Xianju Gongyu Hiking Guide, There is a Shangri-La in Zhejiang, East China
Preface
Shangri-La, meaning "the sun and moon in one's heart" in Tibetan, is commonly referred to as the legendary "paradise on earth." As we all know, the Tibetan region of Shangri-La boasts a rich history and stunning natural scenery. Famous attractions include Pudacuo National Park, Dukezong Ancient City, Ganden Songzanlin Monastery, and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Yet, in East China, there's also a haunting "hidden place." Tour leaders who've been there all say, "I must visit Gongyubei in my lifetime. I envy neither the mandarin ducks nor the immortals." The entire Gongyu Scenic Area is renowned for its majestic and imposing presence. Cliff after cliff, stretching endlessly, each peak stands apart, forming a unique entity. The stone forests and cliffs each have their own unique charm. Major attractions include: Ke Jiusi's Former Residence, Twenty-Four Lang, Gongyu Cliff, Shenlong Waterfall, Twin Lions Guarding the Heavenly Gate, Dragon Mother Cave, Flagpole Rock, and Xiaolongmen.
As for why Gongyu is called the "Shangri-La of East China", let me tell you.
(Pudacuo National Park)
Where is the Gong Bowl?
Gongyu, located 38 kilometers southwest of Xianju County, borders the Shisandu Scenic Area. Along with Shenxianju, Jingxingyan, Danzhu, and Shisandu, it's one of Xianju's five major scenic areas, and its reputation lives up to its reputation. Climbing Gongyu's back, you'll easily discover the multi-tiered topography of Gongyu. The towering Gongyu Rock offers a breathtaking spectacle, each with its own unique charm. (P.S.: It truly is the abode of the immortals!)
Gongyu is a volcanic lava landform with a fully developed vertical structure and exposed rock mass. The numerous independent stone pillars, generally around 200 meters high, are rich in pictographic forms and lifelike in appearance. The rock's hard, resistant nature makes it ideal for climbing and slicing lines. Thanks to the Xianju Mountaineering Association's outreach, international climbers frequently visit the area, and it's expected to become a global gathering place for climbers in the near future.
The small basin surrounded by peculiar peaks is Gongyu Village, much praised by hikers. Despite its small size, it actually covers approximately 31 square kilometers. Surrounded by karst rock formations, Gongyu Village, nestled in the valley, is like a jewel in a boudoir, waiting for everyone to peek inside its beauty.
Far away from the world, it is dubbed the "Shangri-La of East China" for its paradise-like scenery, and it deserves the title.
Gongmeng Village is divided into Shangping Village and Xiaping Village, both of which are small villages located on high mountains at an altitude of about 600 meters.
Because there is no road, most people who visit Gongyu are hikers and campers. To reach Gongyu Village, you need to climb a mountain road first, and it takes about 3 hours to reach Shangping Village.
You’ll also pass a Red Bull Wall on the way!
Overview of Gongyu Tours
Transportation (by car): Take Hangjinqu Expressway to Zhuyong Expressway, exit at Gongyuyan, and then drive along the provincial road for about 15 minutes to reach Qiankeng Village, which is what we generally call the starting point of the hike.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: All day
Local Climate: Typical subtropical monsoon climate. The average annual temperature is 18.3°C, with January averaging 5.6°C and July averaging 28.5°C. While it's not exactly warm in winter and cool in summer, visiting at any time of year offers a unique experience.
Delicious food: Xianju Eight Great Bowls, Dongkui Bayberry, Xianju Three-Yellow Chicken, Bayberry Pork Ribs, Braised Yong'an Stream Fish, Xianju Wheat Cakes, and the pancake rolls featured on "A Bite of China 2"...
Accommodation: Camping is highly recommended. When the cloud cover is thin, the sky will be filled with stars!
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days, approximately 6 hours of hiking. (In March and April, rapeseed flowers bloom in Gongyu. In May and June, azaleas and Chinese milk vetch are the main flowers, along with various wildflowers. In autumn, Gongyu's golden rice fields and autumn trees in the mountains are breathtakingly beautiful.)
Having said so much, the most worry-free and labor-saving way is of course to keep up with the pace of our China-TravelNote!
The camping atmosphere is full. The team leader will arrange a bonfire party in the evening. The next morning, the photographers will go to Gongyubei to watch the sunrise together!
Exclusively arrange a farm dinner, taste and photograph authentic traditional local cuisine, and satisfy food lovers with its original flavors!
Bottom line: It’s not where you go, but who you go with that matters.
Three things you must experience when you come to Gongyu!
Delicious food on the tip of your tongue
In the fourth episode of "A Bite of China," do you still remember the mouth-watering Xianju delicacies? Chicken stewed in aged wine, pig's feet with Polygonatum odoratum, bacon with houttuynia cordata, lotus seeds with wormwood leaves, tofu with mugwort leaves, chicken with pig's stomach...
Of course, there are also wild fruits on the road and dried sweet potatoes made by local villagers themselves.
It would be even more delicious if I could drink a bowl of homemade bayberry wine.
Bonfire camping starry sky
I believe that many hikers were inspired to visit Gongyu after seeing the photo below.
Honestly, surrounded by mountains on three sides and close to an ancient village on one side, pitching a tent on soft fields and singing with a group of lovely people, isn’t it beautiful?!
At night, the sky is filled with twinkling stars, and all around is silent, a tranquility you can never experience in a big city. Just thinking about falling asleep with the stars as your pillow is irresistible!
Sunrise at Gongyubei
We set out at 4:30 in the morning, before daybreak, and we would pass through a steep "technical climbing" section along the way.
After climbing up, you can have a panoramic view of the entire Gongyun Mountain.
