In the scorching summer, when the city is swept by heat waves, I set off for Liangyeshan in Wuping, Longyan, hoping to find coolness and tranquility in this land known as a natural oxygen bar.
Departure: heading into nature’s embrace
Early in the morning, although the sun was already showing its strength, I set out early with great anticipation for Liangyeshan. Leaving Longyan city, I followed the winding road as the scenery outside gradually shifted from urban bustle to rural calm. Along the way, green mountains and clear waters accompanied me, and occasionally I saw farmers working in the fields by the roadside. A pastoral landscape slowly unfolded before my eyes. After about two hours of driving, I finally arrived at the Liangyeshan scenic area.
Entering the park: meeting the sea of clouds and waterfalls
As soon as I entered the park, I was stunned by the breathtaking view. In the early morning, mist swirled among the mountains of Liangyeshan, as if draping the peaks in a mysterious veil, creating a fairyland-like scene. Eagerly, I followed the trail and first came upon the upper waterfall group. The waterfalls here vary in form—some cascade like the Milky Way falling from the sky, majestic and powerful; others flow like floating jade ribbons, light and graceful.
The Feiyun waterfall is one of the most famous spots in the upper waterfall group. It consists of two waterfalls with different shapes, reaching up to the clouds, as if water is pouring down from the sky. Standing beneath the falls, the mist surrounds you, making it feel like a fairyland. Sunlight filtering through the spray creates beautiful rainbows, inspiring awe at nature’s wonder and beauty. The cliff above the waterfall resembles the head of a longevity god, as if borrowing the cloud water to bless the people, which is why it is also called the Buddha light waterfall.
Continuing on, I reached the Jingu waterfall. Jingu waterfall has two tiers, with a huge rock in the middle shaped like a divine turtle drinking water. The turtle’s head emerges from the waterfall, its bright eyes seeming to gaze into the distance. Legend says this turtle was once the dragon prince’s mount, who retired to the mountains to live out its days and became a thousand-year-old divine turtle. Standing before the waterfall, listening to the flowing water and feeling the cool spray, all fatigue and worries seemed to wash away.
Deeper into the forest: exploring pristine beauty
Following the trail deeper into the forest felt like entering a green world. The forest coverage here is very high, with lush trees shading the sky. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating patches of dappled light. Walking along the forest path, breathing in the fresh air rich in negative oxygen ions, it felt as if every cell in my body was joyfully alive.
Along the way, I saw many rare plants and wild animals. Occasionally, I spotted several southern yew trees, a national first-class protected species. They stood tall and vigorous, their branches and leaves lush, as if telling the ancient and mysterious story of this land. Sometimes, bird songs and monkey calls added life and energy to the quiet forest.
By fairy lake: enjoying peaceful moments
At noon, I arrived at Fairy Lake. Fairy Lake is an artificial lake formed by a dam, with crystal-clear water like a giant mirror reflecting the surrounding mountains and trees. A wooden boardwalk winds along the lake shore. I strolled along the boardwalk, admiring the lake and mountain scenery and feeling the gentle breeze, which made me feel especially relaxed.
I sat down to rest in a pavilion by the lake and tasted local delicacies. Yunzhai village has many farmhouses offering authentic rural dishes like bamboo tube rice and wild vegetable porridge, delicious and unforgettable. Eating while watching fish swim in the lake, it felt as if time had stopped, and I just wanted to immerse myself in this peaceful moment.
Liangyeshan temple: experiencing cultural heritage
In the afternoon, I visited Liangyeshan temple. The temple has a long history and is bustling with incense. It is dedicated to the Hakka protector deity, the ancient Buddha Dingguang. Entering the temple, a solemn and reverent atmosphere greeted me. The architecture is unique, blending Hakka cultural elements with upturned eaves and carved beams, showcasing a simple and elegant beauty.
Inside the temple, I quietly paid my respects and felt the influence of Buddhist culture. Listening to the monks chanting, it seemed to cleanse the dust from my soul, bringing inner peace and calm. Around the temple, there are some ancient buildings and stone inscriptions that witness the historical changes of Liangyeshan and deepened my understanding of this land.
Return journey: leaving with beautiful memories
As the sun set, I reluctantly began my return trip. Looking back, Liangyeshan appeared even more beautiful in the sunset glow. This trip to Liangyeshan allowed me to escape the city’s noise and heat, get close to nature, and experience its magic and charm.
Here, I not only enjoyed magnificent natural scenery but also tasted delicious rural dishes and experienced rich Hakka cultural heritage. Liangyeshan is like a shining gem embedded in western Fujian, attracting countless visitors to explore its beauty and mystery. I believe this trip will become a wonderful memory in my life, and I look forward to coming back again to experience its unique charm once more.
1. Basic information about the scenic area
· Detailed address: Liangyeshan scenic area, Donggang village, Chengxiang town, Wuping county, Longyan city, Fujian province.
· Opening hours: summer (May–October) 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; winter (November–April) 8:00 AM–5:50 PM; last entry at 5:00 PM.
· Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours for a relaxed visit, 5–6 hours for a full-depth hike.
· Ticket policy: adult tickets 55 yuan on site; online advance booking as low as 35 yuan; concession tickets (students/seniors) 27.5 yuan.
· Mandatory shuttle bus: 15 yuan per person (3 km from entrance to core scenic area, no need to walk, saves time and effort, recommended for all ages).
· Free admission: children under 1.2 m, seniors over 70, active military personnel, and people with disabilities with valid ID.
· Parking fee: free parking at the scenic area parking lot with ample spaces.
· Highlights: over 30 connected waterfalls, high mountain Fairy Lake, rainbow skywalk, thousand-year-old Wenshu ancient temple, original southern yew forest, mountaintop sea of clouds viewing platform, eighteen Arhat stone carvings.
2. Visitor guidelines
1. Be sure to purchase the scenic area shuttle bus. The 3 km from the entrance to the core area has no scenic views, walking is time-consuming and exhausting, wasting your visit time.
2. Water play is only allowed in the calm shallow pools downstream of the waterfalls. Approaching the waterfall rapids, deep pools, or cliff areas is strictly prohibited. Children must be closely supervised at all times. Swimming is forbidden.
3. Stay on the established main trails throughout the visit. Do not enter undeveloped wild paths or deep forest areas to avoid getting lost or rockfall hazards.
4. Open flames, cooking, and barbecues are prohibited in the forest area. Protect the natural forest environment and take all your trash with you.
5. Summer in the mountains is cool and humid, comfortable but with significant temperature differences. Avoid sitting for long periods in misty areas to prevent catching a cold.
6. Strictly observe closing times. Entry stops at 5:00 PM. Allow enough time to descend and avoid walking mountain paths at night.
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