Langya Mountain Scenic Area is located in the southwestern suburbs of Chuzhou City, Anhui Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering a total area of 115 square kilometers, with the main peak Xiaofeng Mountain at an altitude of 317 meters. Known for its "beautiful landscapes and cultural charm", the scenic area integrates natural and cultural landscapes, featuring numerous historical sites such as the Old Drunkard Pavilion and Langya Temple, earning the reputation as the "Top Scenic Spot in Eastern Anhui".
History and Culture
Langya Mountain has been a famous scenic spot in the Jianghuai region since ancient times, gaining prominence during the Western Jin Dynasty. When Northern Song writer Ouyang Xiu served as the prefect of Chuzhou, he wrote the immortal masterpiece "The Old Drunkard's Pavilion Record", making Langya Mountain renowned worldwide. The famous line "The old drunkard's heart is not in the wine, but in the mountains and rivers" captures the unique charm of Langya Mountain.
The Buddhist culture of Langya Mountain has a long history. Langya Temple, built in the Tang Dynasty, is a famous ancient temple in eastern Anhui that still thrives with incense today. The mountain also has numerous cultural relics such as cliff carvings and stone inscriptions, showcasing its profound historical and cultural heritage.
As an important cultural mountain in the Jianghuai region, Langya Mountain has attracted literati and scholars throughout history to visit and compose poems, leaving behind a rich collection of poetry and calligraphy works, forming a unique "Langya culture".
Main Attractions
The Old Drunkard Pavilion
Built in 1046 during the Northern Song Dynasty, the Old Drunkard Pavilion became famous worldwide because of Ouyang Xiu's "The Old Drunkard's Pavilion Record". The square pavilion with upturned eaves is surrounded by ancient trees in a tranquil environment. Inside stands a stone inscription of "The Old Drunkard's Pavilion Record", making it the landmark attraction of Langya Mountain.
Langya Temple
Langya Temple was first built in 771 during the Tang Dynasty and is the largest Buddhist temple in eastern Anhui. The temple buildings are arranged in an orderly fashion along the mountain, including the Mahavira Hall and Scripture Depository. Behind the temple are historic sites like the Beamless Hall, and in front is the Tang Dynasty cliff carving "Namo Amitabha Buddha".
Shenxiu Lake
Located in the hinterland of Langya Mountain, Shenxiu Lake gets its name from Ouyang Xiu's description "the forests and valleys are especially beautiful, appearing luxuriant and profoundly elegant". With rippling blue waters surrounded by green mountains, the lake features attractions like the Zigzag Bridge and Mid-Lake Pavilion, making it the most beautiful natural landscape in the scenic area.
South Heavenly Gate
The South Heavenly Gate, at an altitude of 280 meters, is the must-pass place to climb to the main peak of Langya Mountain, where two peaks stand like a gate. With open views, it overlooks the entire city of Chuzhou and is an excellent spot to watch sunrise and sea of clouds.
Tongle Garden
Tongle Garden is a landscape area built to commemorate Ouyang Xiu, featuring structures like the Ouyang Xiu Memorial Hall, Liuyi Pavilion, and Yingxiang Pavilion, showcasing his political achievements and literary accomplishments in Chuzhou.
Featured Activities
Langya Mountain Temple Fair
Held annually on the ninth day of the first lunar month with a thousand-year history, the Langya Mountain Temple Fair includes folk performances, commodity trading, and blessing activities, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, making it the largest traditional temple fair in eastern Anhui.
Old Drunkard Pavilion Cultural Tourism Festival
Held every autumn to promote Ouyang Xiu's culture, the festival features poetry recitations, calligraphy exhibitions, and academic seminars, becoming an important cultural brand of Chuzhou.
Langya Mountain Climbing Festival
The annual spring Langya Mountain Climbing Festival attracts many hiking enthusiasts with activities like climbing competitions and hiking tours, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Local Cuisine and Specialties
Langya Crispy Candy
A traditional Chuzhou delicacy made mainly from sesame and sugar, Langya Crispy Candy is crispy, sweet, and melts in the mouth. With a hundred-year history, it's a must-buy souvenir for visitors.
Chuzhou Chrysanthemum
One of China's four famous chrysanthemums, grown around Langya Mountain, Chuzhou Chrysanthemum has heat-clearing and eye-brightening effects, making it a local health drink when brewed as tea.
Ouyang Xiu's Drunkard Feast
Created based on the artistic conception of "The Old Drunkard's Pavilion Record", the feast uses local wild delicacies paired with aged Chuzhou wine, allowing visitors to appreciate cultural charm while enjoying delicious food.
Ticket Information
The entrance fee for Langya Mountain Scenic Area is 95 yuan per person, including main attractions like the Old Drunkard Pavilion and Langya Temple. Open daily from 8:00 to 17:30, the recommended visiting time is 4-6 hours. Additional fees apply for some sites like the Ouyang Xiu Memorial Hall.
Recommended Tour Route
Recommended one-day itinerary: North Gate Entrance → Old Drunkard Pavilion → Tongle Garden → Shenxiu Lake → Langya Temple → South Heavenly Gate → Xiaofeng Mountain Summit → West Gate Exit. This route provides a comprehensive experience of Langya Mountain's natural scenery and cultural landscapes, suggesting cultural sites in the morning and mountain views in the afternoon.
Transportation Guide
- Self-driving: From downtown Chuzhou via Xijian Road and Fengle Avenue to the North Gate
- Public bus: Take bus routes 11, 15, or 101 directly to the scenic area
- High-speed rail: Take high-speed rail to Chuzhou Station, then transfer by bus or taxi (about 20 minutes)
Must-See Attractions
- Old Drunkard Pavilion - Famous ancient pavilion known for Ouyang Xiu's essay
- Langya Temple - Famous ancient Buddhist temple in eastern Anhui
- South Heavenly Gate - Best viewing platform overlooking Chuzhou
Travel Tips
- Best seasons are spring and autumn; sun protection needed in summer
- Wear comfortable sports shoes as some sites require hiking
- Bring a camera for great shots of landscapes and ancient architecture
- Allow time to sample local specialties
- Consider taking sightseeing cars to save energy in the large area
Precautions
- Protect cultural relics - do not touch carvings or inscriptions
- Smoking and open flames are prohibited in the scenic area
- Be careful when climbing and avoid undeveloped areas
- Observe etiquette in Buddhist sites and avoid loud noises
- Maintain environmental hygiene and dispose of waste properly