Overview

Explore the dramatic cliffs, soaring waterfalls and aerial rope-walking shows of UNESCO-listed Yandang Mountain, paired with the serene poetry-painting landscapes of the Nanxi River.

About This Tour

Yandang Mountain in Zhejiang is a UNESCO Global Geopark and one of eastern China's most spectacular ranges, historically titled 'the first famous mountain of the Southeast.' This 3-day private tour combines its towering volcanic peaks and waterfalls with the gentle, painterly scenery of the Nanxi River, the cradle of China's landscape-poetry tradition. You will wander Yongjia Academy's gorges and seven-tiered falls, stroll a covered riverside old street at dusk, and then spend a full day among Yandang's celebrated 'three wonders' of Lingfeng, Lingyan and the 190-metre Dalongqiu waterfall, where you can watch a rare cliff-face acrobatic 'flying-crossing' performance 200 metres in the air. The final day brings you to the Stone Mast Rock, a 306-metre stone pinnacle reached by boat through a mist-filled gorge. With a private vehicle and English-speaking guide throughout, this trip suits nature lovers, photographers and families seeking world-class geology at an easy pace. Spring and autumn are most beautiful. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for clearest waterfalls and mild weather • Fitness level: easy; mostly paved scenic paths with some steps • Yandang's Dalongqiu waterfall flow varies with season and rainfall • Comfortable walking shoes and a light rain layer recommended

Itinerary

Day 1: Yongjia Academy | Nanxi River & Lishui Old Street

Depart your start point in the morning and travel to the Nanxi River valley, reaching Yongjia Academy around 14:00. Despite its scholarly name, this is a stunning scenic area, a filming location for the variety show Keep Running and once home to Xie Lingyun, founder of China's landscape-poetry school. The reserve gathers mountains, water, stone, forest, river beaches and waterfalls in one self-contained valley, with a clear wide streambed, lush riparian groves and a seven-tiered cascade running its full length, a rare combination. After exploring, transfer to your guesthouse near the Nanxi River with free time for dinner. In the evening, stroll Lishui Old Street, a waterside covered gallery in classic Jiangnan style where you can lean on the railings and enjoy the slow riverside atmosphere. Overnight near the Nanxi River.

Day 2: Yandang Mountain | Three Wonders & Aerial Flying Show

Enjoy a relaxed start, then spend the full day in Yandang Mountain, the 'first famous mountain of the Southeast,' which holds eight major scenic areas and over 500 sights. Around 09:00 you visit Lingfeng, the showpiece used by CCTV and others to represent the range. After a free lunch, you tour Lingyan around 12:30, where the cliffs are most surreal and you can watch the renowned 'flying-crossing' acrobatic show performed on a stage 200 metres up in the open air, a world rarity. In the afternoon you reach Dalongqiu, whose 190-metre waterfall plunges from Lianyun Peak like a torrent from the Milky Way, framed by cliff carvings and shifting from misty veil to thundering cascade depending on the season. Return to a countryside guesthouse for dinner. Meals: B, D. Overnight near Yandang.

Day 3: Stone Mast Rock | Boat Through the Misty Gorge

After a leisurely breakfast, depart around 08:00 for the Stone Mast Rock, dubbed the 'heavenly pillar of southern Zhejiang.' This 306-metre pinnacle of pale red stone rises sheer on three sides, ringed by streams that form a peaceful gorge; its twin-peaked summit resembles a ship's mast, giving the rock its name. You enter the scenic area by boat, poling up a mysterious canyon of emerald water and cool breezes, the towering rock mirrored in the still surface beneath misty peaks and old villages, a scene of pure pastoral poetry. Enjoy lunch near the scenic area between 12:00 and 13:00, then begin the return drive around 13:00, arriving back at your start city to conclude the tour. Meals: B, L. Trip ends.

What's Included

✓ Included

English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers 2 nights accommodation per itinerary Yongjia Academy, Yandang Mountain and Stone Mast Rock entrance tickets as listed Stone Mast Rock scenic boat ride Meals as specified

✕ Not included

International & domestic flights and trains China visa Travel insurance Some meals (self-arranged, guide recommends restaurants) Personal expenses Tips Optional cable cars

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.

Traveler Reviews

4.9★★★★★Based on 161 reviews

Olivia P.🇮🇪 Ireland★★★★★2026-05

Looking back, I wasn't sure how much would fit into 3 days without feeling hurried. The balance worked better than I expected. The stop at Yandang Mountain & Nanxi River 3-Day : Southeast China's First Famous Mountain had room to breathe instead of becoming another quick photo.

Marco W.🇳🇿 New Zealand★★★★★2024-10

The unglamorous part: the private format mattered most between the main stops. No waiting for a coach to refill and no counting thirty people before moving on. The time around Yandang Mountain & Nanxi River 3-Day : Southeast China's First Famous Mountain was not the part I would cut.

Diego L.🇵🇹 Portugal★★★★★2026-03

One thing I learned: the day ran a little longer once traffic was included. I was tired at the end, but not sorry we stayed for Yandang Mountain & Nanxi River 3-Day : Southeast China's First Famous Mountain.

Karim M.🇨🇭 Switzerland★★★★★2025-04

I liked this more a day later, when I looked back through my photos and realised how different Yandang and Yandang Mountain & Nanxi River 3-Day : Southeast China's First Famous Mountain had felt.

Yandang Mountain & Nanxi River 3-Day Private Tour: Southeast China's First Famous Mountain