The Ruyi Bridge
Above the valley.
신점숙 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · rheins — CC BY 3.0 · 钉钉 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · 江上清风1961 — CC BY 3.0 · 钉钉 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · rheins — CC BY 3.0 · 江上清风1961 — CC BY 3.0 · rheins — CC BY 3.0
A mountain area in Xianju County in south-eastern Zhejiang whose name means «Abode of the Immortals» in Chinese legend, famous for its towering peaks and cliffs of volcanic rhyolite, lone rock pillars, waterfalls, and the sea of clouds that fills its valleys in the morning; it is rated 5A and is a national geopark. Its best-known sight is the Ruyi Bridge, opened in autumn 2020, a hundred metres long and 140 metres above the valley, its wavy line shaped like the ruyi sceptre it is named after; cliffside walkways wind with the mountain, carrying visitors above the drop between the peaks. Most visitors ride one of the two cable cars from the south or north gate and then follow the cliff walkways; the full route takes at least half a day. Tickets cost CNY 110, half price for students and over-60s, the cable cars 45 to 65 one way and about 120 return, with last entry around 3 pm, per visitor guides.
Above the valley.
On the rock face.
In the morning.
Xianju County, west of Taizhou city, Zhejiang
The cliff walkways and the Ruyi Bridge are high and exposed, though well railed; those who dislike looking down can stick to the cable car and lower paths.
Choices are few in the area, so bring food and look in Taizhou city for restaurants run by Muslims under the halal sign.