Sandieyan Scenic Area

Sandieyan Scenic Area

“Peaks converge toward Longqiu Mountain, winding and undulating with many rocky ridges. Among them all, the most extraordinary is Sandieyan, standing abruptly tall like an exalted crown.” These are the verses of Yu Shaosong praising Sandieyan. Located 15 kilometers southeast of the county town, Sandieyan features towering cliffs and rock formations stacked like three-layered towers, hence its name.

The scenery of Sandieyan is remarkably beautiful, with unique caves. The first layer of the cave is known as Emperor Cave, named after Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang who once took refuge here. Peculiar rocks hang suspended in midair, the cave is shallow but steep, with springs that flow year-round. There is a Stone Drum, “which resonates deeply when struck, the sound echoing to the treetops.” The second layer of the cave is spacious and hall-like, extending several zhang deep, with niches carved into the walls and shrines built along the cave, including Hu Gong Hall, Arhat Hall, and a Liberation Pond. The third layer of the cave is located on a steep cliff and is called Guanyin Cave, housing a statue of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin.

Another highlight of the Sandieyan Scenic Area is its long history. Buddhist activities began in the Song Dynasty; Emperor Duzong of the Southern Song Dynasty once “sent envoys to worship the mountain,” and after ascending the throne, Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, bestowed the title “Protectorate Chan Monastery.” Shi Wang Li Shixian of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom once set up camp and planned strategies here.

Near Sandieyan, there are also attractions such as Tiger Rock, Lion Rock, Snow Rock, Mouse Rock, and the Seven Fairies Cave, stretching for miles. With peculiar rocks, elegant peaks, and a tranquil environment, they form a natural landscape resembling dragons coiling, lions crouching, and tigers roaring. From the summit of Sandieyan, one can take in the panoramic view of the surrounding dozens of miles of scenery.

The Sandieyan Scenic Area and its surroundings feature 12 scenic spots, among which the famous ones include Hidden Temple in Precipitous Rocks, Bamboo Path Leading to Seclusion, Fairy Summit for Panoramic Views, Crouching Tiger and Coiled Dragon, Lone Beauty of Black Stone, Bright Moon in Secluded Valley, Bamboo Swaying under Moonlight, and Flower Rock Jade Pool.