Attractions · Wenzhou

Yandang Mountain lies in Yueqing City. Its name comes from 'a lake on the ridge, thick with reeds, where wild geese roost in autumn'. It is a UNESCO Global Geopark and a national 5A scenic area. The scenic area is known for strange peaks and rocks, ancient caves and stone chambers, and flying waterfalls and streams. Lingfeng's Hand-in-Hand Peak looks like hands pressed together in prayer by day and like a couple leaning together at night; Dalongqiu Waterfall drops 190 m, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in China. Highlights include the Lingfeng night view, the Lingyan flying traverse and the Fangdong plank walk. Tip: the Lingfeng night view is Yandang's most distinctive experience; staying near the scenic area in the evening is recommended. Practical info: located in Yandang Town, Yueqing City, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province; tickets Lingfeng day ¥45, Dalongqiu ¥50; opening hours 06:00–18:00. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings flowers across Yandang Mountain; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and crisp, with pleasant autumn colour along the Nanxi River.

Tip: The Lingfeng night view is Yandang Mountain's most distinctive experience; staying near the scenic area for th…

• Address: Yandang Town, Yueqing City, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province
• Ticket: Lingfeng day ticket ¥45; Dalongqiu ¥50
• Opening: 06:00–18:00

The Nanxi River is a national scenic area known for 'beautiful water, strange rocks, many waterfalls and ancient villages'. The water is clear to the bottom, the beaches and woods on both banks are picturesque, and it is the birthplace of Chinese landscape poetry. Many old villages from the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing survive in the area; Furong, Cangpo and Lishui Street show the simple rural scene. Bamboo-raft drifting is the most relaxing way to experience the Nanxi River. Highlights include Shiwei Rock. Tip: the sights of the Nanxi River are scattered; self-drive or a chartered car is recommended. Practical info: located in Yongjia County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province; free admission (some old villages charge); open all day. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings flowers across Yandang Mountain; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and crisp, with pleasant autumn colour along the Nanxi River. Pair with Wenzhou's Yandang Mountain, Jiangxin Island and Nanji Islands for a half- or full-day itinerary. It can be combined with Yandang Mountain, Jiangxin Island, Nanji Islands in Wenzhou for a half- or full-day itinerary.

Tip: The sights of the Nanxi River are scattered; self-drive or a chartered car is recommended.

• Address: Yongjia County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province
• Ticket: Free (some old villages charge admission)
• Opening: All day

Jiangxin Island is a small island in the Ou River, famous for Xie Lingyun's lines 'spring grass grows in the pond, garden willows change their birds' and known as the 'Island of Poetry'. The island has the East and West Pagodas, Jiangxin Temple and the Xie Lingyun Memorial Hall. The East Pagoda was built in the Tang and the West Pagoda in the Song; they are landmarks of Wenzhou. Ancient trees tower on the island and the setting is quiet. Highlights include the night view of the Ou River. Tip: go in the evening to enjoy the night view on both banks of the Ou. Practical info: located in the middle reaches of the Ou River, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province; ticket ¥30 (including ferry); opening hours 08:00–17:30. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings flowers across Yandang Mountain; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and crisp, with pleasant autumn colour along the Nanxi River. Pair with Wenzhou's Yandang Mountain, Nanxi River and Nanji Islands for a half- or full-day itinerary. It can be combined with Yandang Mountain, Nanxi River, Nanji Islands in Wenzhou for a half- or full-day itinerary.

Tip: Go in the evening to enjoy the night view on both banks of the Ou River.

• Address: Middle reaches of the Ou River, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province
• Ticket: ¥30 (including ferry)
• Opening: 08:00–17:30

The Nanji Islands lie in the sea southeast of Pingyang County and consist of 52 islands; they are a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The sea is clear, the beaches fine, and shell resources are abundant. Dasha'ao Beach on the island is an ideal bathing beach, and the Sanpanwei scenic area has strange rocks and beautiful sunrises. It is also a paradise for sea anglers. Highlights include the Sanpanwei sunrise and sea fishing. Tip: the boat from Pingyang pier takes about 2 hours; book tickets and accommodation in advance. Practical info: located in Nanji Town, Pingyang County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province; ticket ¥100 (boat ticket extra); open all day (boat required). Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings flowers across Yandang Mountain; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and crisp, with pleasant autumn colour along the Nanxi River.

Tip: The boat from Pingyang pier takes about 2 hours; book tickets and accommodation in advance.

• Address: Nanji Town, Pingyang County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province
• Ticket: ¥100 (boat ticket extra)
• Opening: All day (boat required)