Haitang Mountain

Haitang Mountain

Haitang Mountain is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Haitang Mountain National Nature Reserve

The Haitang Mountain Scenic Area is situated in Daban Town, Fumeng County, within the Yiwulvshan mountain range. It is a national nature reserve and one of Liaoning Province’s Top Ten Forest Parks, serving as an exemplary model where cultural and natural landscapes are ingeniously integrated. The Pu’an Temple was first built in the 12th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1683), and was bestowed a plaque by Emperor Daoguang. Along with Ruìyìng Temple, it is known as the eastern center of Tibetan Buddhism. The site preserves 267 well-preserved cliff carvings, the tallest being 5 meters and the smallest just 30 centimeters, all uniquely posed, vividly expressive, and remarkably crafted — hailed by People's Daily and Guangming Daily as a “national cultural treasure of the East.” A 999-meter-long reclining Buddha formed by three peaks features a strikingly lifelike image, with a “longevity” character naturally outlined on its torso using exposed bedrock, bold and powerful in stroke, adding a layer of mystery to this sacred mountain of Eastern Tibet. Haitang Mountain enjoys distinct seasons and breathtaking scenery: spring brings blooming mountain flowers, summer offers sea of clouds, autumn displays red foliage, and winter welcomes pristine snow — each season offers unique views and endless delight.

A national AAA-level tourist scenic area, national forest park, national nature reserve, provincial key cultural relics protection unit, and one of the top ten outstanding scenic spots in the province. Located 2 kilometers northwest of Daban Village, Daban Town, Fumeng Mongolian Autonomous County, Liaoning Province. It is 22 kilometers from downtown Fuxin and 160 kilometers from the provincial capital, Shenyang. Haitang Mountain stands at an elevation of 715.5 meters, featuring high mountains, deep valleys, rugged rocks, lush vegetation, a pleasant climate, and beautiful scenery — a prime example of the seamless integration of cultural and natural landscapes.

As early as 1683, the Pu’an Temple was established on Haitang Mountain. According to the Fuxin County Annals: “Pu’an Temple, also called Da-Dong, is located on the left foothill of Haitang Mountain, 45 li south of the county town. The predecessor of Zhangjia, in the 22nd year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1683), led his disciples surnamed Zhang, Liu, Ding, Yang, and Guo to establish it.” After more than 200 years of expansion through six generations of Living Buddhas, at its peak, the temple complex centered around the Tsogchen Hall included the Fǎxiàng Monastery, Shílún Monastery, Mìchéng Monastery, and Baiquan Temple, covering over 40,000 square meters with more than 1,500 halls and rooms, and over 400 monastic dwellings — often referred to as the “Little Potala Palace” and known as the eastern center of Tibetan Buddhism. The main building of Pu’an Temple — the Tsogchen Hall — was destroyed in 1976. In 2001, it was approved for reconstruction by the provincial government. Construction was completed in October 2002, and the hall officially opened to visitors during the Spring Festival in 2003. The reconstructed Tsogchen Hall is adorned with 6 kilograms of gold and 1,200 gemstones, making it the largest restored Tibetan Buddhist temple in Northeast China. The recreated statue of the White Umbrella Deity inside stands 9.9 meters tall, ranking among the largest indoor sculpted Buddha statues in the country. Today, the uniquely styled and resplendent Tsogchen Hall has become a standout new highlight of Haitang Mountain.

Cliff carvings are a major highlight of Haitang Mountain. “Cliff carving” refers to inscriptions carved into mountain rock, while “statues” are figures sculpted from the rock face. The Pu’an Temple cliff carvings began in the 8th year of the Daoguang reign (1828), initiated under the direction of the 4th Living Buddha of Pu’an Temple, Danbida'erji, who came from Tibet. Carving continued through the 5th Living Buddha, Dexiang, and the 6th Living Buddha, Wulijilun, involving a total expenditure of 10,800 taels of silver, resulting in 449 statues — 267 of which are well-preserved today. These carvings are divided into two categories: serene Buddhas and wrathful Buddhas. Serene Buddhas are divided into major and minor types, with major ones including Buddhas and Bodhisattvas such as Shakyamuni, Amitabha, Amitayus, and Guanyin; minor ones refer to patriarchs and eminent monks, such as Tsongkhapa. Wrathful Buddhas are further divided into fierce and terrifying types, such as Vajras. The largest statue is 5 meters tall, and the smallest is only 0.16 meters. The large ones are majestic, the small ones exquisitely detailed, all strikingly lifelike. The carving techniques draw on ancient Chinese and international artistic styles, resulting in intricate, vividly expressive forms that are both dynamic and spiritually resonant, rich in aesthetic value, forming a unique artistic style at Haitang Mountain that combines high-, medium-, and low-relief techniques reflecting Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han Chinese influences. Some carvings still retain remarkably vibrant colors, which is truly astounding. To date, the discovery of cliff carvings on such a scale in China is unprecedented, making them a unique marvel. Surrounding some niches are over 50 other cliff inscriptions in Manchu, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese. The content mostly includes mantras and incantations, as well as words of praise, dates, records, donor names, and artisan inscriptions. Articles in the People’s Daily describe these carvings as “masterpieces of Chinese folk art,” and experts and scholars call them “a unique wonder of China,” “a surviving representative of the Eastern center of Tibetan Buddhism’s Gelug school.”

