The elevator has a vertical height of 120 meters and takes just a few minutes to ascend, saving over an hour compared to climbing steps. After exiting the elevator station, the next scenic spot is Labaji (Trumpet Waterfall). The lake is clear green, with ornamental fish. A lovely pair of swans played in the water, nodding farewell to visitors. The last spot is Lapa Waterfall (Trumpet Waterfall). The rock under Lapa Waterfall resembles a large trumpet, as if playing a welcoming tune. Lapa Waterfall is unique: within a drop of nearly 20 meters, it leaps obliquely in eleven tiers, spreading wide and gentle. Viewed from the opposite side, it looks like a bolt of white silk slowly sliding on an assembly line, very spectacular. Surrounded by dense forest and set off by the green pool water, it is full of charm. Some say Lapa Waterfall is at the entrance, but actually it cannot be seen from the entrance; the exit offers the best view of it.
Yuanyangxi Scenic Spot Video 1
Yuanyangxi Scenic Spot Video 2
Yuanyangxi Scenic Spot Video 3
Yuanyangxi Scenic Spot Video 4
Yuanyangxi Scenic Spot Video 5
Yuanyangxi Scenic Spot Video 6
Yuanyangxi Scenic Spot 7
Yuanyangxi Scenic Spot Video 8
Yuanyangxi Scenic Spot Video 9
According to our plan, after visiting Pingnan Baishuiyang and Yuanyangxi, we were to head to Wuyishan. There is no railway from Pingnan to Wuyishan, but highways are well-connected. Online we found long-distance buses from Pingnan to Nanping or Wuyishan. However, at the Pingnan station we learned that there were no direct buses to either Nanping or Wuyishan; we had to transfer. Station staff said there used to be direct buses, but due to the rapid development of self-driving, fewer people took scheduled buses, and the long-distance passenger transport business declined, leading to the cancellation of many long-distance bus routes.
The station staff suggested we take the bus from Pingnan to Jian'ou. We caught the 8 a.m. bus to Jian'ou. The bus made many stops to pick up and drop off passengers, and we arrived in Jian'ou after 11 a.m. The driver and attendant helped us buy tickets for a bus to Jianyang (Nanping). From Jianyang, we transferred to a bus to Wuyishan. At first, we bought tickets to Nanling. A kind lady suggested we go to "Sangu Resort Area" and paid an extra 3 yuan for the ticket. We arrived at Sangu Resort Area at 4 p.m. We got off at Sun City, checked in, and later learned that staying at Sangu Resort Area is the best choice for visiting Wuyishan. It has an old street and Ziyang Ancient City, located between the north and south entrances of Wuyishan Scenic Area, with a beautiful environment and excellent conditions—an ideal place to stay. The old street is lined with shops offering all kinds of food and snacks. Many shops sell smoked goose, a specialty of Wuyi, but the most numerous are tea shops, highlighting the rich tea culture of Wuyishan.
After getting off at Sangu Resort Area, with the help of the kind lady, we checked into Baoyu Tea Industry Tea House (homestay) with a large bed and a tea-tasting room. After dinner, we strolled north along the Chongyang Creek scenic belt, then turned east onto Dawangfeng Road. It started raining. We went south and somehow lost the entrance to the old street. Braving the heavy rain, we walked almost to "Impression Dahongpao," felt we were off track, and decided to head toward Chongyang Creek. We walked north along the Chongyang Creek sightseeing path and finally found the old street.
On the 17th, it was overcast with light rain. After breakfast, we took bus No. 6 from Sangu Roundabout Bus Stop to the north entrance of Wuyishan Scenic Area. At the ticket office, we bought two discounted two-day sightseeing bus tickets for 40 yuan per person. At the waiting area, we boarded a bus and went to the first scenic spot: "Dahongpao."
Dahongpao Scenic Area is located in the central part of Wuyishan Scenic Area. The valley is long and deep, flanked by nine towering peaks whose ridges rise and fall like nine dragons ready to leap or crouch, hence the name "Jiulongke" (Nine Dragon Gully).
Major scenic spots in Dahongpao Scenic Area include: Niulankeng, Yongle Zen Temple, Dahongpao, Sanhua Peak, Leishi Rock, Matou Rock, Wuyuan Cave, and Duxia Rock.
Dahongpao grows at an altitude of over 600 meters, with streams flowing and clouds and mist swirling. The soil here is weathered from acidic rocks, making it very suitable for tea tree growth. The Dahongpao tea trees are over a thousand years old. Dahongpao is the champion of Wuyi rock tea. Now, only four plants remain on the cliff of Jiulongke, extremely precious. The Dahongpao trees are over a millennium old, nourished by spring water seeping from rock crevices, so they thrive without fertilization.
