Yunlong Mountain is more worthwhile to visit than Yunlong Lake. Highly recommended.
I originally just planned to stop by Xuzhou, but Yunlong Mountain turned out to be the most delightful surprise of the trip. For a free scenic area, the quality was truly beyond my expectations.
Entering from the North Gate, it's not far to Liu Bei Spring. It's not a large place, but the atmosphere is exceptionally beautiful. A pool of clear water is nestled under ancient trees, next to a statue of Liu Bei, with inscriptions carved on the mountainside. It's peaceful and serene, a completely different world from the crowds at popular tourist spots. Standing there for a while, remembering its connection to the Three Kingdoms period and being a relic left by Liu Bei in Xuzhou, I suddenly felt a sense of weight to the water. The surrounding trees are shady; it must be very cool in summer, and comfortable to sit and daydream in spring or autumn.
Continuing uphill for about ten minutes, you'll reach Fanghe Pavilion, my favorite spot on the entire mountain. I had read Su Shi's "Record of Fanghe Pavilion" before, and I never imagined I would actually stand before it one day. The pavilion, perched on a mountain ridge, offers a particularly expansive view, with Yunlong Lake in the distance and lush trees covering the mountains nearby. Resting in the pavilion, I thought of the reclusive life of releasing cranes described in literature, and suddenly felt a pang of envy for the ancients. The pavilion itself is in the style of traditional architecture and is well-maintained; many tourists stop here to take photos.
The two attractions were visited in less than an hour, not tiring at all, making it perfect for families with elderly members and children. The mountain path is smooth, and the signs are clear, so there's no need to worry about getting lost.
The only minor drawback is the lack of shade near the Crane-Releasing Pavilion; it can get quite sunny at midday. I recommend visiting in the morning or evening. Also, there aren't many stalls selling water on the mountain, so it's best to bring your own bottle.
Overall, Yunlong Mountain is a very worthwhile place to visit. It has history, scenery, and is free! Locals are quite fortunate to have such a place in Xuzhou city. I'll definitely visit it again next time I'm in Xuzhou.