Tips:
Gongyu Rock is located south of Gongyu Ridge in Xianju, Zhejiang Province. This massive east-west cliff, 1,200 meters long and 150-200 meters high, exudes a majestic aura beyond words. Its summit protrudes, and beneath it, a canopy of trees offers shelter from the rain (in thunderstorms, it's recommended to rest in a village). The cliffs are richly textured, resembling cliff carvings. Those with drones can fly sideways, and the bird's-eye view, like a sharp blade, offers a myriad of views, constantly changing angles. This is precisely what the ancients meant by "from one side, a mountain becomes a peak; from the other, a peak."
~ Click this line of text for video information ~
There is also a myth about Gongyuyan:
Gongyu Rock was the home of Dayu's vanguard officer Tuo and the Water Tribe dragon girl Rao after their marriage. After the human tribe's base camp moved to Shenxianju, their wedding took place there. With the Water Tribe and the human race reconciled, and the flood receding imminent, Tuo and Rao's wedding was a testament to the harmonious coexistence between the two tribes. Although the flood hadn't receded, everyone was in high spirits. The highlight of the ceremony was the hula dance performed by dozens of giant octopuses, imitating the human race. Everyone burst into laughter, and Dayu even offered everyone a drink of Du Kang's recently invented wine, bringing the atmosphere to a climax.
Yu led the group in flood control, exploring the water patterns. Tuo and Rao closely followed Yu's lead in flood control. During the day, Tuo dug canals along the riverbed to divert water and clear obstructions. Rao explored the water's depth and patterns, assisting Tuo in clearing the floodwaters and swiftly finding the patterns. At dusk, they returned to their home in Gongyu. When night fell, they lit a bonfire. Tuo played the gong (an ancient musical instrument, homophonic with the "no" in "no") and sang. Rao, guided by the firelight, danced to the music. Her lithe figure danced with countless emotions, her graceful movements evoking the most beautiful dance in the world. The audience held their breath, forgetting their time, place, and intended action until they woke to Tuo and Rao's call. They joined them in dancing and singing, their joyful laughter echoing across the rolling hills of Gongyu Mountain. The mountains and rivers of Gongyu joined them in the laughter. Though the days of flood control were arduous, they were also filled with joy.
Unexpectedly, several dead fish were found in the pit, their bodies pierced by harpoons. Then, more fish were found, seemingly slashed by knives. It must be that the humans, overly hungry, had broken their promise to eat the fish. Alas, those who are not of our kind must have different hearts. We sincerely cooperated to control the floods, yet humans used my people as food to survive the disaster. Heartbroken, the Dragon Mother sought out Dayu and demanded the handover of the murderer. Dayu searched the human race and found no one had hunted fish recently. "Daughter, come back with me. We won't deal with these treacherous, two-legged creatures." The Dragon Mother pulled Rao away amid her sobs. Upon hearing the news, Tuo rushed to Gaoyu Rock, but was scolded by the Dragon Mother. The golden couple were separated, unable to see each other from afar.
Activity Equipment List
Enjoy the mountains and wilderness, and explore the world. This may be the outdoor state that everyone yearns for, but safety is still the first priority when going out. Comfortable and reasonable equipment can escort us to see more beautiful mountains and rivers!
1. Personal equipment: long pants and long sleeves (quick-drying T-shirts and ice sleeves are recommended for the upper body in summer, and detachable quick-drying pants are recommended for the lower body), hiking shoes, a backpack of 30L or more, a water bottle (in winter, bring an insulated water bottle), rations (energy gels or Snickers bars, bananas, raisins, etc.), a headlamp, trekking poles (double poles), knee pads (four-spring or patellar straps), gloves (full-finger), a sun hat, sunscreen (essential in summer), mosquito repellent, a power bank, and a change of socks.
2. Camping equipment: tent, moisture-proof mat, sleeping bag, camp lamp, camp shoes, stove cover and pot set.
3. Other optional equipment: walkie-talkies, sunglasses, down jackets (it’s cold in the mountains at night).
Activity Notes
1. China-TravelNote's outdoor activities implement a strict safety guarantee system. Team members must follow the instructions of the team leader to avoid outdoor risks.
2. Please choose to sign up for activities that suit you based on your physical health conditions.
3. When exercising as a team, maintain a suitable speed and rhythm to avoid the team from becoming separated. Assist teammates at all times and promote the great team spirit of tourists!
4. Hiking and mountaineering clothing is suitable for outdoor sports. Please wear hiking shoes or trekking shoes.
5. Eco-friendly travel, green outdoor activities! It is strictly forbidden to throw non-biodegradable garbage along the way, otherwise it will be thrown into the valley to feed wild boars.
6. If this activity is cancelled due to special circumstances such as heavy rain, earthquake, etc., the beautiful women in the China-TravelNote lobby will notify each participating team member.
Questions about Gongyu
1. Are there any farmhouses on the mountain where I can eat?
Gongyu's Shangping and Xiaping villages both have farmhouses where you can buy basic supplies like water and drinks. Dinner is pure, pollution-free farm-style cooking, and the taste is simply delicious.
2. What are the road conditions like for hiking in Gongyu?
It is basically composed of ancient stone roads and dirt roads, with a difficulty level of medium to low.
3. Is there a place to shower at the Gongyu campground? If I choose to stay overnight, what are the conditions like?
The campsite is well-equipped with hot showers. The farmhouse has beds, and the quilts are filled with the scent of sunshine. Sleeping under the starry sky is a comfort you'll feel like taking off.
Good news: Meteor shower
Finally, the annual Perseid meteor shower will be a stunning arrival from August 11-13! As one of the most famous meteor showers, it's not only numerous but also virtually always appears in the summer sky. It appears consistently throughout the year, making it the most active and frequently observed meteor shower. It's also the best shower for casual meteor watchers and the leading of the three major periodic meteor showers worldwide.
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