Park of China
Overview
| Designation | National Park of China (second batch) |
| Province | Fujian |
| Location | East China Sea coast, southern Fuding City, Fujian |
| Latitude, longitude | 27.1, 120.2 Google Maps |
| Nearby sites | Mandarin Duck Creek 119km, Nanxi River 126km, Drum Mountain, Fuzhou 141km, Mount Yandang 165km, Xiandu 189km Search nearby |
| Highlights | Strange seaside rocks |
| Top sights | Nine Carp Facing Heaven, the Husband and Wife peaks |
| Area | 60 km² |
| Nearby cities | Fuding (Fujian), Fuzhou, Wenzhou |
| Themes | Mountain, Stone, Stream, Spring, Small Waterfall, Ocean, Cave, Island, Peak, Coastal landforms |
About
The Mount Taimu scenic area on the East China Sea coast in southern Fuding City, Fujian, 60 km², has five parts, the mountain, the Qingchuan coast, the Jiuli stream and waterfalls, the Fuyao Islands and Sangyuan Lake, plus the old Lengcheng fort and Ruiyun Temple; the mountain itself, 24.6 km², is the main part, with strange rocks and caves, streams and waterfalls.
Taimu Mountain was first called Taimu ("Great Mother"). According to the Song gazetteer Sanshan Zhi, an old woman who grew indigo here in the time of Yao became an immortal; when Emperor Wu of Han had Dongfang Shuo confer titles on famous mountains, the character for "mother" was changed to "姥" (old lady).
Guoxing Temple was built by order of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and many monasteries followed. In the Song dynasty Zhu Xi took refuge and taught at the foot of the mountain.
It is in the second batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 1988.
Travel tips
Getting there: Fuding has a high-speed station (Fuding station), reachable from Fuzhou and Wenzhou. It is about 40 km from the city to Mount Taimu, about an hour by bus or taxi.
Taimu Mountain scenic area: the main area, with many odd rocks such as Husband and Wife Peak and Nine Carp Facing Heaven. A cable car goes up, though the paths still involve many steps.
Route: from the gate, a path passes Moxiao Hermitage to the One-Tile Hut and other points. It takes half a day to a day; fit walkers can do the whole route, while others can shorten the ascent by cable car.
Other areas: Jiuli Stream Falls, Qingchuan seashore and the Fuyao Islands are scattered along the coast, far from the main area, and need separate time.
Time: a day is comfortable for the main area; add a second day for the others.
Season: spring and autumn are best. Summer brings rain and typhoons, with slippery paths and poor visibility. Winter is mild but the summit is often foggy.
Local product: Fuding produces white tea, and the Mount Taimu area is a main source, so tea can be tried on the way.
Where to stay: there is lodging at the foot of the mountain and in Fuding city.
Photo credits: Mount Taimu: 颐园居 (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Nearby
| World Heritage | Mount Jianglang 228km, Mount Wuyi 231km, Mount Sanqing 292km, Taining - North Section 295km |
| National parks of China | Wuyishan National Park 231km |
| National parks | Mount Baiyun, Fu’an 64km, Baizhangji and Feiyun Lake 67km, Jiulongji Waterfalls 76km, Mount Fozi 115km |
| AAAAA attractions | Liu Bowen Hometown Scenic Area 110km, Yunhe Terraces Scenic Area 128km, Sanfang Qixiang Scenic Area 144km |
| AAAA attractions | Zherong Yuanyang Grassland 25km, Wanyao 44km, Yucangshan 48km |
| UNESCO Global Geoparks | Ningde UNESCO Global Geopark 76km |
| Cities | Fuzhou 143km |
| Historical sites | Guanyinting Stockade 13km, Fengqi Wu Family Great Residence 18km, Puzhuangsuo Fortress City 28km |
| National geoparks | Baiyunshan National Geopark 88km, Pingnan Baishuiyang National Geopark 112km |
| Nature reserves | Wuyanling National Nature Reserve 85km |
| Historic villages | Xianpu Village 22km, Wanyao Village 44km |