Fengxiangxia Original Ecological Tourist Area in Chaozhou
The Fengxiangxia Original Ecological Tourist Area (凤翔峡原生态旅游区) is located in the southeast part of the Phoenix Mountain Range (凤凰山脉) in Chaozhou (潮州), Guangdong Province, with a unique description: “Standing upright on flat ground, not connected to other ridges, but high on its own, distant without relying on anything.” The scenic area covers an area of 8.5 square kilometers and showcases the magnificent beauty of the Phoenix Mountain canyons.
Key Information
- Chinese Name: 凤翔峡原生态旅游区
- Location: Southeast of the Phoenix Mountain Range (凤凰山脉), Guangdong Province (广东省)
- Area: 8.5 km²
Major Scenic Spots
Upon entering the scenic area, you can enjoy the shade, listen to the waterfalls, admire the crystal clear water splashing like jade, and watch the majestic dragon drinking from the gorge. You can walk through clear streams, climb to Longtan (龙潭), descend to Houzhai (猴寨), and marvel at the Milky Way waterfall. All these experiences make you feel immersed in nature’s pristine beauty, with the scenery depicting “Fengxia keeping spring, Longtan offering auspiciousness; the clouds soaring and the sun rising, beautiful scenery refreshing the mind.” It creates a fresh, elegant, and stunning picture that stands out as an excellent destination for green and eco-friendly tourism.
Fengxiangxia (凤翔峡) Location & Overview
Fengxiangxia (凤翔峡) is located on the southeast wing of the Phoenix Mountain Range (凤凰山脉) in eastern Guangdong, close to the third peak of the Phoenix Mountain Range, Fandongshan (番岽山) (1036m). It is also considered the southern gateway to Phoenix Mountain (凤凰山). The majestic Phoenix Mountain Range extends gently and beautifully, with winding paths leading to the mountainous region. In this region is Fenghu Village (凤湖村), nestled against the main peak (1391 meters) of Phoenix Mountain. The village sits between two lush, green mountains, forming a winding gorge. The gorge is steep and precipitous, with clear spring water splashing like pearls, presenting the unique and picturesque Fengxiangxia.
Key Attractions
- Chinese Name: 潮州凤翔峡 (Chaozhou Fengxiangxia)
- Location: Chaozhou (潮州市), Guangdong Province (广东省)
- Slogans: Fengxia keeps spring, Longtan offers auspiciousness; Clouds soar and the sun rises.
- Village: Fenghu Village (凤湖村)
Scenic Overview
As you enter the scenic area from the mountain gate, you ascend step by step to the Yuhu Leisure Area (玉湖休闲区) in front of Fenghu Village (凤湖村). Passing through rocky gaps and walking along newly built, pebble-covered cement paths, you can enjoy the clear, distant views of the gorge while taking photos. The gorge retains its original ecological beauty, with simple suspension bridges and pavilions. The slopes are covered in lush green, with vivid colors under the sunlight. The canyon is dotted with scattered rocks, strange peaks, and waterfalls, with crystal clear springs rushing down. As you move along the pebbled paths, the cliffs become steeper, and the journey becomes challenging, but it immerses you in the tranquil beauty of nature.
Fengxiangxia (凤翔峡) showcases the most representative waterfall group of the Phoenix Mountain Range (凤凰山脉), including the waterfalls known as “扶阴听瀑” (Listening to the Waterfalls in the Shade), “晶廉溅玉” (Jade-Like Water Splashes), “苍龙饮峡” (The Dragon Drinks from the Gorge), and “银河落汉” (The Milky Way Falls). These waterfalls together create a unique and stunning ecological water system in the Phoenix Mountain Range (凤凰山脉).
From the cascading “晶帘溅玉” (Jade-Like Water Curtain) to the dramatic “银河落汉” (Milky Way Falls), the entire route is visually captivating. Passing through bamboo forests to Chengxin Pavilion (澄心阁), climbing over the Monkey Village (猴寨), and crossing Longtan (龙潭), you will eventually reach the leisure area at the mountain’s peak. The gorge stretches for several miles, and the hike takes about two hours. After lunch at the Yuhu Pavilion Restaurant (玉湖榭), you can take the sightseeing car along the scenic route back, overlooking the gorge with distant waterfalls rising like a misty lake.
Fenghu Village (凤湖村)
Fenghu Village (凤湖村), a centuries-old tea village located near Fengxiangxia (凤翔峡), is renowned for its tea culture. Here, everything revolves around tea: from tea cultivation to tea appreciation, and even tea-infused local delicacies. The village is also known for its unique local food, including Phoenix fried tofu (凤凰炸豆干), chicken intestine rice rolls (鸡肠粉), mountain tea-flavored chicken (山地茶香鸡), fresh cucumber (清香香黄瓜), and stone olives (石橄榄), all offering a taste of the regional charm of Phoenix Mountain (凤凰山).
The area is known for its fresh, humid air, lush green trees, and deep jade-colored pools winding through the valley. While the scenery might not be grandiose, the experience of walking along shaded paths, listening to waterfalls, and treading through clear streams provides a peaceful, elegant, and vibrant picture of beauty, making it an excellent destination for eco-tourism.
