Xianyan Scenic Area

Xianyan is located 19 kilometers away from the urban area of Wenzhou, and is one of the traditional scenic spots in Wenzhou. Among the numerous scenic spots in Zhejiang known for their waterfalls, Xianyan may not be widely recognized, but if you recall the essay ‘Green’ from your childhood textbooks by Mr. Zhu Ziqing, you might have a vivid image in your mind. Indeed, the peculiar and enchanting ‘daughter green’ described by Mr. Zhu refers to the Meiyu Pool in Xianyan. Many visitors come here to follow in the footsteps of the master. On the way to visit Meiyu Pool, you will also encounter Leixiang Pool, Longxu Pool, and Sangu Pool, as well as several cultural scenic spots each with their unique charm, where you can witness different shades of green. There are direct buses from both the urban area of Wenzhou and Rui’an City to the scenic area, making transportation very convenient.

The main attractions within the scenic area are arranged from low to high as follows: Sangu Pool – Meiyu Waterfall – Leixiang Waterfall – Longxu Waterfall. By following the walking trail, you can complete the tour in about three hours on foot. Although most of the path consists of steps, it is not too tiring. Not far from the entrance is the Shengshou Zen Temple, which is quite peaceful. You can pay respects and pray here without being pestered to burn incense. The temple’s pond and the Hui Guang Pagoda behind it complement each other and are the iconic structures of Xianyan.

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Leaving the temple and walking to the front of Lvwai Building, if you go straight, you will head to Sangu Pool, and if you turn left, you will reach Meiyu Pool. The two paths converge on the mountain, forming a loop, allowing you to choose your preferred route to ascend and then descend on the other side. However, more visitors are drawn to Meiyu Pool due to Mr. Zhu’s enticing description. After turning left, you will begin to climb the mountain and first pass by the Fairy Slippery Slope, where the stream water converges into the lower Sangu Pool from this smooth incline. In summer, visitors can play in the shallow water at the top, which is very refreshing. Continuing forward, you can see Meiyu Waterfall from a distance. Passing through the ‘rock formation’ and entering Tongxuan Cave, Meiyu Pool is right in front of you, with many stone carvings around the pool, although the inscriptions are somewhat difficult to discern. Above Meiyu Pool, there is a pavilion built in memory of Mr. Zhu Ziqing, called Ziqing Pavilion, with a stone tablet in the pavilion inscribed with the full text of ‘Green’. Savoring the words and looking back at the scenery, it seems even more pleasing to the eye.

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A little further up, Meiyu Pavilion is a good spot to view Meiyu Waterfall. From here, overlooking the waterfall, it resembles a beautiful young girl. After a short rest in the pavilion, continue on your way. After passing through Fohugong Cave, turn right at the fork to head to Leixiang Pool. Leixiang Pool is hidden in a valley, and from a distance, you can hear the thunderous sound of water echoing in the valley. Descending dozens of steps, you will see a silver ribbon falling from the sky, which is quite spectacular. The next destination is the upper Longxu Pool, which can be reached by walking through a small forest to the snack bar and going straight, or by turning left over the stone bridge above Leixiang Pool and passing through a water-play area.
The majestic Longxu Pool and the thunderous Lei Xiang Pool are distinctly different; the water slides down from the top, forming an elegant triangle, and even the sound seems gentle. After returning from the other side of Longxu Pool, you can go straight down after the snack bar, passing by Sanhuang Well, Xie Gong Pavilion, and Shengxian Pavilion, until you reach the Shengxian Rock above the Meiyu Waterfall. From here, you can’t see the Meiyu Waterfall or the pool, nor can you hear the sound of the waterfall, but the view is excellent. The mountains surrounding Xianyan and the Huiguang Pagoda below can all be seen at a glance. After stopping to enjoy the scenery, you can walk down past the Sangu Pool to return to the scenic area entrance. The scenic area is not big, and you can dine at Lvwai Building, while snacks can be purchased at the snack bar. It might be because it is not far from the Wenzhou city center, there are few places to stay inside and outside the scenic area, so you can return to the city area for accommodation after the tour. The scenic area is open from 03/10 to 12/31 from 08:00 to 17:00.

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Favorable policy for children: Free for those under 1.2 meters (not including); applicable to one child over 1.2 meters (including), elderly over 60 years old, and students with a student ID. Half price for the elderly: Applicable to one child over 1.2 meters (including), elderly over 60 years old, and students with a student ID. Half price for students: Applicable to one child over 1.2 meters (including), elderly over 60 years old, and students with a student ID.

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A must-see tip: There are several places in the scenic area where you can play in the water, so be sure to pay attention to safety when playing.

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