Located at the foot of Yuntai Mountain in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, Huaguoshan (Flower and Fruit Mountain) is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, famous as the home of Sun Wukong in "Journey to the West" and known as "The First Scenic Spot of East China Sea".
Overview
Geographical Features
The scenic area covers 84.3 square kilometers, with the main peak Yunu Peak at 624.4 meters above sea level, the highest point in Jiangsu Province.
Forest coverage exceeds 90%, with over 1,700 plant species and 200 wild animal species.
Cultural Origins
Wu Cheng'en described Huaguoshan as Sun Wukong's birthplace in the Ming Dynasty novel "Journey to the West".
Designated as a National Key Scenic Spot by the State Council in 1988.
Main Attractions
Core Landscapes
- Water Curtain Cave: Sun Wukong's home with waterfall like a curtain
- Yunu Peak: Highest peak in Jiangsu with views of the Yellow Sea
- Sanyuan Temple: Thousand-year-old temple dating back to Tang Dynasty
- Monkey Garden: Hundreds of free-ranging macaques
Journey to the West Sites
- Great Sage Statue: 33-meter-tall Sun Wukong sculpture
- 72 Caves: Legendary dwelling places of demons
- Sea-Calming Needle: Replica of Sun Wukong's magic staff
- Journey to the West Museum: Exhibits related to the classic novel
Special Experiences
Themed Activities
- Journey to the West Festival: Grand celebration held every September
- Monkey King Show: Interactive performance with macaques
- Mountain Climbing Competition: Annual spring hiking event
- Cloud Mist Tea Picking: Experience making Huaguoshan's famous tea
Local Cuisine
- Huaguoshan Cloud Mist Tea: Famous tea with thousand-year history
- Seafood Banquet: Lianyungang specialty seafood feast
- Monkey Head Mushrooms: Local mountain fungi delicacy
- Crystal Hawthorn Cake: Traditional local snack
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Open year-round. Peak season (Apr-Oct): 07:30-17:30; Off season (Nov-Mar): 08:00-17:00
Ticket Prices
- Adult: 90 CNY/person
- Student: 45 CNY/person (with valid ID)
- Sightseeing bus: 25 CNY/person (one-way)
Transportation
- Self-driving: About 40 minutes from Lianyungang city center
- Public bus: Take Tourist Bus Line 1 directly to the scenic area
- High-speed rail: About 30 minutes by taxi from Lianyungang Station
Notes
Keep distance when interacting with wild macaques and do not feed them.
Mountain weather changes frequently - bring rain gear.
Wear comfortable sports shoes as some paths are steep.