Simian Mountain (四面山), located in the Jiangjin District of Chongqing, China, covers an area of 213.37 square kilometers and ranges in altitude from 1000 to 1500 meters above sea level. It boasts several key attractions including the Wangxiangtai Waterfall, Tu Di Yan (Earth Rock), Longtan Lake, Honghai Lake, and Pearl Lake, totaling 128 scenic spots. With a remarkable forest coverage rate of 95.4%, Simian Mountain is home to over 1700 species of flora and fauna. It represents one of the last remaining subtropical primitive evergreen broadleaf forest belts on Earth within its latitude, earning it recognition from United Nations ecological experts as a rare “natural species gene bank” on the planet.
Simian Mountain is renowned as the “Land of a Thousand Waterfalls” and is intersected by three major river systems – Feilong River, Chaba River, and Linxian River. There are nine high-altitude lakes above 800 meters, forming a vast network of alpine lakes in this picturesque region.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Simian Mountain
- Vlog about Simian Mountain
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions in Jiangjin District
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 days |
| Ticket Price | 90 CNY (1st February – 31st October) 60 CNY (1st November – 31st December) |
| Transportation within Simian Mountain | Shuttle Bus: 40 CNY Boat Ride in Longtan Lake: 30 CNY Boat Ride in Dahong Lake: 45 CNY |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-023-47666888 0086-023-47666559 |
Location and Transportation
The Simian Mountain Scenic Area is situated in the southwestern part of Chongqing, in the southern region of Jiangjin District. It is approximately 100 kilometers away from the central urban area of Chongqing and around 60 kilometers from Jiangjin city center. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 106°24′ east longitude and 28°39′ north latitude.
To reach Simian Mountain, you can follow these steps:
- Start your journey from Chongqing Chenjiapu Bus Station (重庆陈家坪汽车站).
- Take a long-distance bus to Jiangjin (ticket price approximately 23 CNY), which should take about 1 hour.
- Upon arrival in Jiangjin, transfer to a local bus that will take you to Simian Mountain (ticket price approximately 20 CNY).
From the 6th of July, you can also find an express coach to Simian Mountain at Longtou Temple Tourist Distribution Center (龙头寺游客集散中心) in Chongqing. It departs at 8.00 am and returns at 16.00. The ticket price is 60 CNY.
Highlights of Simian Mountain
Wangxiangtai Waterfall
Wangxiangtai Waterfall, located in the Simian Mountain Scenic Area in Sichuan, China, is a breathtaking natural wonder. With a towering height of 158 meters and a width of 48 meters, it stands as China’s tallest and widest single-tier waterfall, surpassing even the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall. Wangxiangtai is acclaimed as the “Highest Waterfall in China” and ranks among the “Top Ten Most Beautiful Waterfalls in China.” It is a prominent attraction within the Four-Faced Mountain region.
What makes Wangxiangtai truly remarkable is not only its impressive drop and thunderous roar but also the mesmerizing rainbows that grace its spray on sunny days, forming rainbow bridges between the valleys. Surrounding the waterfall is lush forest vegetation, creating a heart-shaped outline, making it the world’s largest naturally formed heart-shaped waterfall and earning it the title of “Number One Heart Under Heaven.”
During nighttime, Wangxiangtai Waterfall transforms into a spectacular “Rainbow Waterfall” through the use of sound, light, and electrical technology, featuring 148 sets of large LED lights. It stands as the world’s first-ever rainbow-colored illuminated waterfall and is the only large-scale lighted waterfall in China that can be enjoyed after dark.
Longtan Lake
Longtan Lake, a natural gem nestled in Simian Mountain, is located adjacent to the entrance of the scenic area. This serene lake sits at an elevation of 900 meters, stretching nearly 3,000 meters in length and spanning 100 meters in width. Its crystal-clear waters reach depths of up to 22 meters, offering a tranquil oasis within the steep and picturesque surroundings of the Painted Screen Mountain. Lush greenery graces the lake’s shoreline, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.
Earth Rock Painting
The Earth Rock Painting in Simian Mountain is a remarkable natural mural, showcasing the pristine beauty of the region’s Danxia landforms. Spanning an impressive 376 meters in length and reaching heights of 127 meters, this masterpiece covers an area of 50,000 square meters and is often referred to as the “Asian Divine Rock.” The rock formations boast a stunning array of colors, and the various patterns and images created by nature are nothing short of miraculous. Visitors can marvel at lifelike depictions including figures like Aladdin, beautiful women, and countless other intricate designs.
