Sword Mountain

Sword Mountain

1. Among the Five Wolf Mountains, the other four run vertically, while only Sword Mountain has a horizontal orientation.

2. Many students facing upcoming college or high school entrance exams, along with their parents, often visit the "Manjusri Temple" to pray and make wishes. Worshipping Manjusri Bodhisattva has become a psychological support for many students hoping for exam success, which is why the site remains bustling with incense offerings all year round. Guide

Guide

Sword Mountain is located in the Langshan Scenic Area in the southern suburbs of the city. The scenic area consists of five mountains: Langshan, Sword Mountain, Junshan, Huangnishan, and Ma’anshan. Though not tall, these mountains are delicately charming and stand out on the flat Jianghai Plain. Moreover, they border the Yangtze River to the south, combining water and mountain views in a picturesque setting.

Sword Mountain is the third among the Five Wolf Mountains, standing 87.33 meters high. It is also known as Sword Ridge Mountain because its shape resembles an unsheathed sword lying horizontally, and as Blade Mountain due to its peak resembling a knife edge. Intro

Introduction

Sword Mountain serves as the sacred site of Manjusri Bodhisattva in Nantong. Manjusri Bodhisattva is the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge, also known as the “Great Wisdom Manjusri,” and is the left attendant of Sakyamuni Buddha.

Statue of the Reclining Manjusri Bodhisattva at the Manjusri Temple:

At the north gate of Sword Mountain stands a reclining statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva, including the base, it is 7.8 meters high and 13.8 meters long, making it the only one of its kind in China and also the largest reclining statue. The entire form is graceful, smooth, simple, solemn, and naturally formed. It is carved from imitation bluestone material and was meticulously crafted by skilled artisans hired at great expense.

Manjusri Bodhisattva is one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas in Chinese Buddhism and is regarded as the foremost. Along with Samantabhadra, Avalokiteshvara, and Ksitigarbha, they are collectively known as the “Four Great Bodhisattvas.” Mount Wutai is the sacred site of Manjusri Bodhisattva. Together with Mount Emei in Sichuan, Mount Jiuhua in Anhui, and Mount Putuo in Zhejiang, Mount Wutai is known as one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China.

Chongyang Pavilion:

Originally called “Xuanyan Pavilion,” it was renamed Chongyang Pavilion because the word “yan” (檐) in the Nantong dialect sounds like “yang” (阳), and it was completed just before the Double Ninth Festival on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. The renaming was to express reverence and care for the elderly. Here, steep cliffs rise sharply, and pines and cypresses thrive in lush greenery. From this vantage point, you can gaze across at the Langshan Branch Cloud Tower suspended in the air, with pavilions and towers, and verdant mountain hues spread out as far as the eye can see. At night, the sight of countless lights creates a serene and prosperous atmosphere. It is an ideal spot for middle-aged and elderly visitors to relax, reflect, and enjoy the view.

Chen Shigong Memorial Monument:

Erected in 1986 on the 350th anniversary of the death of Mr. Chen Shigong. The monument is made of black marble, with the front inscribed: “Memorial Monument to the Outstanding Ming Dynasty Surgeon Mr. Chen Shigong”; the back bears an inscription handwritten by Nantong calligrapher Wu Mochu. The monument, including its base, stands 2.5 meters tall, facing south, surrounded by pine and cypress trees. The environment is solemn and dignified, with elegant and simple carvings, making it a notable cultural landmark on Sword Mountain.

Chen Shigong, styled Yuren and also known as Ruoxu, began studying medicine in his youth and practiced surgery for over 40 years, accumulating extensive experience. He lived a very frugal life. He had two nicknames: in the field of medicine, he was called “Chen the Half-Immortal,” and another was “Chen the Half-Sheng.” What does “Chen the Half-Sheng” mean? It refers to the fact that he would only buy half a sheng (a traditional unit of volume) of rice at a time, buying more only after finishing what he had. However, he used the money he saved through his frugal lifestyle to build two stone bridges and three wooden bridges in Nantong, totaling five bridges.

Other attractions include the Universal Pagoda, the Tomb of Treichl (located in front of the Bodhi Cave southeast of Sword Mountain, with a marble pillar memorial inscribed by Zhang Jian himself), Twin Peaks (located southeast of Sword Mountain), Bodhi Cave (located at the “Sword Tip” on the southern side of the mountain), Lazy Fish Cave, and Chaoyang Cave. Transport

Transport

Located in Jianshan Village, Langshan Town. Accessible by bus from Nantong Long-Distance Bus Station.

Located in Jianshan Village, Langshan Town. Accessible by bus from Nantong Long-Distance Bus Station.