Plan at a glance
Scenic-area scope and entrance
Yongjia Academy is in Zhu’an Village, Shatou Town, Yongjia County, Wenzhou, along the Nanxi River. The usual entrance is the main visitor centre. The site combines streams, waterfalls, stepping stones and cultural buildings, but the lower flat route and the upper activity route require different levels of fitness.
The on-site adult ticket costs about CNY 50. An online ticket is usually about CNY 45 and must be purchased around two hours in advance to become valid. The Zhejiang Shihua Cultural Tourism Card can be used for admission under its rules. Sightseeing-car fares are about CNY 5–10 one way or CNY 20 for a return trip; ticket and activity rules follow the on-site arrangement.
Opening hours and time needed
The site usually opens from 08:00 to 17:30, with last entry around 16:30. Allow about 1–1.5 hours for the lower flat route, 2–3 hours for a fuller river-and-building route and around 4 hours for the mountain and activity route. Families and older visitors should start with one of the first two options.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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Stepping stones, bridges and waterfalls
The Hundred-Metre Stepping-Stone Bridge is Yongjia Academy’s most distinctive water crossing. Visitors can cross the stream over the stone blocks, and a nearby shallow area may be used for wading when conditions are safe. Golden Pearl Waterfall drops about 60 metres; the bridge and viewpoints offer views of the whole fall, while the water level changes with the season and rainfall.
Phoenix Ferry, Moon Bridge, Water Heart Pagoda and the waterside boardwalk offer views of the valley and buildings. Yongjia Academy and Hanmo Studio add a cultural stop to the route, but indoor opening and activity arrangements should be confirmed on the day.
Flat route and mountain route
The lower route uses the sightseeing car, stepping stones, waterfalls and cultural buildings. It suits families, older visitors and anyone looking for a cool riverside walk. The mountain route has winding, steep sections, and some activities require an extra package ticket. It is for visitors with enough stamina who specifically want the high-altitude activities.
Build your day
A 1–1.5 hour flat route
From the entrance, take the sightseeing car and visit Phoenix Ferry, Moon Bridge, the Hundred-Metre Stepping-Stone Bridge, Golden Pearl Waterfall and Yongjia Academy before taking the car back. This route keeps the main scenic points in the lower area and suits visitors travelling with older adults or children, or those continuing to Lishui Street or Shiwaiyan the same day.
The sightseeing car only covers its designated section; you still need to walk after getting off. If members of your group have different levels of stamina, rest near Golden Pearl Waterfall or Yongjia Academy instead of continuing uphill just to complete the whole route.
A 2–3 hour complete route
For a first visit with enough stamina, walk from the entrance past Phoenix Ferry, Moon Bridge, Water Heart Pagoda, the Hundred-Metre Stepping-Stone Bridge, Golden Waterfall, the waterside boardwalk, Yongjia Academy, Wave Bridge and Golden Pearl Waterfall, then return by the same route. This combines the water scenery and cultural buildings and works well as a half-day visit.
If rain has raised the water level or made the stones slippery, shorten the waterside boardwalk and shallow-water section. Keep moving safely on the stepping stones and bridges, and do not repeatedly adjust your position on wet stones for a photograph.
A 4-hour mountain route
Visitors who want to climb can go uphill from near Golden Pearl Waterfall through Dongtian Yixian and Stone Stele Cave to the glass walkway, then descend. The mountain path winds and becomes steep, and some high-altitude activities require a separate package. The lower route is enough for anyone without a clear plan to take those activities or anyone travelling with a less active group.
Opening, prices and safety requirements for mountain activities may change. Confirm the route, return method and operating status before climbing. Do not enter an unfamiliar branch just to shorten the descent.
Get there
Driving
Drive to the Yongjia Academy car park, where parking costs about CNY 10 per visit. Enter through the main visitor centre. A car does not replace the sightseeing car or the walking sections inside the scenic area.
High-speed rail and public transport
From Nanxi River Station, a taxi takes about 20–30 minutes to Yongjia Academy. You can also take the government-operated minibus from Yantou Bus Station for about CNY 8 per person, or take an inter-town bus towards Shatou Town. Confirm the return service before setting out.
Yongjia Academy still takes time to reach from Yantou Town and Shiwaiyan. Visitors not driving should arrange the vehicle for the trip after leaving the park instead of estimating the day from the arrival route alone.
Know before you go
Tickets and online validity
The on-site ticket costs about CNY 50, while an online ticket is usually about CNY 45 and must become valid around two hours after purchase. If you buy close to your entry time, confirm the validity time and cancellation rules before paying.
Water, footwear and weather
The shallow areas and stepping stones are suitable only when the water level and weather allow. River stones may have algae, so wear shoes with good grip and avoid deep or fast-moving water. If the rain becomes heavier, return to the flatter sections first.
Mountain activities and supplies
There are few supply points on the mountain, so bring water and snacks. The mountain activity package costs about CNY 118–158; confirm its contents and operating status on the day. A visitor who stays on the lower route does not need to buy the mountain activity ticket.