Simian Mountain Scenic Area (四面山景区) is located in the southwestern part of Chongqing, forming part of the northern foothills of the Dalou Mountains, which are a remnant of the Yungui Plateau. Known geologically as an inverted mountain, Simian Mountain encompasses a diverse landscape that integrates mountains, forests, waters, waterfalls, and stones. It features a blend of tranquility, danger, wonder, grandeur, and beauty, maintaining a pristine and natural ecological environment.
The mountain is characterized by its waterfalls, forests, red rocks, and cultural heritage, offering a unique combination of five key features: “thousands of waterfalls with various forms, red cliffs and Danxia landforms, pristine forests, Xianba culture, and love culture.” These elements create a rich and interconnected resource system with distinctive characteristics.
Simian Mountain is divided into eastern and western scenic areas. The eastern area includes attractions such as Longtan Lake, Wangxiang Terrace, Pearl Beach, Land Rock, and Dahuanghai, while the western area features Shuikou Temple, Feilong Temple, and Dapopu, comprising a total of eight major scenic spots and around 130 minor attractions.
Simian Mountain boasts over a thousand waterfalls, including the famous Wangxiangtai Waterfall, Shuikou Temple Waterfall, Land Rock Waterfall, and Mandarin Duck Waterfall. Among these, the Wangxiangtai Waterfall stands out, reaching a height of approximately 152 meters and a width of 38 meters, making it over twice the height of the renowned Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou. In 2008, it was recognized as one of the top ten most beautiful waterfalls in China.
Travel Information about Simian Mountain
Ticket and Opening Hours
Admission Fees:
- Peak Season: 90 CNY
- Off-Peak Season: 60 CNY
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months to explore Simian Mountain are from July to September when temperatures range from 22°C to 25°C, making it perfect for a refreshing summer getaway.
Getting There
Location: Simian Mountain Scenic Area, Jiangjin District, Chongqing.
Transportation: Multiple buses depart daily from Chenjiaping Bus Station and Caiyuanba Bus Station in Chongqing to Jiangjin. From Jiangjin Passenger Transport Center, visitors can transfer to buses heading directly to Simian Mountain Scenic Area.
Attraction Ratings
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★
Highlights of Simian Mountain
Wangxiangtai Scenic Area
Wangxiangtai Scenic Area is one of the key attractions in Simian Mountain, home to the stunning Wangxiangtai Waterfall. With a drop of 158 meters, it has been recognized as one of the “New Twelve Sceneries of Bayu” and ranked among “China’s Ten Most Beautiful Waterfalls.” Due to its heart-shaped appearance, it is also known as the “World’s Number One Heart.” The waterfall is famous for its three-tiered cascade. From a distance, the waterfall looks like a white dragon soaring into the sky, its roar thunderous and its presence awe-inspiring. Visitors can also enjoy a unique night experience, where the waterfall becomes a mesmerizing “Seven-Colored Waterfall” under the lights – an experience unmatched anywhere else in the country.
Longtan Lake Scenic Area
Longtan Lake is a natural lake approximately 100 meters wide and nearly 3,000 meters long. Visitors can enjoy boating on the tranquil waters, taking in the stunning scenery of cascading waterfalls and vibrant flowers competing for attention. The lake offers a serene environment where one can leisurely fish or play among the lush forest surroundings. As you gaze out over the lake, you’re enveloped by a romantic atmosphere, inspired by the beautiful scenery: “A dragon rises on the waves, half the lake glistens in green, gentle breezes carry lovely reflections, and the sunset envelops the emerald landscape.” Longtan Lake is a perfect spot for relaxation and appreciating the beauty of nature.
Honghai Scenic Area
The Honghai Scenic Area features the major attractions of Dahuanghai (Big Honghai) and Xiaohonghai (Small Honghai), renowned for their tranquil beauty. This pristine area offers a natural charm free from artificial influence, resembling a sparkling gem set in a world of emerald greens. The reflection of lush trees and vibrant flowers in the lake creates a unique spectacle, earning the nickname “Underwater Forest” for its remarkable underwater scenery.
Surrounded by verdant hills, Dahuanghai is a picturesque spot where visitors can often see milu deer and goats drinking at the lake’s edge. The surface of the water shimmers with ripples, and pairs of mandarin ducks frolic in the shallows. Occasionally, elegant egrets take flight, adding a touch of wild beauty to the serene atmosphere of Honghai, making it an idyllic escape into nature.
Land Rock Scenic Area
Land Rock is one of the most distinctive Danxia landform landscapes in the Simian Mountain Scenic Area, showcasing stunning rock formations that evoke awe among countless visitors. From a distance, Land Rock resembles a half-wall of red cliffs reflected in the lake, adorned with lifelike images of Afanti, beautiful women, and stacks of books, sparking endless admiration and imagination.
The waterfall cascading from Land Rock appears like a white hada, suspended amidst green trees and red rocks. Surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, the silver waterfall tumbles down in clusters, forming a tiered curtain of water. When the sun shines brightly overhead, a vibrant rainbow arches across the valley, creating a breathtaking spectacle that captivates all who behold it.
