Mount Huaguo (花果山), also known as the Mountain of Flower and Fruit, is a prominent peak located in the middle section of Yuntai Mountain Range in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, China. During the Tang and Song dynasties, it was referred to as Cangwu Mountain and also known as Qingfeng Peak. The main peak, Yuniu Peak, stands at an elevation of 624.4 meters, making it the highest peak among the mountains in Jiangsu.
The geological formation of Mount Huaguo is closely tied to tectonic movements and erosion processes, shaping its unique landscape over the course of geological history and natural influences. Composed primarily of red granite, the mountain features steep cliffs and distinctive formations resembling animals and mythical figures, including characters from the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” such as Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Tang Sanzang. It is this association with the legendary Monkey King’s residence in “Journey to the West” that led to the name “Mount Huaguo” (Mountain of Flower and Fruit).
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Mount Huaguo
- Vlog about Mount Huaguo
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Mount Huaguo
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | 90 RMB (1st March – 30th November) 50 RMB (1st December – 28th February) |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.00 (1st March – 30th November) 8.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 (1st December – 28th February) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0518-85723837 0086-0518-85723839 |
Location and Transportation
Mount Huaguo is situated in the middle section of Yuntai Mountain Range within Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, in the northeastern part of Jiangsu. It stands adjacent to the Yellow Sea in the east, connects to the central plains in the west, borders Shandong Province in the north, and reaches towards the Jianghuai region in the south. Located at approximately 34.6310 degrees north latitude and 119.1229 degrees east longitude, it also faces Japan and the Korean Peninsula across the sea.
To get there, tourists can take bus B11, Tourist Line 1, Tourist Line 2, or Tourist Line 6, and get off at Mount Huaguo Scenic Area Stop (花果山景区站).
Highlights of Mount Huaguo
Shuilian Cave (Water Curtain Cave)
One of the iconic landmarks on Mount Huaguo is the Shuilian Cave (Water Curtain Cave), a representative site associated with the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong, from the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West.” Even before the completion of “Journey to the West,” Shuilian Cave had gained widespread fame. Descriptions of the cave can be found in various historical accounts, including “Yuntai Thirty-Six Scenes” by Gu Qian during the Ming Dynasty, as well as travelogues and local records by Zhang Chaorui and others. A stone inscription from the 23rd year of the Jiajing reign (1544), bearing the inscription “Gao Shan Liu Shui” (High Mountains and Flowing Waters) by Wang Tong, the magistrate of Haizhou, stands at the entrance of the cave, adding to its historical significance.
South Heaven Gate
South Heaven Gate, situated above Zhujie Ridge and to the east of Fengmen Pass, is another notable location on Mount Huaguo. It commands a strategic position, nestled against steep ridges, and overlooks the landscape below. In “Journey to the West,” South Heaven Gate serves as the outer gate of the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, where Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, breaks into the celestial realm and creates havoc. The gate is also associated with a legendary octagonal stone platform to the south, believed to be the command post of Li Tianwang, a heavenly general. According to folklore, Li Tianwang stationed his troops here when tasked with capturing Sun Wukong, who had caused trouble in the heavenly realm.
Wu Cheng’en Memorial Hall
The Wu Cheng’en Memorial Hall, originally a tea house, is another significant site on Mount Huaguo. This memorial hall houses valuable materials related to Wu Cheng’en’s life (the author of the “Journey to the West”), various versions of this book preserved from around the world, and writings by experts and scholars specializing in the study of the novel. The debate over the actual location of the prototype of Huaguo Mountain in “Journey to the West,” which had persisted for centuries, finds resolution within the walls of this memorial hall.
Rich Biodiversity
The rich biodiversity of Mount Huaguo adds to its allure, with over 1,700 species of wild plants, including 1,190 medicinal plants. Rare tree species such as the golden-edged jade bamboo and ancient ginkgo are found on the mountain, making it a unique ecological treasure. The lush forests on Yuniu Peak, the main peak of Mount Huaguo, are home to more than 300 macaques, creating an entertaining and charming spectacle for visitors.
Vlog about Mount Huaguo
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Transportation Options: Upon reaching the foothills of Mount Huaguo, it takes approximately ten minutes to walk to the shuttle bus boarding point. There are two destinations for the shuttle bus: Shuilian Cave, with a ticket price of 20 yuan per person for a one-way ticket, and Jade Maiden Peak, with a ticket price of 25 yuan per person for a one-way ticket.
Feeding the Koi: Near the base of the mountain, there are ponds filled with colorful koi fish. Visitors can purchase a bag of fish food for five yuan to feed the fish.
Beware of Monkeys: The monkeys on Mount Huaguo can be quite aggressive. Larger monkeys tend to be more temperamental than smaller ones and may attempt to snatch food or belongings from visitors. It’s essential to safeguard personal belongings and refrain from openly displaying food items.
Luggage Storage: Travelers can utilize the luggage storage service provided at the visitor center. Service personnel will inform visitors that belongings should be retrieved before 5:00 PM. For smaller items, there are storage lockers available directly inside the visitor center, and both storage options are provided free of charge.
