Fangshan and Changyu Dongtian

Overview

About

The Fangshan–Changyu Dongtian scenic area in Wenling, Zhejiang, 26 km², is based on ancient volcanic rock: the sheer-walled volcanic tableland of Fangshan (“Square Mountain”) and the Changyu Dongtian caverns, carved out by quarrying over the centuries, with cliffs, peaks, ravines, waterfalls and cave scenery. Changyu is an outlier of north Yandang, low hills of about 150 m.

It is in the sixth batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 2005.

Travel tips

Getting there: Wenling has a high-speed railway station. From Hangzhou the train takes about two hours and from Wenzhou about 40 minutes. From the city to Changyu Dongtian is about 15 km and to Fangshan about 20 km, by bus or taxi.

Layout: two parts. Changyu Dongtian is a set of man-made caverns left by centuries of quarrying; Fangshan is a volcanic rock plateau with steep cliffs.

Changyu Dongtian: paths lead in and out of several large caverns with stone pillars, pools and tool marks, and some water-filled sections can be crossed by boat. It is cool inside.

Fangshan: the top is flat like a table, edged by sheer cliffs. A path leads up, with cliffs, waterfalls and valleys to see.

Time: half a day each, so both can be seen in one day; visits to other sights add another day.

Season: spring and autumn are comfortable. The caverns are cool in summer, the paths on Fangshan are slippery in the rainy season, and winter is cold.

Where to stay: hotels in Wenling city are convenient.

Nearby: Wenling is part of Taizhou, Yandangshan is not far, and the Shitang peninsula in Wenling has fishing villages and a coast worth adding.

Caution: the caverns are damp and the steps slippery, so wear shoes with grip; the climb up Fangshan needs some stamina.