The Yaoshan Scenic Area is located in the western part of Lushan County, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a national nature reserve. Covering a total area of 268 square kilometers, its main peak, Yuhuangding, stands at 2,153.1 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in the eastern section of the Funiu Mountains. Yaoshan is famous for its six major landscapes: peculiar peaks, strange rocks, waterfalls, sea of clouds, hot springs, and virgin forests. Known as "the Most Beautiful in Central China," it boasts rich geological relics and combines "the danger of Huashan, the majesty of Emei, the wonder of Zhangjiajie, and the beauty of Huangshan."
History and Culture
Yaoshan got its name from Liu Lei, a descendant of Emperor Yao, who built a temple here to worship ancestors. It has a long history and cultural heritage. According to "Records of the Grand Historian," this was the fiefdom of Liu Lei during the Xia Dynasty, with a history of over 4,000 years.
The scenic area preserves numerous historical relics, including the ruins of the Chu Great Wall from the Warring States Period, the Foquan Temple from the Tang Dynasty, and the Yingfeng Temple from the Ming Dynasty. Famous poets like Li Bai and Su Shi have left poems here.
Yaoshan is also an important Taoist sacred site. It is said that Laozi, the founder of Taoism, practiced here. There are several Taoist temples on the mountain, the most famous being the Shangqing Palace built during the Tang Dynasty.
Main Attractions
Yuhuangding (Jade Emperor Peak)
Yuhuangding is the main peak of Yaoshan at 2,153.1 meters, the highest in the Funiu Mountains. From the summit, visitors can overlook the mountains and enjoy the sea of clouds at sunrise. The peak features the Jade Emperor Pavilion dedicated to the Jade Emperor. There are 6,666 steps from the foot to the peak, symbolizing "everything goes smoothly."
Qinglongbei (Green Dragon Ridge)
Qinglongbei is a 5-kilometer ridge trail, with the narrowest part only 0.5 meters wide and sheer cliffs on both sides, resembling a winding green dragon. Along the way, visitors can admire peculiar pines and strange rocks, making it one of Yaoshan's most thrilling landscapes.
Jiuqu Waterfall (Nine-Bend Waterfall)
With a total drop of 215 meters over nine levels, Jiuqu Waterfall is magnificent. The surrounding lush vegetation creates high negative oxygen ion levels, earning it the title of "No.1 Waterfall in Central China." It's most spectacular during the summer rainy season.
Shiren Mountain (Stone Figures Mountain)
The core area of Yaoshan, Shiren Mountain is famous for its granite peak forest landform. It features over 100 rock formations resembling human figures, such as General Peak, Holy Mother Peak, and Drunken Taibai, all vividly shaped.
Yaoshan Hot Springs
The Yaoshan hot springs have a water temperature of 63°C, rich in fluorine, strontium, and over 20 other trace elements beneficial to health. The 150,000-square-meter hot spring resort has more than 100 pools, making it a famous hot spring retreat in Central China.
Cuisine
Lushan Stewed Pot Dish
A local specialty, Lushan Stewed Pot Dish combines pork, tofu, vermicelli, and a dozen other ingredients stewed in a large iron pot. Delicious and nutritious, it's served at many restaurants in the scenic area.
Yaoshan Wild Mushroom Banquet
Yaoshan abounds with wild mushrooms like matsutake and boletus. The Wild Mushroom Banquet features local fresh mushrooms prepared through stewing, stir-frying, steaming, and other cooking methods, offering unique and delicious flavors.
Mountain Wild Vegetables
Yaoshan has abundant wild vegetable resources like ferns, Chinese toon, and wild amaranth. These pollution-free vegetables are tender and highly nutritious.
Surrounding Cuisine
Lushan County near the scenic area has many specialty restaurants offering Henan delicacies like Spicy Soup, Stewed Noodles, and Mutton Soup. The "Lushan Mutton Soup" is particularly famous for its tender meat and rich broth.
Ticket Information
Ticket prices are 80 yuan/person (peak season March-November) and 60 yuan/person (off-season December-February). Sightseeing bus tickets and cable car tickets (60 yuan one-way, 100 yuan round-trip) are additional. Students and seniors enjoy half-price discounts with valid IDs, and children under 1.2 meters are free.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open year-round from 7:00-18:00 (peak season) and 8:00-17:00 (off-season). The hot spring resort operates from 9:00-23:00. Visitors are advised to plan their time wisely.
Recommended Tour Route
One-day itinerary: Main gate → Sightseeing bus to cable station → Cable car up → Shiren Mountain → Qinglongbei → Yuhuangding → Hike or cable car down → Jiuqu Waterfall → Hot springs. Fit visitors can hike the entire route (6-8 hours).
Transportation
- Self-drive: From Zhengzhou via Zheng-Yao Expressway to Yaoshan exit (about 2.5 hours)
- Bus: Tourist shuttle buses from downtown Pingdingshan
- High-speed rail: To Pingdingshan West Station, then transfer to scenic area shuttle (about 1 hour)
- Air: Nearest airport is Luoyang Beijiao Airport (about 2 hours by car)
Must-See Attractions
- Yuhuangding: Highest peak, best spot for sunrise and sea of clouds
- Qinglongbei: Thrilling ridge trail for an "aerial walk" experience
- Jiuqu Waterfall: Most spectacular waterfall in Central China
- Shiren Mountain: Unique rock formations showcasing nature's craftsmanship
- Yaoshan Hot Springs: Natural hot springs for relaxation
Travel Tips
- Plan 1-2 days to combine sightseeing with hot springs
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for hiking; bring rain gear and sunscreen
- Mountain weather changes quickly; dress in layers
- Bring water and snacks as supplies are limited on the mountain
- Photographers should bring tripods for best light at dawn/dusk
- Bring swimwear for hot springs (available for purchase but expensive)
Precautions
- Some trails are dangerous; stay away from cliffs
- Protect the environment: no picking plants or disturbing wildlife
- Follow rules: no smoking or fires in non-designated areas
- Avoid weekends/holidays during peak season if possible
- Download offline maps as mountain signals are unstable
- Some attractions may close temporarily in bad weather