Plan at a glance
Open riverside areas and water activities are separate
Moon Bay Scenic Area is in Yueliangwan Village, Caicun Town, Jing County, Xuancheng. Fish Scale Dam is the usual navigation point for the main area. Along the river are open shallows, paths and rest areas, as well as several rafting and bamboo-rafting operators. These activities have separate ticketing, operations and return arrangements rather than one shared admission ticket.
The quick route takes about 2–3 hours, while the full route takes about 4–6 hours. Driving is the most convenient option, as public transport does not cover the different riverside stops well. Open areas such as Fish Scale Dam can usually be visited throughout the day, but rafting activities generally stop selling tickets or operating around 16:00.
Free riverside visits and water-activity fees
The open riverside areas generally have no admission charge. Rafting, bamboo rafting and other water activities are paid separately. Prices, booking methods, upstream water releases and water levels may change, so confirm the start point, finish point and return arrangements for the activity you choose.
Water levels and flow at Fish Scale Dam can be affected by upstream releases and the weather. When the water level changes, vehicles should stay on the bank; the top of the dam and areas without clear public access are not suitable for stopping or entering.
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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Fish Scale Dam and the riverside shallows
Fish Scale Dam is best viewed from a safe observation point, with a short walk and photos along the nearby river sections. Water levels may change after an upstream release, and even shallow areas can have slippery rocks, so stay within the open areas by the water.
This route suits visitors who want to see the river bend, make a short stop or enjoy a light outdoor visit with children. Keep children under close supervision near the water, and stay out of rapids, deep water and areas that are not clearly open to visitors.
Rafting, bamboo rafting and Zhaocunli
Moon Bay has different rafting and bamboo-rafting activities, with different durations, levels of getting wet, paddling requirements and return arrangements. Rafting generally stops selling tickets or operating around 16:00, so aim to reach the activity start point in the morning or before noon.
If you have more time, add Zhaocunli and the open riverside areas. Zhaocunli suits a short village walk. Moon Bay's rafting, bamboo rafting and open riverside areas are run by different operators, so confirm the ticket, meeting point and return arrangements for each activity.
Build your day
Quick route: Fish Scale Dam and a riverside walk
Navigate to a clearly marked parking area near Fish Scale Dam. View the dam and river from a safe observation point, then take a short walk along the open bank or stop at a farm restaurant. Allow about 2–3 hours.
Water levels and flow at Fish Scale Dam may change after an upstream release. When the water is high, keep vehicles on the bank; do not stop for photos on the top of the dam or at the edge of water areas that are not clearly open. Use a parking area with clearly posted charges and keep away from traffic lanes and bends.
Full route: rafting or bamboo rafting, Fish Scale Dam and Zhaocunli
Join a rafting or bamboo-rafting activity that is open that day in the morning; the water activity takes about 1 hour. In the afternoon, visit Fish Scale Dam or another open riverside area, then walk through Zhaocunli if time allows. The full route takes about 4–6 hours.
Water activities can leave you wet, so allow time to change and organise your belongings. Confirm the activity endpoints, parking and return transport when buying the ticket. If it rains, upstream water releases change, or the water level rises, shorten your time by the water and follow the on-site safety arrangements.
Get there
Drive to Fish Scale Dam and the riverside parking areas
Navigate to Fish Scale Dam or the entrance for the water activity open that day. Riverside stops are spread out, and each rafting or bamboo-rafting operator has its own parking and meeting point; public transport is not practical for covering several stops.
Prefer a public parking area or guesthouse parking with clearly posted charges. Public parking is about CNY 10–15 per visit. Do not park for photos on bends, at dam access points, in front of residential entrances or on an unauthorised road shoulder.
Rafting and bamboo-rafting transfers
Before buying a ticket, confirm the activity's start point, finish point, meeting time, whether a shuttle is included and the last return service. Rafting generally stops selling tickets or operating around 16:00, so late arrivals may not be able to join that day's activity.
Know before you go
Water levels, weather and where to enter the water
Upstream releases, rain and seasonal changes affect water levels, flow speed and rafting access. The open areas around Fish Scale Dam and the riverside shallows are not all managed in the same way, so use the water only in clearly open areas and stay out of rapids, deep water and slippery dam surfaces.
Water-resistant gear and mosquitoes
Rafting and bamboo rafting can leave you wet. Bring quick-drying clothes, a waterproof bag and spare shoes. Mosquitoes are common in the hills in summer; bring repellent and keep away from traffic lanes, dam edges and slippery rocks when taking photos.
Parking, food and nearby routes
There are farm restaurants and rest stops along the river, with different prices and opening arrangements. Keep your parking receipt if you use a paid parking area. Moon Bay can be one stop on a Southern Anhui Tibet Line or Jing County self-drive trip; nearby Shuimo Tingxi and Qinglongwan each have their own entrances, ticketing and activity arrangements.