Dongshan Ridge 东山岭

About Dongshan Ridge

Its cultural character distinguishes it from a forest-only hike: stop to read the stone inscriptions and appreciate the relationship between the temples and the rocks. The climb is a useful counterpoint to Wanning’s beach resorts and coffee country. Access to individual halls or transport services can differ from the general scenic-area opening, so choose the visitor circuit on arrival.

According to local tradition, Dongshan Ridge was once a place where ancient immortals and Daoist practitioners refined elixirs and cultivated themselves, and it was known as Xiaoyingzhou (小瀛洲). Its principal Buddhist temple, Chaoyin Temple (潮音寺), was built to commemorate the Southern Song general Li Gang (李纲), who resisted the Jin. The ridge was one of Hainan's earlier-developed tourist sites and is recorded as the birthplace of Dongshan goat (东山羊), grouped in the source among Hainan's 'four great dishes' (海南四大名菜).

The ridge takes its alternative name, Brush Rack Mountain (笔架山), from three peaks standing side by side in a shape said to resemble a brush rest, and it faces Wenfeng Pagoda (文峰塔) across a river. It is described as a sightseeing and summer-retreat destination, popularly called Hainan's foremost mountain (海南第一山).

What to look for

• Granite outcrops and inscriptions along the visitor route.
• Temple settings and views over the Wanning countryside.

The surrounding area

East-coast base combining Riyue Bay with Xinglong coffee culture; these are different local areas.

Location & getting there

Getting to Dongshan Ridge

Use Dongshan Ridge Cultural Tourism Area east of Wancheng, Wanning. Confirm the main scenic entrance rather than a temple service road.