Pearl Lake Scenic Area
The Pearl Lake Scenic Area is a stunning mountain-top reservoir, resembling a vibrant green emerald nestled among the surrounding peaks. At an elevation of 1,250 meters, the lake’s crystal-clear waters cascade down the mountainside, forming a series of three picturesque waterfalls at Pearl Beach. The flowing water sings a melodious tune, reminiscent of countless pearls falling onto a jade plate.
The famous Shanpingzi Waterfall plunges gracefully down the mountainside, creating a breathtaking spectacle as it spills over into the Red Stone Valley, surrounded by lush emerald foliage. Pearl Beach, framed by the reflective surface of the lake at the beach’s edge and the breathtaking waterfall at its end, embodies the beauty of nature in its purest, most unadulterated form.
Wolong Gorge
Wolong Gorge is a hidden gem located along the western bank of Longtan Lake, flanked by towering cliffs and rugged rocks. This pristine area is characterized by lush vines hanging down, creating an atmosphere filled with wild, untamed beauty. As you enter the gorge, the steep mountains create a narrow skyline, leading to a unique circular opening at the end.
A spectacular waterfall cascades down from the crevices above, transforming into delicate strands of silver as it tumbles over the rocky Fish Scale Beach. The water rushes through the verdant foliage and red rocks, creating a stunning contrast of colors. Visitors can ascend through this enchanting scene, where the white water forms a silken veil, and the rich greens resemble a vibrant tapestry, giving the feeling of walking on clouds and reaching for the sky.
Shuikou Temple Scenic Area
The Shuikou Temple Scenic Area is centered around the stunning Shuikou Temple Waterfall, which cascades down in a dramatic series of nine bends. The roar of the rushing water fills the air, creating an exhilarating atmosphere as lush vines drape along the path. Upon reaching the bottom of the first turn, visitors are greeted by the sight of the high waterfall, pouring gracefully from a crevice in the cave above, as soft as silk.
As the water splashes into the pool below, it creates a misty veil, enhancing the ethereal beauty of the scene. To the right of the waterfall lies a natural stone statue of Buddha, majestically perched about 100 meters high, offering a serene presence amidst the rushing waters. On the left, the Wake Lion Rock stands proudly, resembling a lion raising its head to the sky, embodying the breathtaking charm of Simian Mountain.
Visitor Guide for Simian Mountain
Acommodation Options
When visiting Simian Mountain, travelers have the option to stay at locally operated farmhouses, known as “农家乐.” These accommodations are widely distributed, beginning from the entrance of Simian Mountain Town and extending along the scenic areas of Wolong Lake, Wangxiangtai Waterfall, and Honghai Scenic Area to the Yuqian Boundary Monument and Jinlong Temple.
In particular, the areas around Wangxiangtai and Shuikou Temple feature picturesque spots along the scenic roads and lakefronts, where local villagers have set up charming farmhouses and restaurants. The highest concentration of farmhouses can be found in Simian Mountain Town and the Da Honghai Dock, making these locations particularly convenient for visitors. Staying at a farmhouse not only provides a comfortable lodging experience but also offers guests a taste of local culture and cuisine.
Local Cuisine
Jiao Gu Lan Tea (绞股蓝茶): Also known as “Bird’s Seven Leaf Gall”, Jiao Gu Lan is a plant belonging to the gourd family. The harvesting season runs from May to August each year, when local villagers cut the stems and leaves, wash and dry them, and then chop them into approximately 5-centimeter pieces. The processing includes fixing, kneading, loosening, and drying, resulting in the finished Jiao Gu Lan tea. In Simian Mountain, this tea has traditionally been used by locals as a remedy for ailments such as cough, phlegm, chronic bronchitis, and infectious hepatitis. Due to its affordability and health benefits, it is particularly popular among tourists.
Shihou Peach Wine (獅猴桃酒): This unique wine is made from wild kiwifruit harvested from deep in the mountains. After being steeped for forty-nine days, the wine is ready for consumption. It is rich in vitamins C and B, as well as carotenoids and trace elements, making it a refreshing drink that can quench thirst and relieve heat. However, because this wine is considered to have a cooling effect, it is advisable for those with a weak stomach or cold constitution to consume it with caution.
Chinese Qixi Festival (七夕节)
The Chinese Qixi Festival, also known as the Double Seventh Festival, is the origin of the Love Ladder story and is hailed as a “land of love.” This celebration offers a variety of colorful activities centered around the theme of love. Participants can express their feelings loudly in a symbolic act known as Love Shouting, or they can adopt their own Love Tree to nurture and care for, representing their affection.
Another highlight is crossing the “Magpie Bridge” to enjoy a romantic dinner, which symbolizes the annual meeting of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. The festival culminates in a large-scale carnival party filled with entertaining activities, creating a joyful and romantic atmosphere for couples to celebrate their love.