To see the mother trees of Dahongpao, you need to walk a certain distance. Along the way, on the left are cliffs with a stream below, and on the right are tea gardens, row after row, with various cultivars, but all are rock tea, of which Dahongpao is one. It is interesting to learn about the origin and varieties of Wuyi rock tea, gaining some knowledge.
Every year from May 13 to 15, locals set up ladders to pick tea from the mother trees of Dahongpao. The yield is extremely small, only a few taels, considered a rare treasure. In 1972, when Nixon visited China, Chairman Mao gave him four taels, but the annual yield of the mother trees was only ten taels! Wuyi rock tea has a long and glorious history in China's tea development.
We visited on May 17, just missing the tea-picking days, so we did not witness the spectacular "ladder tea picking."
Shuilian Cave (Water Curtain Cave). This scenic area is located in the northern part of Wuyishan and is the largest scenic area in Wuyishan, a national 4A-level scenic spot. Shuilian Cave is about 100 meters high and wide. In front of the cave, two clear springs cascade down from the top of Ruiquan Rock, over 100 meters high, forming a deep pool. The pool water is deep green, as if a divine dragon lives in it, hence called "Shenlong Pool." On the cliff inside the cave are engraved the words: "All day long, the window sees rain; spring and autumn, flowers and moon like a curtain of pearls." The water curtain at its widest is about 1.2 zhang (about 4 meters). Scenic spots in Shuilian Cave include: Yingzui Rock, Tianchejia Ruins, and Yanzi Peak.
Shuilian Cave is 1 km north of Tianxin Rock. It is the largest rock cave in Wuyishan, known as "the best in the mountains." The rock wall is several dozen zhang high and wide, bulging above and concave below, forming a cave. The cave is spacious and bright, able to hold a thousand people. Several temples built without a single tile are scattered along the cliff. Currently existing are Sanxian Shrine and the ruins of Sanjiao Hall (worshipping Confucius, Laozi, and Sakyamuni). On the top of the rock, two perennial streams turn into water droplets, like two pearl curtains hanging at the mouth of the cave, pouring into the Yulong Pool below. The top of the cave slants outward like a flying eave, covering half the sky.
Inside Shuilian Cave, cliff inscriptions are everywhere. The two characters "Huo Yuan" (Living Source) on the rock wall are particularly striking, inscribed by Yu Hongliang, a general from Chu Nan (Hunan) who served as Deputy General of Zhejiang Xiangshan Association in the Renwu year of Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. On the cave wall are ancient poems such as: "A thousand-zhang water curtain hangs over the red cliff; snow-like rain dances on the green eaves all year; on the thousand-zhang red cliff, sunny weather seems rainy; thousands of pearls hang at noon like a curtain."
Shuilian Cave was originally named "Tangyao Cave Heaven." On the summit of Ruiquan Rock, two streams rush down, swaying with the wind like a splendid water curtain, hence later renamed "Shuilian Cave." At the mouth of the cave, two clear springs flow year-round, cascading from over 100 meters high. When a breeze blows, the water droplets sway and separate, scattering freely like heavenly maidens scattering flowers, or like two hanging pearl curtains. Looking out through the curtain from inside the cave, the tea gardens, bamboo groves, and village houses appear misty, like a delicate landscape painting.
Ruiquan Rock. One of the 99 rocks of Wuyishan, located on the west wall of the exit of Shuilian Cave. Because spring water drips from the top of the rock all year round, it is named "Ruiquan Rock" (Auspicious Spring Rock). Actually, it is a very large rocky mountain, extending from the west of Shuilian Cave to the bottom of Huiyuan Pit, connecting to Sanyang Peak, and extending northward toward Biaoshi Rock and Changke direction.
Dahongpao Scenic Spot Video 1
Dahongpao Scenic Spot Video 2
Dahongpao Scenic Spot Video 3
Dahongpao Scenic Spot Video 4
Video of Shuilian Cave taken from the bottom
Video of Shuilian Cave taken from the first step
Video of the second waterfall of Shuilian Cave taken from the second step
Video of Shuilian Cave taken from the second step
Video of two waterfalls of Shuilian Cave taken from the second step
Video of Shuilian Cave taken from the third step, front view
On the morning of the 18th, we took a bus to the south entrance of Wuyishan Scenic Area and entered. We planned to visit Yunu Peak (Jade Maiden Peak) first, from near to far, but the staff said we should go to Tianyou Peak first. So on this day, our first scenic spot was Tianyou Peak.
Tianyou Peak. Tianyou Peak is the number one scenic spot in Wuyishan, Fujian Province. It is located behind Yinyun Peak in the middle of the scenic area, north of the Ninth Bend Creek, with an altitude of 408.8 meters at the center. It connects Xianyou Rock to the east and Xianzhang Peak to the west, standing steeply over 10,000 ren (ancient unit) above the surrounding peaks. After rain and when dawn first breaks, vast white mist fills the mountains and valleys, blown by wind, undulating like ocean waves, surging mightily.
