Wuyanling National Nature Reserve
Located in the northwest of Taishun County in Zhejiang Province, Wuyanling National Nature Reserve is the only state-level national nature reserve in Wenzhou City prefecture. In Chinese, the name means 'black rock', because the cliffs near the streams and the rocks in the canals are jet black. Covering an area of 200 square kilometers (77 square miles), it protects the forest ecology as well as wild life, with an annual temperature of 26C (79F).
Natural Environment
The forest presents different kinds of beauty in each of the four seasons. In spring, the blooming flowers, singing birds and babbling brooks welcome you to join in their joy. In summer, the gentle breeze comforts you and cools your mind and spirit. In autumn, the sweetness of the ripe fruits will certainly make your mouth water. And in its warm winter, you can still enjoy yourself in this picturesque heaven on earth that nature has gifted us. The endless primary forest stretches on all sides as far as your eyes can see. There are 17 peaks more than 1,000 meters high (3,281 feet) including the highest summit - Baiyun Peak (White Cloud Peak), which is 1,611 meters (5,285 feet) above sea level. Feiyun Stream, the headwater of Feiyun River, the third largest river in Zhejiang Province, winds through the borders of the reserve. The unusual alpine peaks are waiting for you to explore and the spectacular landscape attracts many mountain climbers to seek adventure and reach great heights. Thanks to the lovely natural scenery, the forest attracts more and more tourists from home and abroad.
Living Resources
Known as 'National Biological Gene Pool' and 'Green Biological Museum', the forest is famous for its abundance of living resources and complete ecosystem. According to a survey, 2,150 types of all kinds of plants are widely distributed in the forest. 21 of these are under special protection by the country. There are four kinds of wild plant under first-grade state protection. They are maire yew, bretschneidera sinensis, isoetes siensis and water shield. Fokienia hodginsii, golden larch and another 18 kinds of wild plant are under second-grade state protection.
In addition, the animal resource is equally abundant. There are more than 50 kinds of animal being protected in particular. 342 kinds of reptiles, birds and animals make up 53℅ of the total variety in Zhejiang Province. There are 1,041 known varieties of insects and 85 of butterflies. Animals in severe danger of extinction include the yellow-bellied tragopan, leopard, clouded leopard and stump-tailed monkey. They are all well protected in this nature reserve.
Distinctive Beauty Spots
Longjing Deep Pool: Water from the upper reaches of Baiyun Stream pours into Longjing and has made it a deep depression over the years. It is divided into an upper pool and a lower pool. The upper one is extremely deep, and covers an area of more than 20 square kilometers (7.7 square miles).
Xiaolong Deep Pool: The stream runs as if a white dragon is swooping down. Branches around the pool sway in the wind. A rock like a copper mirror borders the pool. The depth is unknown, but the color of the water tells us that the depth must be beyond our imagination.
Baiyun Peak (White Cloud Peak) and Baiyun Waterfall (White Cloud Waterfall): Located in the west of the nature reserve, Baiyun Peak is the second highest mountain in Zhejiang Province and the main peak of Wuyanling National Nature Reserve, measuring about 1,611 meters. Standing on the top of the peak, the boundless sea of cloud makes you fall into reverie and forget yourself. Cloud and mist wreath the mountain the year round, making it appear a wonderland on earth. Walk to your left, you will be stunned at a pure white cascade which falls over a 30-meter (98-foot) cliff. The tremendous rushing sound will compel you to put your hands over your ears. This is Baiyun Waterfall, one of the headstreams of Feiyun River.
Come and explore it for yourself, you will not regret it!
Tips: There are two buses starting from Luoyang to Wuyanling everyday. One departs at six o'clock in the morning and the other leaves at 12 am. You can return at 7:45 in the morning and two o'clock in the afternoon.
Admission Fee: | CNY 60 for adult CNY 30 for children between 1.2 and 1.5 meters Free for children below 1.2 meters |
It is suggested to stay overnight inside the park, I think the Baiyun Shanzhuang is a pretty good choice.