Cuiyan Mountain

Cuiyan Mountain

Cuiyan Mountain is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Cuiyan Mountain, a national AAA-level scenic area, was originally named Cuoya Mountain. It earned the local name Yaba Stone Mountain because of two small peaks on either side of the main peak that resemble a pair of Yaba. The rocks of Cuiyan Mountain are brownish-green, and in summer and autumn, they are covered with dense moss, presenting lush peaks and picturesque scenery.

Because of its open, tranquil, and beautiful scenery, Cuiyan Mountain has long attracted the attention of Taoist and Buddhist practitioners seeking spiritual cultivation, making it an ideal place for monks and Taoists to build temples and engage in secluded practice. As early as the Han Dynasty, a temple was built at the eastern foot of the mountain by local residents, but it was destroyed multiple times in wars. During the Tang and Song dynasties, the temple was renovated and flourished with continuous incense offerings. By the early years of Emperor Daozong of Liao’s reign, years of warfare left the temple in disrepair and dilapidated. In the tenth year of Dagong (1084) during Emperor Daozong’s reign, the eminent monk Zhixun from Da Guangji Temple in Jinzhou rebuilt the temple at the foot of the mountain, naming it Qingjing Temple, which later became known as Cuiyan Mountain Temple.

Cuiyan Mountain is located 17 kilometers northwest of Jinzhou city. At the edge of the flat plains, a cluster of peaks rises abruptly, with cliffs as steep as knife edges and rugged, towering beauty, resembling a grand bonsai crafted by nature’s divine hand. The rocks of Cuiyan Mountain are brownish-green, and in summer and autumn, they are covered with dense moss, presenting lush peaks and picturesque scenery. Originally named Cuoya Mountain and commonly called Yaba Stone, the mountain stands 210 meters above sea level. Its serene and open environment made it a prime location for monks and Taoists to build temples. As early as the Han Dynasty, monks constructed a temple on the eastern slope of the mountain. In the tenth year of Dagong (1084) during Emperor Daozong’s reign, the monk Zhixun from Da Guangji Temple in Jinzhou rebuilt the Qingjing Temple at the foot of the mountain, constructing a main hall with three bays, a single-bay gate, and a statue of Empress Xuanyi inside. In the first year of Qian Tong (1101 AD), Emperor Tianzuo of Liao, Yelü Yanxi, ordered the renovation of Qingjing Temple and renamed it Qingsheng Temple. Statues of Empress Chengtian, Empress Xuanyi, and Empress Hongde (Emperor Tianzuo’s mother) were placed inside the hall. A bell and drum tower were added in front of the hall, and a stone path was carved leading to Empress Chengtian’s dressing terrace, where a pavilion named Shenwei Pavilion was built. During the Ming Dynasty’s Zhengtong era, Li Zhen, the Left Tuntian Guard Commander of Jinzhou, renamed the mountain Cuiyan Mountain, and Qingsheng Temple became Cuiyan Mountain Temple. In the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty, the Confucian general and Guard Commander Wang Kai inscribed the words “Cuiyan Mountain Temple” on the cliff face, some of which can still be faintly seen today. On the mountainside northwest of Cuiyan Mountain Temple lies the Jade Emperor Pavilion, built in the third year of Kangde (1936). The pavilion features the inscription “Jade Emperor Pavilion.” The first terrace serves as the gate with the inscription above the lintel; the second terrace holds a hexagonal stone tripod; and the third terrace is the main hall of the Jade Emperor Pavilion, housing statues of Laozi, the Jade Emperor, and Sakyamuni. Ancient maple trees in the courtyard are remarkably vigorous. In recent years, monks have practiced here, and Cuiyan Mountain Temple is currently under restoration.

Cuiyan Mountain features skillfully stacked and uniquely shaped rocks—some resembling a divine turtle, others a jade rabbit. At the southeastern corner of the mountain stands a massive rock that looks like Mao Gong Rock, facing southeast and gazing into the distance, attracting visitors to come and admire it.

Accommodation:

There are some small guesthouses in the villages at the foot of the mountain that are very affordable. For larger hotels, you’ll need to take a bus to hotels in the city such as Beishan Hotel and Jiaotong Building.

Transportation:

There are no public buses here, but there are frequent minibuses departing from Jinzhou. The drivers are friendly and will stop if you ask. Alternatively, you can drive along the Jinzhao Highway and get off at Cuiyan Mountain.

Food:

There are no large restaurants here, but the village has small eateries serving authentic Northeastern dishes such as chicken stewed with mushrooms.

Address: Cuiyan Town, Linghai City, Jinzhou

Type: Forested Mountain

Rating: AAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours

Opening Hours:

8:00-18:00

Ticket Information:

Door Price: 10.0 RMB