We visited Tianyou Peak just after rain cleared, under a clear blue sky and bright sun, but the "cloud nest" scenery did not appear. Ascending to the peak and looking at the sea of clouds, ever-changing, felt like being in a fairyland, roaming in heavenly palaces, hence the name Tianyou (Heavenly Journey), the most dangerous peak in Wuyi. When I climbed to the top of Tianyou Peak and leaned on the railing to look far, wow, what a beautiful view! Blue sky, white clouds, bright sunshine. Overlooking the winding Sixth Bend Creek with bamboo rafts floating; Jiesun Peak and Pinzi Peak, different in height and distance; green mountains and clear waters, all in sight.
A true man who does not climb Tianyou Peak has come to Wuyi in vain.
Tianyou Peak connects Xianyou Rock to the east and Xianzhang Peak to the west, standing steeply above the other peaks. On the Miaogao Terrace behind the peak, there is a rare red bean tree. When ripe, the mountain breeze shakes the pods, scattering bright red beans on the ground, sparkling and lovely. The Huma Stream winding from the south rushes down west of Miaogao Terrace, forming the famous Snowflake Spring waterfall with a drop of over 170 meters, elegant and free. On the stone wall beside the stream, there are more than thirty cliff inscriptions from various dynasties, a feast for the eyes. Behind Miaogao Terrace, there is a ridge extending east called Zhenyi Gang, the summit of Xianyou Rock. On the ridge are the ruins of Xianyou Hall, Sanyou Hall, and Sentian Pavilion.
Tianyou Peak is divided into upper and lower parts. Yilan Pavilion is reached from the left, which is the upper Tianyou. When we reached the sign for upper Tianyou, the steps were closed, so we could not go up to Yilan Pavilion. Below there is Qiqi Hill, along Huma Stream, which is the lower Tianyou. Xu Xiake once commented about Yilan Pavilion: "It is not near the stream but can capture the beauty of all nine bends; this peak should indeed be number one." At the southern end of lower Tianyou is the rebuilt Tianyou Temple. Inside the temple are a small shop and a tea room for visitors. The temple-style building is named "Aoyou Xiao Han" (Roaming the Sky), serving as a place for tourists to drink tea and enjoy the scenery. An ancient saying goes: "The flying spring sounds like rain in clear weather; the ancient trees provide cool shade even in summer." This spot has become a viewing area for tourists.
Entering the Tianyou Peak scenic area from the ticket gate, along the way there are scenic spots such as Wuyi Jingshe, Shugui Jingshe ruins, Yunwo (Cloud Nest), Shizhao Qinglian Pavilion, Shuiyue Pavilion, Tiexiang Rock, Xiao Yixiantian, Tiger Rock, Tea Cave, Yinyun Peak, Xiangsheng Rock, Zhongzheng Park, and Taoyuan Cave. Zhongzheng Park only has a stone pillar archway left. Neither Sun Yat-sen nor Chiang Kai-shek ever came here; the name is not true to reality.
Huxiao Rock (Tiger Roaring Rock). Huxiao Rock is located south of the Second Bend Creek, with grotesque rocks and winding streams, a scenic spot full of natural charm. The four characters "Huxi Lingdong" (Tiger Creek Spirit Cave) are engraved high on the rock. The "tiger roar" comes from a huge cave on the rock; when the mountain wind passes through the cave mouth, it roars, echoing through the valley and shaking the mountains. Main scenic spots include Tiancheng Zen Temple and Eight Scenes of Huxiao.
After climbing Tianyou Peak, we went to Huxiao Rock. When we reached the foot of the climbing plank road on Huxiao Rock and looked up, the steps were so high and steep that we lacked the stamina to climb. So we gave up and turned to visit Yixiantian (Thread of Sky).
Yixiantian. Located in a deep and secluded canyon south of the Second Bend of the Nine Bend Creek. Inside stands a huge, majestic rock hundreds of zhang long and a thousand ren high, named "Lingyan" (Spirit Rock). The top of the rock tilts out, covering three adjacent caves: Lingyan Cave on the left, Feng Cave in the middle, and Fuxi Cave on the right. To visit Yixiantian, one usually enters from Feng Cave in the middle. Deep inside, looking up, you see a crack in the rock top, as if cleaved by a sharp axe, less than a foot wide and about a hundred meters long. Through the crack, a thread of sky light leaks in, like a rainbow across the sky—this is the awe-inspiring Yixiantian.
