Live Your Best Lives
At Yuanyang Creek, visitors can enjoy scenic hikes along the water, take photos of the beautiful landscapes, explore the surrounding countryside, and relax by the creekside. The area is also ideal for eco-tourism and bird watching.
Yuanyang Creek, located in the northeast of Pingnan County, Ningde, 30 kilometers from the county seat, lies at the junction of Pingnan, Zhouning, and Zhenghe counties. Covering a total area of 78.8 square kilometers, it is China's only mandarin duck sanctuary. The 14- kilometer-long creek, nestled amidst dense forests and deep mountains, offers a tranquil and tranquil environment, making it a perfect habitat for mandarin ducks.
Yuanyang Creek, the central scenic area of Yuanyang Creek, features wild animals such as mandarin ducks and macaques, as well as rare plants. It integrates a variety of landscapes, including streams, waterfalls, peaks, rock formations, caves, pools, and fog, creating a rare and comprehensive tourist destination. The most distinctive feature is the Baizhang Water Curtain Cave , which has been listed as one of the five largest water curtain caves in China.
The weather is suitable all year round, and every autumn hundreds or even thousands of mandarin ducks fly from the north to spend the winter. As a result, mandarin ducks were found in the streams in this area more than a hundred years ago, so Pingnan has the reputation of " the hometown of mandarin ducks " .
Baishuiyang Scenic Area
Located in the upper reaches of Yuanyang Creek, it is one of the four major scenic spots of Yuanyang Creek. In addition to the waterfalls and caves on both sides of the stream, the most breathtaking attraction is the " Ten-Li Water Street . " It is formed by three flat boulders laid on the bottom of the water, the largest of which is 40,000 square meters. When people walk on it, the water just reaches the back of their feet, and the waves shimmer and glow like a white incandescent light, hence the name " White Water Ocean . "
Fork Creek Scenic Area
Located in the lower reaches of Yuanyang Creek, it is dominated by thousands of acres of original secondary forests, supplemented by colorful river valley landscapes. The main attraction is the " Baizhangji " which is comparable to the " Baizhangji Shuiliandong " .
Shuizhuyangkaoxi Scenic Area
Located west of the Chaxi Scenic Area, it features steep peaks, secluded valleys, and Huangshan pines. The Yuanyang Lake Scenic Area, located in Shuangxi Town, features lake views, small islands, flocks of wild ducks, four-season azaleas, temples, and ancient pagodas.
Recommended play time: about 1 day
78 yuan/person
7:00-17:00
Yuanyang Creek is known for its pristine natural beauty, surrounded by lush forests and dramatic landscapes. It is significant as a natural reserve, attracting eco-tourists and photographers alike for its untouched environment.
Yuanyang Creek is located in Fuding, Fujian. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car from Fuding city. Public transport options are limited, so driving or arranging a local guide is recommended.
Yuanyang Creek is open year-round, and the best times to visit are in the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. The area is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
The entrance fee is around 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance. It is unlikely that tickets are available online, so it's best to buy them on-site.
Advance booking is not necessary, though it may be helpful during peak tourist seasons. A few days in advance for booking or planning is sufficient.
It generally takes about 2-3 hours to explore the main areas of Yuanyang Creek, including walking along the creek, taking in the scenery, and resting at scenic spots.
The main highlight of the creek is the water itself, surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscapes. The best views can be seen from the bridges and walkways along the creek.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, offering insights into the area's ecology and history. Audio guides may be available at the entrance, but they are primarily in Mandarin.
Best photography spots include the main creek area, where the water flows through a series of bends, and elevated viewpoints along the surrounding trails that provide panoramic views of the creek and forested hills.
Start by walking along the main creek, exploring the natural surroundings. Then, hike up to the surrounding hills for a wider view of the area before returning to the main entrance.
Night visits and light shows are not available. The attraction is best enjoyed during the daytime, when the natural beauty of the creek is most visible.
Yuanyang Creek can be crowded on weekends and during holidays. To avoid crowds, visit in the early morning or on weekdays, especially during off-peak seasons.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available near the entrance. However, food and shopping options are limited inside the attraction, so it's recommended to bring your own snacks or eat before arriving.
The main areas are accessible for elderly and children, but some trails may be difficult for disabled visitors due to uneven terrain. Some paths are well-maintained, while others require more effort to navigate.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payment options such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. Credit cards may not be accepted at all locations.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly inside the attraction. However, nearby Fuding city has several local restaurants serving Fujian cuisine.
Vegetarian and vegan options can be found in Fuding city. Halal food options may be more limited but can be found in some restaurants catering to local Muslim communities.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Fuding city, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Staying in the city gives you easy access to Yuanyang Creek and other attractions nearby.
Nearby attractions include the Wuyishan Scenic Area and the Fuding Temple. Both are within a few hours' drive and can be easily combined into a day trip from Yuanyang Creek.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance selling local handicrafts, tea, and traditional Fujian items like bamboo products and silk textiles.
To continue your trip, taxis or private cars are the best options. The city of Fuding is well-connected by bus and train to other parts of Fujian.
