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Experience the history and excitement of the Gold Rush era by exploring the mining areas. Participate in gold panning activities, hike through the scenic surroundings, and visit historical exhibits detailing the region’s gold mining heritage.
The Taojinshan Scenic Area is located 3 kilometers west of Sha County, Fujian Province, at an altitude of 501 meters and a total area of 6 square kilometers. Construction began in the Song Dynasty and expanded during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, resulting in a rich cultural landscape. Song Dynasty Prime Minister Li Gang, renowned Neo-Confucianist Luo Congyan, and peasant uprising leader Deng Maoqi all left their mark here, resulting in over 30 cliff carvings.
The scenic area boasts lush forests, home to over 200 tree species, including thousand-year-old iron trees, Song Dynasty osmanthus trees, plum blossoms, and purple bamboo, creating a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest. The Dingguang Reclining Buddha, measuring 38 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 11 meters high, is currently the largest stone-carved reclining Buddha in China. Behind the statue, a vast green mountaintop stretching approximately 4 kilometers long forms a cohesive whole, creating a seamless connection between the mountain and the Buddha. The renowned Dingguang Zen Temple lies to the east of the scenic area, while Foguang Cave is the site of the enlightenment of the renowned ancestor Pan Liaoquan. With its ancient temples, renowned mountains, and unique rocks and trees, the area offers an ideal setting for leisure and pilgrimage. The thousand-year-old iron trees and the 38-meter Dingguang Buddha statue, carved from a natural boulder, have further elevated the Gold Rush Mountain Scenic Area to fame. The massive, exquisitely carved reclining Buddha and the wild iron trees are considered two of the most remarkable sights in Gold Rush Mountain.
Gold Rush Mountain, composed of shallow, acidic intrusive granite porphyry, rises approximately 450 meters above sea level. The mountain is dotted with unusual rock formations, standing tall amidst the jungle. Among them are the Sandie Rock, the Golden Turtle Rock, the General Slope, and the Rock Tail, which are particularly distinctive. Entering the mountain, one encounters the former site of the Huashan Temple, where a massive rock lies horizontally, resembling a golden turtle playing in the water, a fascinating sight. Nearby is a Ming Dynasty cliff carving, featuring a rare inscription by Zhang Cheng, whose slender, powerful calligraphy evokes the style of Northern inscriptions.
The subtropical monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons.
Millennium iron trees, Triassic rocks, China's first reclining Buddha, and stupa.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
50 yuan/person
April 25th - October 25th (summer): 08:00-17:30;
October 26th - April 24th (winter), 08:00-17:00.
Gold Rush in Sanming, Fujian, is significant due to its historical gold mining activities. It offers visitors a chance to learn about the region's mining history and experience the traditional methods used in gold extraction during the gold rush period.
Located in Sanming, Fujian Province, Gold Rush can be reached by taxi or bus from Sanming city. There are no metro stations in the area, and walking from the city center is not recommended due to the distance.
The site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the cooler months (spring and autumn) to avoid the summer heat, with weekdays being less crowded.
The entrance fee is approximately 60 RMB. Tickets can be bought at the entrance or online through local tourism websites.
Booking in advance is not mandatory but recommended, especially during weekends or public holidays. A few days before your visit should be enough to secure tickets.
It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the Gold Rush site, including engaging in gold panning and exploring the mining history exhibits.
The main highlights include the gold mining site, the gold panning experience, and the historical mining exhibitions. The scenic trails around the mining area also offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, with some guides offering basic English explanations. Audio guides are also available in Mandarin and English for a self-paced experience.
Best photography spots include the mining areas, where you can capture the old equipment and gold panning activities. The surrounding hills and forests provide beautiful backdrops for landscape photos.
Start at the main entrance to explore the mining exhibits, then participate in the gold panning activity. Follow the trails around the site to enjoy the views, and end with a visit to the historical displays showcasing the region’s mining history.
Night visits and light shows are not available. However, special tours may be available during festivals or public holidays, so it's worth checking ahead of time.
The site is typically more crowded during weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially in the morning, are the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available. There are food stalls and shops near the entrance selling snacks and souvenirs. Water is also available for purchase.
The attraction has some accessible areas, but the trails and mining areas may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy the gold panning activities and exhibits, but supervision is required in the mining area.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted widely. Cash may still be required for smaller purchases or in areas where mobile payments are not available.
There are a few local restaurants offering Fujianese cuisine, including noodles and seafood. For more dining options, you can head to Sanming city, which has a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some local restaurants, but halal food options are limited in the area.
There are several hotels in Sanming city, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Closer to the attraction, there are guesthouses and local lodgings for more convenient access to the site.
Other nearby attractions include the Sanming Earthquake Memorial and the Fujian National Forest Park. These can easily be combined into a day trip along with a visit to the Gold Rush site.
Souvenir shops at the Gold Rush site offer local handicrafts, such as gold-themed jewelry and mining memorabilia. Local snacks and dried fruits are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting, taxis or local buses are the best options to continue the trip. Sanming Railway Station is nearby for further travel to other cities, or you can catch a bus to nearby attractions.