Standing in the middle Feng Cave, the left and right Yixiantian stretch out like two arms of a person, splitting Lingyan into a crack, a timeless wonder. That day, we passed through the right Yixiantian. Entering the cave and climbing the steps, it got narrower and narrower, with the narrowest part only 30 cm wide. Walking was difficult; either your hip or shoulder scraped against the rock. A thread of blue sky shone through the crack in various colors—sometimes dim yellow, sometimes red and green. In the narrowest part, the steps were hard to see. Drips inside the cave fell like rain, soaking us. Countless bats flew around, making rustling sounds in the quiet cave, sending chills down the spine. Exiting the right Yixiantian cave mouth, we found descending steps. At the exit, we encountered ancient trees and vines coiled like dragons lying across the path, blocking the way, requiring us to bend down and crawl through.
To the south of Yixiantian, opposite it, is Louge Rock. It is a rock wall standing like a screen, with several large and small caves on half of the wall, said to be the so-called Immortal's Pavilion. To its left, there is another rock called Lan Rock with inscriptions densely carved.
Yunu Peak (Jade Maiden Peak). Yunu Peak stands gracefully south of the Second Bend Creek, abruptly rising several dozen zhang. The top is adorned with clusters of flowers like a hairpin; the rock wall is smooth and bright like carved jade. Viewed from the creek, it is a beautiful, unparalleled maiden. "A strange peak with flowers by the water, jade bone and icy skin like a virgin's face." This is a true poetic depiction of Yunu Peak's charm.
Yunu Peak and Dawang Peak face each other across the stream, like a pair of affectionate lovers. Tieban Ridge lies between them as if deliberately obstructing. Perhaps nature's masterpiece inspired writers and poets, leading to the legendary love story of Dawang and Yunu that has been passed down through ages. At the foot of Yunu Peak is the clear, green Yuxiang Pool, said to be where Yunu bathed. In the pool, there is a square rock with the characters "Yinshi" (Seal Stone) engraved on it, said to be the token of love given by Dawang to Yunu. To the right of Yunu Peak is a huge round stone, smooth and bright, which is Yunu's dressing mirror stand. On the stone are carved "Jingtai" (Mirror Stand), the characters large enough to fill a zhang. Writer Liu Baiyu said: "Yunu Peak in Wuyishan is astonishingly beautiful; not only graceful but also ethereal." The scene: sky and water merge in one color, Yunu Peak stands in between.
Wuyi Palace. This was the place where emperors of successive dynasties worshipped the Wuyi Lord. Emperors sent envoys to Wuyishan to offer incense and cast gold and dragon slips as many as 20 times. Located within the Wuyishan National Tourism Resort, it was first built during the Tianbao period of the Tang Dynasty (742-755 AD) and is the core part of Wuyishan National Scenic Area.
Wuyi Palace was expanded to over 300 rooms in the Song Dynasty, becoming one of the six great Taoist temples of the Song. It was later destroyed by years of war. The scenic area is located at the end point of the Nine Bend Creek bamboo raft tour in Qingchuan, facing the stream and backed by beautiful peaks, with fertile fields and exquisite structures. Two existing dragon wells, Wannian Palace, and Sanqing Hall remain. Inside Sanqing Hall, there are four precious steles. Wannian Palace is now the Zhuxi Memorial Hall. Inside the hall are two thousand-year-old osmanthus trees, said to have been planted when Li Liangzuo built the temple in the Baoda second year of the Southern Tang Dynasty (944 AD). One died later, and Zhu Xi replanted one. The two osmanthus trees intertwine like coiled dragons and snakes, known as the "King of Osmanthus."
Wuyi Palace Song Street is located outside the Wuyi Palace area, near the landing point at the end of the Nine Bend Creek bamboo raft tour. The street is 413 meters long. Wuyi Palace Song Street has profound cultural heritage and a long history. Around the street, historical relics such as the Spring and Autumn Hall, Sanqing Hall, Dragon Well, and Immortal Foot Pool are scattered. The highlight is that the Wuyishan City Museum is located inside, allowing tourists to learn more about the historical origins and cultural relics of Wuyishan.
Chongyang Creek Morning Scenery
On the morning of the 19th, we took some leisure time before departure to enjoy the scenery of Chongyang Creek. At 9 a.m., we took a bus to Wuyishan North High-speed Rail Station and boarded the G1698 high-speed train bound for Changsha at exactly 10 a.m., arriving punctually at Changsha South Station. Then we transferred to a premium commercial van from Changsha to Taoyuan and returned to our warm home that same day.
The free tour of Wuyishan ended. I, the traveler, would like to remind future self-driving or free tourists to Wuyishan of two points:
1. The place to stay when visiting Wuyishan can be either Nanling or Sangu Resort Area, but the best and most optimal choice is Sangu Resort Area.
2. When taking sightseeing buses in Wuyishan Scenic Area, after buying the ticket, you can ride any bus. However, to avoid backtracking, after finishing one scenic spot and boarding the bus, you must tell the driver which scenic spot you want to go to next.
Text/Photos: Peng Xuetai (husband of the traveler)
June 15, 2023
