After 4 visits to Wenling Fangshan Scenic Area, I finally figured it all out!
Wenling Fangshan – A "Sky Garden" atop a majestic volcanic platform, blending geological wonders, religious culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the summit, enjoy a 270° panoramic view of mountains and sea!
🏞️ Address
Lantianhu Village, Daxi Town, Wenling City, Taizhou, Zhejiang (part of the East Yandang Mountain area, bordering Yueqing)
🚗 Transportation
1. Best by car: Navigate to "Wenling Fangshan Scenic Area Parking Lot." From Hangzhou, it takes about 3.5 hours (via Hangyong Expressway → Shangshan Expressway → Yongtaiwen Expressway, exit at Daxi).
2. Public transport:
- High-speed train to Wenling Station, then transfer to the customized tourist loop line (fare ¥10, reservation required) or a bus to Daxi Town, followed by a taxi to the scenic area (~10 minutes).
- From downtown Wenling, take a bus to Daxi Bus Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle (40-minute ride). ⚠️ No buses inside the scenic area; driving or taking a taxi is more convenient!
📍 Travel Guide
⛰️ Key Attractions
1. Fangshan Summit Platform (461m above sea level): Asia's largest volcanic plateau, offering views of sea of clouds, terraced fields, and East Sea fishing boats on clear days (visibility up to 50km).
2. Magpie Bridge: A 100-meter suspended bridge, walking through clouds feels like stepping into a fairy tale—perfect for couples (great photo spot!).
3. Upper & Lower Tianhu Lakes: Twin mirror-like lakes reflecting green mountains and pine shadows, with "Liangyi Pavilion" as the best viewing spot.
4. Yangjiao Cave: A five-story Taoist temple embedded in a cliff, with spring water believed to cure eye ailments—extraordinarily steep.
5. Fangyan Academy: Former retreat of Ming Dynasty scholar Xie Duo, showcasing calligraphy, paintings, and Confucian culture.
🗺️ Recommended Routes (Half-Day Highlights)
Route 1 (~3 hours):
Visitor Center → Meiyu Waterfall (mist-like cascade in rainy season) → Fangyan Academy → Yunxiao Temple (Tang Dynasty ancient temple) → Magpie Bridge → Tianhu Lakes → Fangshan Summit.
Route 2 (5-hour in-depth tour):
Twin Elephant Gate → Qiaodou Cave (Wang Xizhi’s ink-washing pool) → Yangjiao Cave → Yaochi Pool → Wenbi Peak → Sun-Moon Pavilion (sunrise/sunset views).
⚠️ Tips
1. Timing:
- Free entry before 6:00 AM in summer (ideal for sunrise photos 🌅). Opening hours: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM.
- Best seasons: Spring (April for azalea blooms), Autumn (frequent sea of clouds), Summer (avg. 23°C for escaping heat).
2. Gear:
- Essential: Non-slip hiking shoes (some steep sections), sun-protective clothing, mosquito repellent.
- Travel light with snacks/water (few supply points inside).
3. Hidden Gems:
- Overnight at the summit for Milky Way photography 🌌 (minimal light pollution).
- Rainy days reveal "upside-down waterfalls" (one of Fangshan’s Three Wonders).
🍜 Food Recs
1. Inside the scenic area:
- Tianhu Snack Stall: Sausages, Wenling tofu pudding (smooth and refreshing).
- Yangjiao Cave Vegetarian Meals: Light and nourishing, great for hiking energy.
2. Must-try nearby:
- **Engao**: Wenling’s breakfast king! Sticky rice wraps stuffed with pork, egg, and tofu—layered perfection.
- **Wheat Cake with Braised Pork**: Crispy cake + fatty-lean meat, fragrant but not greasy.
- **Cloud Mist Villa Farmhouse**: Seafood noodles (fresh squid, mantis shrimp), black rice mochi, Fangshan purple mist tea. 🌟 Night snack bonus: Fangshan Village’s "Lotus Seed Night Market" (3km away), famous for sweet lotus seed soup (best with BBQ!).
🛏️ Stay Options
1. Inside the scenic area:
- Fangshan Visitor Center Homestay: Mountain views, exclusive star-gazing rooms 🌌 (book early).
2. Unique stays:
- **Chenjing·Emei Hot Spring Homestay** (10-min drive): Private mineral-rich hot spring pools in each room.
3. Budget-friendly:
- **Daxi Vienna International Hotel** (15-min drive), **Shangke You Express Hotel**—full amenities.
🌊 Nearby Attractions
1. **Changyu Dongtian** (20-min drive):
- UNESCO Global Geopark with millennia-old quarry caves hosting surreal acoustic concerts.
2. **Nansongyan Scenic Area** (combo ticket ¥75):
- Volcanic rock formations, Longqiangmen Canyon’s waterfalls—serene and less crowded.
3. **Shitang Town** (1-hour drive):
- Mainland China’s "First Sunrise of the Millennium," stone houses, golden beach sunsets.
4. **Songmen Beach** (40-min drive):
- Dongxia Beach for waves; summer activities include jet skiing and beach BBQs.
💎 Final Thoughts
Four trips taught me Fangshan’s essence: Summit early to avoid crowds, chase post-rain wonders, stargaze overnight, and devour **engao** on descent! Skip holidays, travel light, and savor the fairyland charm of this "Sky Plain."