Qingran Azalea Scenic Area

Qingran Azalea Scenic Area

Qingran Azalea Scenic Area is located in the central part of Xianweng Mountain Scenic Area and is an eastward-oriented mountain peak about 200 meters long. From east to west, there are five scenic spots: “Monkey Who Forgot Hometown,” “Azalea Peak,” “Tiger Leap Peak,” and “Lover’s Peak.” The highest point in the scenic area is 390 meters above sea level. Standing on Azalea Peak and looking north, you can see Xianweng Peak, Wild Wolf Valley, and Forget-Worry Cliff across from you. To the south, you can see the highest point of Stone Palace Sacred Land, “Immortals and Buddhas Descend the Summit,” and the highest point of Valley of Heavenly Sound, “Jade Palm Peak.”

About 200 meters south along the stone steps from “Laoying” is the center point of Azalea Ridge. Walking 40 meters east along the mountain ridge will bring you to a stone ridge that protrudes about 1 meter above the ground, approximately 35 meters long, resembling a dragon lying across the mountain ridge—this is the Azure Dragon’s Back. Legend has it that this was a snake demon from Green Pool that was defeated by Xianweng and transformed into this form. Not far past the Azure Dragon’s Back, a stone monkey sits on the edge of a cliff. Some say it is the “Monkey Who Forgot Hometown,” who became so enchanted by the beauty of Xianweng Mountain that he forgot to return home; others say it is a spirit monkey sent by the immortals to guard the Demon-Suppressing Stone. Observant visitors may notice a human-sized rock beneath the monkey, said to be a type of mountain ghost called a “xiao.” From the center point to the right are, in order, “Azalea Peak,” “Tiger Leap Peak,” and “Lover’s Peak.”

Azalea Peak is covered with Khingan azaleas, which bloom in fiery clusters every spring. Lover’s Peak consists of two peaks standing next to Azalea Peak—one taller, one shorter—that lean toward each other. At about 1 meter above the summit, a horizontal stone connects the two peaks, resembling a couple in an affectionate kiss. Thus, it is poetically named “Lover’s Peak.” Legend says it represents a kind-hearted couple who revealed heavenly secrets to save villagers and were turned to stone. In life, they loved each other deeply; in death, they became joined stones. Visitors admire how even the azaleas seem touched by romance. The name “Qingran Azalea” (Emotion-Dyed Azalea) originates from this tale.

Address: Central part of Xianweng Mountain Scenic Area, Nancha District, Yichun City