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Yuwang Pond is located at the foot of a cliff to the right of the stone embankment. Climbing several stone steps, you'll find a pool of water, bubbling with clear spring water and lush green grass. This is Yuwang Pond. The water in Yuwang Pond is the most abundant of all the Longmen springs. To the east of the pool, there's an outlet carved with a stone toad, known as the "Toad's Mouth." From this outlet, the reborn spring water cascades down like a waterfall, spraying pearls and jade into the Yi River.
Strangely, a stalagmite stands in the center of Yuwang Pond. Its rock quality is strikingly different from that of Longmen Mountain. Local legend has it that this was the tool used by Yu the Great to split Longmen Mountain apart during his flood control efforts. The Tang Dynasty poet Xu Hun once described Yu the Great's admirable ability to carve the Dragon Gate with the line, "Fish and dragons chisel gates in many places; everything is as one would wish, revealing the talent of Yu the Great." Yuwang Pond is named after this stalagmite and legend.
Above Yuwang Pond, a small stone house nestled against the cliff, named "Stone Tower," was built by Wen Ti, the prefect of Henan Province, in the 27th year of the Guangxu reign. He hand-carved couplets on the stone pillars on either side of the building: the upper couplet reads, "Climbing high allows us to see far into the distance," and the lower couplet reads, "Meeting on the ground allows us to chat." Visitors standing in the stone tower can gaze upon a crystal-clear pool, its bottom visible. The overflowing crowds reflect the Xiangshan Mountains, and the shimmering Yi River ripples, creating a vibrant celebration of the water's beauty.
It has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, and summer is the best time to travel.
Upon entering the Xishan Grottoes of the Longmen Grottoes, the first thing you see is Yuwang Pond. Constructed in commemoration of Yu the Great, Yuwang Pond is small, with clear water that maintains a constant temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius year-round. A small waterfall gurgles through the pond, and the water is lush with aquatic plants and fish swim freely.
It is recommended to play for about 30 minutes.
Included in the 120 yuan ticket to the Longmen Grottoes scenic area.
February 1st - March 31st: 8:00-17:00, closing at 18:00;
April 1st - October 7th: 8:00-17:30, closing at 18:30;
October 8-31: 8:00-17:00, closing at 18:00;
November 1st - January 31st: 8:00-16:00, closing at 17:00.
Yuwangchi is an ancient historical site in Luoyang, associated with various cultural legends and rich archaeological value. It was once a royal site during the ancient dynasties, offering insight into the historical significance of the region. It is known for its association with Emperor Yao and is a site of cultural and religious importance.
Yuwangchi is located in Luoyang, Henan Province. You can reach it by taxi or bus from the city center. It is also accessible by walking if you're staying nearby. The site is well-signposted, so public transportation is an easy option.
Yuwangchi is open from 8 AM to 6 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to visit, offering mild weather.
The entrance fee for Yuwangchi is typically affordable. Tickets can be purchased at the site’s entrance, and there may be the option to purchase online for special events or packages. It's advisable to check for ticketing options ahead of time, especially during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but is recommended during busy seasons or for guided tours. Booking a few days in advance should be sufficient to secure tickets.
It will take around 1 to 2 hours to explore the main areas of Yuwangchi, including the gardens, ruins, and exhibitions. If you prefer a more relaxed visit, you might want to allow extra time to enjoy the scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides may also be offered in multiple languages, including English. It’s a good idea to check with the ticket counter for availability.
Start by exploring the main historical ruins and structures, then move to the gardens for a walk through nature. Finish with a visit to the exhibitions and any cultural displays. This itinerary offers a balanced view of history and nature.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available at Yuwangchi. However, the site may host special cultural or historical tours from time to time. Check the official schedule for such events.
The site can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times are typically early mornings or weekdays, especially outside of peak tourist seasons.
The site is relatively accessible, with paved paths and flat areas. However, some parts may require assistance, especially for elderly or disabled visitors. It’s best to check with the site beforehand if specific mobility assistance is required.
Cash and mobile payment methods (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted at Yuwangchi. Credit cards are less commonly accepted, so it's a good idea to have mobile payment apps or cash on hand.
There are a few small cafes and local restaurants near Yuwangchi offering traditional Chinese food and refreshments. For more dining options, the city center of Luoyang is a short drive away, with various restaurants to choose from.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants, and halal food can be found in certain areas of Luoyang, especially near the Muslim Quarter.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near Yuwangchi, ranging from budget accommodations to more upscale options. The city center of Luoyang has many more hotel choices if you're looking for additional options.
Souvenir shops at Yuwangchi sell traditional Chinese crafts, including pottery, calligraphy items, and local artworks. You can also find small mementos related to the site itself.
Taxis, local buses, and private cars are available to continue your trip. The Luoyang Railway Station offers services to other cities, and buses depart from nearby stations for regional travel.