Honghai Lake
Honghai Lake, created in 1970 by the villagers of Honghai, is a picturesque reservoir located in the Simian Mountain area. It consists of two lakes, namely, Big Honghai and Small Honghai. Big Honghai sits at an elevation of 1200 meters and stretches for 6850 meters with varying widths between 60 to 200 meters. Its maximum depth reaches 12 meters, and it has a total water storage capacity of 3.1 million cubic meters, featuring a picturesque Peach Blossom Island at its center.
The shores of Honghai Lake are adorned with lush and diverse vegetation, some towering straight up while others gently slope into the water. During spring, vibrant azaleas bloom along the banks, creating a colorful spectacle. As you traverse the lake by boat, you’ll be surrounded by verdant hills, and you might spot deer and mountain goats drinking by the lakeside. The lake’s surface sparkles with ripples, and Mandarin ducks playfully swim, while graceful egrets take flight, adding to the enchanting scenery.
Pearl Lake
Pearl Lake, nestled in the southern part of Simian Mountain, rests atop a mountainous plateau at an elevation of 1300 meters. This high-altitude gem stretches over 5600 meters in length and is approximately 20 meters wide, with a maximum depth of around 18 meters. It stands as the highest-altitude lake within the Simian Mountain region. The lake’s dam reaches a height of 18.6 meters and spans 80 meters, boasting a water storage capacity of 1.6 million cubic meters.
Surrounded by lush green mountains and devoid of human habitation, Pearl Lake offers a tranquil and unpolluted natural environment. Its pristine beauty and remote location make it a serene haven in the heart of Simian Mountain.
Pearl Shore Waterfall
Pearl Shore Waterfall, a rare three-tiered cascade with a drop of 60 meters, stands as one of the few three-tiered waterfalls in the Simian Mountain region. Its unique name derives from the phenomenon observed when water flows through a passage originally used by reforestation and logging workers within the scenic area. This natural passage creates a captivating display of water droplets, resembling jumping pearls, hence the name Pearl Shore Waterfall. This enchanting natural wonder adds to the allure of Simian Mountain, drawing visitors with its picturesque beauty and the mesmerizing dance of water droplets.
Ping Mountain
Ping Mountain, situated at an altitude of approximately 1600 meters, is reached by a challenging 5-kilometer hike from the Headwater River. Upon reaching the summit, one is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Endless peaks stretch as far as the eye can see, adorned with lush, verdant forests of fir trees.
Amidst the rugged mountain terrain, a pristine river winds its way from south to north, forming Upper and Lower Ping Mountain Lakes. These serene lakes are inhabited by waterfowl like mandarin ducks, while the lakeside is adorned with vibrant greenery and colorful flowers. The treetops often host gatherings of birds, including graceful cranes, adding to the natural beauty of Ping Mountain.
Flying Dragon Temple
The Flying Dragon Temple, originally constructed during the late Ming to early Qing Dynasty, is nestled against the majestic mountains of Simian. In front of the temple, a long-running stream flows peacefully. Surrounding the temple is a vast expanse of dense forests. According to legend, long ago, as a family was digging a grave for their deceased father within the Simian Mountain, the sky suddenly changed dramatically. A dragon emerged, soaring into the heavens. In response to this awe-inspiring event, the people built the temple at the spot where the dragon took flight, offering prayers for favorable weather. For centuries, the Flying Dragon Temple has been a place of vibrant religious activity in the Sichuan and Guizhou regions.
Huiqianyan Cliff Painting
The Huiqianyan Cliff Painting, measuring 163 meters in length and 8 meters in height, is a remarkable ancient rock art site in Simian Mountain. Carved into the cliff, the artwork features ten different species of animals, including cows, bears, fish, goats, and more, totaling 40 distinct figures. These animals are depicted both in full form and as partial representations. The cliff painting was created during the late Neolithic period by the ancient Ba people using simple stone and bone tools to carve images into the sheer rock face, utilizing a technique that involves connecting dots to form lines.
Vlog about Simian Mountain
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Safety Precautions: Be cautious of slippery paths, especially around the Wangxiangtai Waterfall. When taking photos, exercise extra care to avoid accidents. The best time to appreciate the waterfall and possibly witness a rainbow is between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM when sunlight hits the waterfall.
Transportation: Simian Mountain is vast, and its attractions are relatively dispersed. Self-driving is recommended for convenience. Otherwise, visitors would need to rely on sightseeing buses to reach various scenic spots.
Wildlife Observation: The area around Longtan Lake is rich in wildlife, particularly monkeys. If you’re lucky, you may have close encounters with them. However, always prioritize safety and maintain a safe distance.
Summer Essentials: In the summer, it’s advisable to bring along a pair of water-friendly sandals or flip-flops for water activities.
Water Activities: On the way to Honghai Lake, there are water-based activities available, such as kayaking and boat rides. These activities provide additional opportunities for enjoyment and exploration while en route to the scenic spots.
