Daxianglin Scenic Area

Daxianglin Scenic Area

Daxianglin Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Daxianglin Scenic Area is located in Hutang Subdistrict, 15 kilometers southwest of Shaoxing County, covering a total area of 4 square kilometers. It is an ecological tourism destination characterized by its millennia-old osmanthus forests and natural landscapes, integrating religious culture, folk traditions, leisure, and vacation. The area boasts beautiful mountains and clear waters, picturesque scenery, mild winters and cool summers, and fragrant blooms all year round. The sprawling millennia-old osmanthus forest stretches for miles, filling the air with fragrance and creating a spectacular sight. Hidden within Baolin Mountain are ancient temple complexes where the sound of Buddhist chants echoes, with morning bells and evening drums. The eminent monk Master Mican once resided and passed away here, leaving behind over 200 sarira, making the site widely renowned in Buddhist circles. Throughout history, many notable scholars and literati have visited this place, leaving behind numerous poems, such as those by the Southern Song poet Lu You, the Ming scholar Zhang Dai, and the modern Buddhist master Nan Huai-Chin.

The beautiful natural environment and rich cultural heritage contribute to the high tourism value of Daxianglin Scenic Area. The site underwent large-scale renovation in 2005 based on the original "Fragrant Forest Flower Rain." The first and second phases had a total investment of 500 million yuan, with the first phase alone receiving 200 million yuan and opening to the public in October 2006. It consists of five main sections: "Empty Mountain Buddhist Chants," "Fragrant Forest Flower Rain," "Romance Under the Flowers," "Bamboo Sea and Heavenly Wind," and "Secluded Valley and Pure Rhyme," focusing mainly on rural leisure and vacation. The second phase includes one pavilion (Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion), four courtyards (Guanyin Garden, Puxian Source, Manjusri Courtyard, and Ksitigarbha Courtyard), and one museum (Zen Inquiry Museum), emphasizing summer retreats and Buddhist culture. The entire scenic area adheres to the principle of combining preservation with development, retaining minimal modern artificial elements. It is an idyllic ecological paradise, a natural oxygen bar, and a provincial-level ecological demonstration zone.

The scenic area is characterized by its "fragrance," featuring four highlights: the aroma of osmanthus, incense smoke, floral and fruity scents, and the vintage charm of traditional houses.

The first is the "Fragrance of Osmanthus." Historical records such as the Jiatai Huizhou Annals indicate that since the third year of the Jianning era of the Song Dynasty (1066 AD), villagers surnamed Jin and Bao, taking advantage of the local terrain, extensively planted osmanthus trees in the area. This tradition has continued for a thousand years and remains strong to this day, with tens of thousands of osmanthus trees spanning several miles, earning the reputation of the "Osmanthus Forest of Southern China." During the golden autumn season, "golden and silver osmanthus flowers fill the air with heavenly and earthly fragrances." At this time, petals fall like rain, landing on hair or floating in cups, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the poetic ambiance of "osmanthus blossoms falling from the moon, and heavenly fragrances drifting beyond the clouds."

The second is the "Fragrance of Incense Smoke." Xianglin Temple and Baolin Temple were built in 950 AD and are renowned ancient temples with a long history. Jingji Temple is where the eminent monk Master Mican resided and passed away, leaving behind over 200 sarira enshrined in a stupa. The temple also features the "Stupa Garden," inscribed by the Taiwanese scholar Nan Huai-Chin. Followers of Master Mican have inherited his legacy of "undistracted devotion to Buddhist studies," creating a unique atmosphere of Buddhist culture. Amid the swirling incense, visitors can reflect on life and gain insights into the world, experiencing a realm entirely their own.

The third is the "Fragrance of Flowers and Fruits." Layered peaks of Baolin Mountain are home to babbling streams year-round, with flowers and fruits available in all seasons. The air is filled with the fragrance of blossoms and the sweetness of fruit. Meandering streams, green trees like clouds, and bamboo forests like seas create a picturesque scene. In the "Farmhouse Paradise," visitors can try ancient farming tools and enjoy the seasonal rural scenery; plant beans and melons, raise livestock, and experience farming life; pick tea leaves and dig bamboo shoots, tasting fresh produce for a delightful experience.

The fourth is the "Charm of Vintage Houses." Traditional mountain dwellings and Ming-Qing-era houses feature simple yet exquisite designs, with carved beams and painted columns, exuding an antique charm and high value for both appreciation and research. Additionally, local specialties such as osmanthus-themed products and bayberry wine, attached to numerous fascinating folk legends, offer a taste of regional flavor with endless traditional appeal.

The wise find joy in mountains, the benevolent in water. The bold have the courage of a sword, the gentle the heart of a zither. The tranquil valleys born of fragrance, the serene and fresh mountain forests—Daxianglin Scenic Area is like a mysterious poem, waiting for you to explore and interpret.

Address: Hutang Subdistrict, Ke-Xia Line, Keqiao District, Shaoxing City

Type: Rural Resort

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 3–4 hours

Phone: 0575-84360077

Opening Hours:

8:30-17:00

Ticket: 40 RMB (Free admission: seniors aged 70+, tour guides, journalists, active-duty military, children under 120 cm; Half-price: minors under 18, seniors aged 60+, full-time university undergraduates and below, people with disabilities)