
Yan Ziling Fishing Platform, located at the foot of Fuchun Mountain, 15 kilometers south of Tonglu County, is a major scenic spot on the Fuchun River. A historic site from the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is renowned for the fact that Yan Ziling, a distinguished scholar of the Eastern Han Dynasty, refused the invitation of Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu and the title of " Adviser " to live and fish in seclusion there.
Many cultural figures throughout history, including Li Bai, Fan Zhongyan, Meng Haoran, Su Shi, Lu You, Li Qingzhao, Zhu Xi, Kang Youwei, Yu Dafu, Zhang Daqian, Chen Yi, Guo Moruo, and Ba Jin, have visited Diaotai and left behind numerous masterpieces of poetry and prose. According to statistics, from the Southern and Northern Dynasties to the Qing Dynasty, over 1,000 poets and writers visited this place, leaving behind over 2,000 poems and prose.
Just as described in Li Bai's poem, " The fishing platform is in the green clouds, far away from the Cangshan Mountains " , there are two fishing platforms, the right one is called East Platform and the left one is called West Platform, so this scenic spot is also called " Double Platform Fishing " . The two platforms are nearly 70 meters high and there are steps to go up.
In April 1949 , Comrade Mao Zedong wrote the seven-character poem "To Mr. Liu Yazi" with the line " Don't say the water of Kunming Lake is shallow, it is better to watch fish than Fuchun River. " He used the story of Yan Ziling living in seclusion and fishing by the Fuchun River to persuade Mr. Liu Yazi to stay in Beijing and participate in the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Suitable for spring, summer and autumn
Recommended playing time: less than 1 hour
125 yuan / person ( including Fuchun River Little Three Gorges)
April 1st - October 31st : 8: 00-16 : 00
November 1st - March 31st : 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
The Yan Ziling Fishing Platform is named after the famous historical figure Yan Ziling, who was known for his love of fishing. The platform has become a symbol of traditional fishing culture in Hangzhou and is celebrated for its beautiful setting along the lake, providing a serene spot for fishing and relaxation.
Located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the Yan Ziling Fishing Platform is accessible by taxi or private car. The nearest metro station is about 30 minutes away, and buses can take you closer to the platform. Walking is not recommended due to the platform's location along the water.
The platform is open throughout the day, with the best times to visit being early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the surroundings are peaceful. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is most pleasant.
The entrance fee is generally low, around 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through local ticketing platforms, though it’s recommended to buy in advance during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not strictly required but is advisable during weekends and public holidays. Booking a few days in advance is generally sufficient.
A visit to the Yan Ziling Fishing Platform typically takes around 1-2 hours, allowing time for fishing, exploring the area, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and they offer insightful explanations about the platform's history and Yan Ziling’s legacy. Audio guides may also be available in Chinese, but English options might be limited.
Start by exploring the platform itself, enjoying the fishing atmosphere. Then, take a leisurely walk along the nearby park to appreciate the natural surroundings, and end with a boat ride for a different perspective of the area.
There are no special light shows or tours at night. The platform is typically visited during daylight hours for its serene and quiet atmosphere, especially in the mornings or afternoons.
The site can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays, preferably in the morning or late afternoon.
There are basic facilities such as toilets and resting areas. However, food options are limited at the platform itself, so it’s best to bring snacks or visit nearby restaurants in Hangzhou.
The platform is relatively accessible, though the area can have uneven terrain in some places. Elderly and disabled visitors might need assistance in navigating certain areas, especially if they plan to explore on foot.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Cash is still commonly used in some areas, but cards are not typically accepted at the platform.
There are a few local eateries near the platform offering traditional Zhejiang cuisine. For more dining options, you can visit downtown Hangzhou, which is just a short drive away.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the local eateries, though halal food options might be harder to find in this area. For a more extensive range, visit restaurants in central Hangzhou.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in the nearby area of Hangzhou, ranging from budget options to more luxurious accommodations. For convenience, staying in Hangzhou city is recommended.
There are a few small shops near the platform selling local handicrafts, including traditional fishing-related items and souvenirs such as keychains and postcards.