Sounds of silence

I often seek out scenic places with great views and few visitors. It's not an easy task as most picturesque sites across the country are overrun with giggly tourists in the same shirts and hats.

But when I arrived in Mount South Yandang, I realized I had found what I was looking for: a relaxing, nearly isolated place with a beautiful landscape. It's not as well known as the Yandang Mountains, which is a different mountain range. Located in Pingyang county in the city of Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, Mount South Yandang boasts beautiful waterfalls and caves, and is quiet and secluded.

After a six-hour drive from Shanghai, I arrived in Pingyang on a late afternoon and headed straight to the county's must-see scenic spot at Shunxi. After a 30-minute drive from the county town, my group reached the foot of Mount South Yandang.