Yan Lake Scenic Area

Yan Lake Scenic Area, historically known as Xi Wai Valley, spans from Dongling in the east to Xiaozhou Mountain in the west, from Benjue Temple in the south to Yan Lake Ridge in the north. It is 7.2 kilometers wide from east to west and 7.8 kilometers long from north to south, covering an area of approximately 57 square kilometers. The region boasts over 50 scenic spots, including 12 peaks, 6 rocks, 8 waterfalls, 6 caves, 2 gates, and 2 valleys, with lakes, waterfalls, peaks, and valleys being the highlights.

“Yan Lake” is the origin of the name Yandu Mountain, which Xu Xiake referred to as the “Home of Swan Geese”. From the ridge, one can overlook the sea of clouds and the sunrise spectacle. The misty Meiyu Waterfall, the ribbon-like Luodai Waterfall, the mysterious Xida Waterfall, and the elephant-shaped Hanzhu Peak, Shihao Peak, and Yutu Peak, as well as the perilous and secluded Tiyun Valley and Xishiliang Cave, are all remarkable sights.

---

Yan Lake, situated at an altitude of over 1040 meters on a high mountain ridge, also known as Yandang, was called the “Home of Swan Geese” by Xu Xiake. In ancient times, Yan Lake was described as “ten miles square, with water that never dried up, and was a frequent resting place for returning geese in autumn.” Xu Xiake wrote in his travel notes: “Upon surveying the top of Yan Lake, there are more than six depressions, with water accumulating to form lotus flowers, a vast expanse of greenery in sight.” A Qing Dynasty poet, Fang Shanghui, composed a poem about Yan Lake: “A boundless view connects to the sea, the lake cold, eternally like autumn. Empty mountains are the home for geese, scattered reeds reflect on the blue isle.” Times have changed, and Yan Lake has long since silted up and dried out, leaving only a few shallow ponds on Yan Lake Ridge. However, due to its lofty position atop the mountains and the fact that Yandang is named after this lake, it has always been a place for seeking seclusion and adventure, with spectacular sunrise and sea of clouds views from the ridge. Looking towards the towering mountains, one can see mist swirling around; the East China Sea and rivers like ribbons, offering a full view of the source of the Qingjiang River; to the west, layers of mountains stack up, reaching into the depths of white clouds. Recently, an inscription from the Qing Qianlong period, “Marvels of Mountains and Seas,” was discovered on the Puchuan Rock.

---

Opening hours: 1/1-12/31 from 08:00 to 17:30. For preferential policies and additional information, please refer to the details disclosed by the scenic area on the day of your visit.

---