The scenic area features verdant pines and cypresses, rugged rocks, and dozens of ancient purple pines over 400 years old growing precariously on cliffs, with unusual shapes. There are over 300 species of rare flowers, plants, and medicinal herbs, along with more than 40 species of wild animals, creating a landscape where “Haitang Mountain stands majestic and splendid, with cliff carvings adorning the peaks.” Even more astonishing is the recent discovery within the scenic area of naturally formed “human,” “longevity,” and “Buddha” images, strikingly realistic and grand in scale. These blend seamlessly with cultural elements such as temples and cliff carvings, forming a mysterious religious and cultural tourism landscape.

“Buddha”: Looking toward the Zhāoshìng Sì Tún (Zhaoxiang Temple Village) from the “Zhòngshēng Bēn Fó” (All Beings Toward the Buddha) scenic area in Daban Town, one can see a reclining Buddha composed of three peaks of varying sizes lying quietly on its back in the southern end of the lush green landscape, with its head to the south and feet to the north. The reclining Buddha stretches 999 meters in length. The first peak forms the head of the Buddha, vividly realistic, with a broad forehead, a high nose bridge, and a well-proportioned jaw, conveying a serene and benevolent expression. The second and third peaks form the body, proportionally balanced and harmonious. A massive green kasaya drapes over the figure. In the afternoon when the sun is westward, the posture of the Buddha creates a highly artistic silhouette effect, which becomes even more pronounced in the glow of sunset.

“Longevity”: At the “Zhòngshēng Bēn Fó” (All Beings Toward the Buddha) site, a giant “longevity” character is inscribed on the body of the reclining Buddha, written in standard semi-cursive script. The strokes are clear, the structure balanced, and the brushwork bold and forceful. The “longevity” character is about 200 meters tall and 100 meters wide, visible clearly from up to 5,000 meters away.

“Human”: On the northern side of the “Zhòngshēng Bēn Fó” (All Beings Toward the Buddha) site, there are numerous animal-shaped rocks. Among them, a massive “alien” formed by three circular stones stands prominently among the rocks. The “alien’s” head is 1.5 meters in diameter, with sparse hair atop and eroded grooves on the back resembling brain convolutions. Its neck is 50 centimeters in diameter, supporting its large, heavy head. The waist is 5 meters around, the upper body is 5 meters long, and both legs are deeply rooted in the mountain rock. The “alien” gazes intently at the village below, its peculiar mouth as if to speak to passersby. Is it an extraterrestrial visitor? A marvel of nature? The work of divine craftsmanship or a lost child? Only by visiting the site can you find out for yourself.

The annual Haitang Mountain Folk Song Festival, rich in Mongolian ethnic flavor, attracts tens of thousands of domestic and international tourists.

Daban Town: Daban Town is located in the southern part of Fumeng Mongolian Autonomous County, bordered by Furong Town to the east, Guohua Township to the south, connected to Qinglong Mountain in Xinmin Town to the west, and demarcated from Shuiquan Town in Xihu District to the north by the Dabagou Tunnel. The town covers a total area of 13,800 hectares, including 2,209 hectares of arable land. Daban Town administers 6 administrative villages and 70 villager groups. The town has a total of 3,569 households and a population of 12,513, including 11,688 agricultural residents and 825 non-agricultural residents. Ethnic Mongolians make up 52% of the population, along with other minorities such as Han and Manchu. Daban Town connects... More detailed information about Daban Town++