Guifeng Scenic Area is located in Yiyang County, Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a World Natural Heritage site, and a Global Geopark. The scenic area covers a total area of 136 square kilometers, with a core area of 47 square kilometers. The highest peak is 486 meters above sea level. Guifeng is famous for its Danxia landform and gets its name from the turtle-shaped rocks. Known as "the unparalleled Guifeng on the river", the area features 36 peaks and 72 scenic spots, with iconic landscapes such as "Old Man Peak" and "Three-Stacked Turtle".
History and Culture
Guifeng has a long history and rich cultural heritage. As early as the Tang Dynasty, literati visited here. The famous Neo-Confucian scholar Zhu Xi lectured here during the Song Dynasty. Ming Dynasty geographer Xu Xiake praised Guifeng in his travel notes as "the wonder of Guifeng's peaks that Yandang lacks". The area has numerous cliff inscriptions, the earliest dating back to the Tang Dynasty, providing important material for studying ancient Chinese calligraphy.
Guifeng has a profound Buddhist culture. Nanyan Temple in the scenic area was built in the Tang Dynasty and is one of Jiangxi's important Buddhist temples. It preserves precious Buddhist statues and murals, with Yuan Dynasty Buddhist statues being particularly exquisite. Generations of eminent monks practiced here, leaving behind a rich Buddhist cultural heritage.
Guifeng is also a revolutionary base area. Revolutionary martyrs like Fang Zhimin conducted revolutionary activities here. The area preserves revolutionary sites such as Red Army caves and slogans, making it an important place for patriotic education.
Main Attractions
Old Man Peak
Old Man Peak is the iconic landscape of Guifeng, about 60 meters high, resembling the head of a kind old man. Viewed from different angles, the old man's expressions vary vividly. Geologists confirm that it's a Danxia landform shaped by long-term weathering, a masterpiece of nature.
Three-Stacked Turtle
The Three-Stacked Turtle consists of three turtle-shaped boulders stacked together, about 80 meters high. The three "turtles" have different postures - one looking up, one looking back, and one looking down - all remarkably lifelike and breathtaking.
Nanyan Temple
Nanyan Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty over 1,300 years ago. The temple blends perfectly with the Danxia landform. It preserves precious Yuan Dynasty Buddhist statues and Ming Dynasty murals of high artistic value. The temple fair on the 19th day of the second lunar month attracts many worshippers.
Qingshui Lake
Qingshui Lake covers about 300 mu (20 hectares) with crystal-clear water reflecting the surrounding Danxia peaks, creating picturesque scenery. Boats are available for visitors to enjoy the strange peaks and rocks along the banks. Lakeside boardwalks and viewing platforms provide ideal spots for rest and sightseeing.
One-Line Sky
One-Line Sky is a famous canyon in Guifeng, about 200 meters long with the narrowest part allowing only one person to pass sideways. Towering cliffs on both sides reveal just a line of blue sky above, hence the name. The cool breeze inside creates a unique experience.
Cuisine
Yiyang Rice Cake
Yiyang Rice Cake is a local traditional food with over 1,200 years of history. Made from high-quality late rice through soaking, grinding, drying, and steaming processes, it has a soft, chewy texture and can be stir-fried, boiled, or pan-fried in various ways.
Guifeng Free-range Chicken Soup
This soup uses local free-range chickens stewed with wild mushrooms. The golden soup and tender chicken are nutritious and have health benefits.
Danxia Bamboo Shoots
Danxia Bamboo Shoots grow in Guifeng's Danxia area and are exceptionally tender due to the unique soil. They can be stir-fried, made into salads or soups, offering a crisp, refreshing taste - a seasonal delicacy not to be missed in spring.
Nearby Cuisine
Shangrao city also offers specialties like Qianshan Hot Rice Noodles, Wuyuan Steamed Cake, and Yushan Black Pork. Visitors can try these local flavors after touring Guifeng.
Ticket Information
Guifeng entrance fee is 160 yuan per person, covering main attractions. Sightseeing bus costs 20 yuan, boat ride 50 yuan. Students and seniors get discounts with valid certificates. Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 (peak season), 8:30-16:30 (off season).
Recommended Itinerary
Suggested one-day tour: Take the sightseeing bus in the morning to visit Old Man Peak and Three-Stacked Turtle; lunch at the scenic area restaurant; visit Nanyan Temple in the afternoon, take a boat ride on Qingshui Lake, and walk through One-Line Sky. For more time, a two-day tour allows deeper exploration of other Guifeng attractions.
Transportation
- Airplane: Nearest airport is Shangrao Sanqingshan Airport, about 60 km away
- High-speed rail: Take train to Yiyang Station, then transfer to tourist shuttle (about 20 minutes)
- Self-driving: About 1 hour from Shangrao via Shanghai-Kunming Expressway
- Internal transportation: Sightseeing buses and boats connect main attractions
Must-see Attractions
- Old Man Peak: Iconic 60m-high figurative rock
- Three-Stacked Turtle: Three turtle-shaped boulders about 80m high
- Nanyan Temple: Thousand-year-old temple with precious Buddhist art
- Qingshui Lake: 300-mu lake with Danxia peaks reflected like a painting
- One-Line Sky: 200m-long canyon with narrowest part for one person
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: Spring and autumn with pleasant weather
- Suggested duration: 1-2 days
- Wear comfortable anti-slip hiking shoes
- Prepare sun protection as some areas lack shade
- Combo tickets can save money
- Professional guide service available, recommended to book in advance
Precautions
- Protect geological heritage - no climbing or carving
- Follow scenic area rules - no entering restricted areas
- Take care of personal belongings
- Wear life jackets when boating
- Respect religious customs - keep quiet in temples
- Walk carefully on rainy days as paths may be slippery