Golden Turtle Mountain

Golden Turtle Mountain

Located in Aocun Village, Houjia Town, Shanghai, adjacent to Shou’an Temple, Golden Turtle Mountain combines the charm of an ancient temple with the beauty of a classical garden, making it a prime leisure destination on Chongming Island.

As you approach the mountain gate, you’ll see the powerful characters “Golden Turtle Mountain” inscribed on the Ming-Qing style gatehouse by Zhou Gucheng, below which is a depiction of Ming-Qing era figures and customs, rich in historical flavor. Walking along the western wall of Shou’an Temple, you’ll arrive at the most famous attraction of Golden Turtle Mountain—Zhenghai Pagoda. It is said that Zhenghai Pagoda was first built in the 19th year of the Guangxu reign (1893). Donated by local wealthy families, it is situated atop the highest peak of Golden Turtle Mountain, which was originally constructed in the 7th year of the Kangxi reign (1668). Originally, there was a Guanyin Pavilion here, later renamed Canghai Pavilion. During the Qing Qianlong period, it became one of the “Eight Scenic Views of Turtle Mountain”—“Distant View from Turtle Peak.” The pagoda was rebuilt in 1986. Inside, there are nine levels; climbing the wooden stairs, you’ll find six small Buddha statues enshrined on each level. The higher you go, the smaller the space becomes, until only enough room for one person remains. At the top of the pagoda, you can gaze into the distance and take in the vast landscape. On particularly clear days, you might even spot the beach in the distance—this is likely the origin of the “Distant View from Turtle Peak.” Golden Turtle Mountain also boasts the charm of a Jiangnan-style garden. Scenic spots such as Qingyuan Hall, Guanyin Pavilion, Hanmolín (Study Grove), Zuìhuā Xuān (Drunken Flower Pavilion), Jiāshān Tíng (Riding-the-Mountain Pavilion), Zǐzhú Lín (Bamboo Grove), Déyuè Qiáo (Moon-Viewing Bridge), Shuǐxiāng Xiè (Water-Scented Pavilion), and Yuèpǔ (Moon Garden) may no longer match the splendor of the original “Eight Scenic Views of Turtle Mountain,” but the serene waters, lush greenery, and winding paths remain equally exquisite.

Golden Turtle Mountain is a renowned historical site and scenic gem on Chongming Island. With its long history, the passage of time has shrouded it in mystery, and many beautiful legends about the mountain continue to be told. One legend says that during a severe drought in Chongming during the Song Dynasty, crops withered and died. To save the suffering farmers, a golden turtle emerged from the sea to spout water but was struck dead by thunder. To repay the golden turtle’s life-saving act, the farmers built a mountain with soil they carried in baskets, naming it Golden Turtle Mountain, and erected a temple nearby in its honor. Another story claims that during the Qing Yongzheng era, Shen Wen’gao, a native of Chongming, returned triumphant after placing third in the imperial examination and hired workers to build Golden Turtle Mountain overnight.

In fact, Chongming Island originally had no mountains—the Golden Turtle Mountain range was man-made. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, it was located in Dongren Township, Sansha, serving as a maritime landmark. It was named after a mountain visited by Emperor Gaozong of Song, but the original mountain body had long collapsed. The mountain had nine peaks, with the central peak being the highest and topped with a stupa. In front of the mountain was the Jade Lotus Pond, and behind it was a bamboo grove. Numerous famous flowers and trees were also planted. In the 44th year of the Qing Qianlong reign (1777 AD), County Magistrate Fan Guotai funded renovations, adding bridges, pavilions, terraces, towers, pavilions, and moon gardens. By then, the park already featured eight scenic views: “Bell Chimes of the Longevity Temple,” “Fragrance of Lotus in Qingyuan,” “Osmanthus Shade in the Courtyard,” “Distant View from Turtle Peak,” “Snow Accumulation in the Plum Grove,” “Green Water Circling the Pavilion,” “New Willows on the Long Dike,” and “Fish Viewing at the Rear Pavilion.” Visitors praised the scenery, some composing poems and calligraphy. Lines such as “The temple on Turtle Mountain is a timeless painting, the river without strings is an eternal zither” and “Mountains within the temple, moon beyond the eaves, green water before the eaves, sky within the water” were inspired by the picturesque Golden Turtle Mountain Park. However, this scenic wonder was destroyed by Japanese invaders and reactionary forces. By the eve of liberation, only the crumbling “Distant View from Turtle Peak” (Zhenghai Pagoda) remained.

After liberation, Golden Turtle Mountain was designated as a cultural relic protection unit by the county government. With support and funding from municipal and county authorities, it underwent several rounds of restoration. By the end of 1995, projects including perimeter walls, the mountain gate, the Green Water Circling Pavilion, the Jade Lotus Pond, Zhenghai Pagoda, the Cool Cave, the Moon-Viewing Bridge, the Water-Scented Pavilion, the Grass-Style Pavilion (Ningde Pavilion), hiking stone steps, roads, ground surfaces, and afforestation had been completed. The site covers an area of 1.2 hectares and is located 2.5 kilometers from the county town.