I Thought Wugong Mountain Was Beautiful Until I Visited Mingyue Mountain
Once, I believed Wugong Mountain's beauty was unparalleled, with its rolling meadows and magnificent sea of clouds captivating all who visited. But when I set foot on Mingyue Mountain, I realized that in this world, there exists another kind of extraordinary beauty that quietly claimed a place in my heart with its unique charm.
The beauty of Wugong Mountain is indeed breathtaking, with its vast alpine meadows swaying gently in the breeze like green velvet carpets, and its endless sea of clouds resembling a dreamlike ocean that transports you to a fairyland. However, as its fame has spread, the number of tourists has exceeded all expectations. During holidays, the mountain paths are always crowded with people shoulder to shoulder, and the tranquility and serenity have gradually been replaced by noise.
In contrast, I've grown increasingly fond of the lesser-known Mingyue Mountain. It belongs to the same mountain range as Wugong Mountain, just in a different area, like different brushstrokes and colors in the same magnificent painting. Mingyue Mountain's scenery is more secluded and peaceful, like a fairy who has withdrawn from the world, quietly waiting for destined visitors. Hiking here allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the pleasure of intimate contact with the natural world.
When you enter Mingyue Mountain, it's like stepping into a fantastical world. Strange peaks and dangerous ravines stand everywhere, each with unique shapes – some like swords piercing the clouds, others like giants standing tall – making you marvel at nature's craftsmanship. The vast sea of clouds sometimes wraps around the mountains like gossamer, sometimes surges like rolling waves, shrouding the peaks in a misty veil and adding a touch of mystery.
Moon Lake is like a heavenly pool set among the mountains. The water is crystal clear, sparkling under the sunlight like countless brilliant pearls. The lush trees around the lake are reflected in the water, complementing the blue sky and white clouds to create a poetic and picturesque scene. The Qingyun Plank Walk winds like a giant dragon along the cliff faces, built around Wuyun Cliff at the top of Mingyue Mountain. The suspended walkway spans between steep cliffs, inspiring both awe and curiosity. Standing on the walkway and looking into the distance, the view is excellent, especially the sea of clouds that seems within reach, making you feel as if you're walking among the clouds.
The waterfalls and springs in the mountains are a major feature of Mingyue Mountain. There are hundreds of waterfalls, with the Five-Tiered Waterfall being the most spectacular. Yungu Waterfall is one of them, and during spring and summer after rainfall, the waterfall's volume is enormous, like the Milky Way falling from the heavens. The huge flow of water cascading down the cliff creates a deafening roar, with splashing water forming mist and creating beautiful rainbows in the sunlight.
Next, let me introduce the transportation options and travel tips for Mingyue Mountain.
🚙 If you choose to drive, simply navigate to Mingyue Mountain. On the drive, you can enjoy the scenery along the way and experience the joy of freedom on the road.
🚝 If taking the high-speed train, first arrive at Yichun Station, then take a taxi or bus 113 to Mingyue Mountain. The convenience of high-speed rail allows you to reach your destination easily, while the bus provides an economical travel option.
🧗 The Mingyue Mountain tour route is as follows: Starting from the visitor center, first visit Zhu Xi Poetry Pavilion to experience the poetic sentiments of ancient scholars. Then take the cable car up the mountain, where you can overlook the beautiful scenery as if in a sky garden. Upon reaching Moon Lake, stroll along the lakeside walkway and admire the picturesque scenery. Then pass through Star Moon Cave, reportedly a former mine, where a mysterious and dreamlike atmosphere envelops you. After about a 10-minute walk, the cave exit leads to the Qingyun Plank Walk. Follow the plank walk and experience the thrilling suspended journey. If time permits, take the small train to Yangshimu. The vintage mountain sightseeing train between Mingyue Mountain and Yangshimu scenic areas offers a nostalgic environment with beautiful scenery along the way, perfect for photography. Note that visiting Yangshimu requires an additional ticket. Afterward, hike down the mountain, passing the Five-Tiered Waterfall to experience its magnificent power. Finally, return to the visitor center and proceed to Wentang Town.
🏠 Mingyue Mountain is suitable for both one-day and two-day trips. For a one-day trip, I recommend staying in Wentang Town, famous for its hot springs. After a day of exploration, soaking in a hot spring will thoroughly relax your tired body and mind. For a two-day trip, you can stay on Mingyue Mountain to enjoy the beautiful sunrise the next morning, with its brilliant colors and spectacular views that will be unforgettable.
Now let me introduce some of the main attractions of Mingyue Mountain in detail.
✅ Qingyun Plank Walk: Built around Wuyun Cliff at the top of Mingyue Mountain, this suspended walkway spans across steep cliffs like a dragon coiling through clouds. Walking on the plank walk, with the deep abyss below and the howling mountain wind beside you, creates an unforgettable thrill. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, especially the sea of clouds, sometimes surging like the ocean, sometimes floating like ribbons, making you feel as if you're in a dream.
✅ Star Moon Cave: Reportedly a former mine, entering the cave brings a mysterious atmosphere. Inside, the light is dim, with tiny sparkles on the walls like stars in the night sky. Walking through it feels like traveling through time and space into a mysterious world. After about a 10-minute walk, the cave exit leads to the Qingyun Plank Walk, creating a striking transition from mystery to openness.
✅ Moon Lake: As an alpine lake, the scenery is very beautiful. The water is clear and emerald, surrounded by mountains, with lake and mountain scenery complementing each other. A lakeside walkway connects to the Qingyun Plank Walk, allowing you to admire Moon Lake's beauty from all angles. Find a spot by the lake to sit, listen to the flowing water, and feel the breeze, as if all your troubles are carried away by the wind.
✅ Taking the small train to Yangshimu: The vintage mountain sightseeing train between Mingyue Mountain and Yangshimu scenic areas offers a unique experience. The nostalgic train carriages make you feel like you've traveled back in time. The scenery along the way is stunning, with continuous mountain ranges, dense forests, and babbling streams, each view intoxicating. It's also an excellent spot for photography, where every shot looks professional.
✅ Yungu Waterfall: A standout among Mingyue Mountain's many waterfalls, it has an enormous volume of water after rain in spring and summer, creating an awe-inspiring sight. The huge flow cascading down the cliff forms a white water curtain, with splashing droplets like scattered pearls, shimmering with colorful light in the sunshine. Standing below the waterfall, feeling the mist and hearing the roar, you become one with nature.
Mingyue Mountain, this lesser-known yet extraordinarily beautiful peak, attracts every visitor with its unique charm. With both magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, it's a place you won't want to leave once you've visited. If you're tired of crowded tourist attractions, consider visiting Mingyue Mountain to experience its tranquility and beauty.