Zipeng Mountain National Forest Park

Zipeng Mountain National Forest Park

Zipeng Mountain National Forest Park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national forest park.

Zipeng Mountain, also known as Liling Mountain, is located south of Nongxing Town in Feixi County, about 20 kilometers from downtown. It is accessible via the “Forest Avenue” and has been known as the “Number One Mountain of Luzhou” since the Qing Dynasty.

Zipeng Mountain is located south of Zipeng Town in Feixi County, about 18 kilometers from Hefei city center. In July 1992, it was approved as a national forest park by the Ministry of Forestry. 1 Zipeng Mountain Map

In September 1998, it was designated as a provincial scenic area by the Anhui Provincial Government. In 2001, it was approved as an AA-level scenic area by the National Tourism Administration. In 2010, it was further recognized as a AAAA-level scenic area. The area encompasses 3,500 hectares of forest, hosting 470 plant species, over 120 bird species, including 30,000 egrets.

Zipeng Mountain features undulating peaks, continuous ranges, encircling waters, and dense forests. It boasts abundant natural and cultural landscapes, especially known for its four highlights: peculiar rocks, unique trees, emerald waters, and rare birds, forming a unique three-dimensional scenic tapestry of Luzhou.

As the saying goes: “Famous mountains are often home to monks.” Yuan Hongmo, a famed general of the Taiping era, devoted himself to Xilu Temple, taking the Dharma name Tongyuan, and built 124 halls. The mountain is home to the renowned Xilu Temple, dating back to the Three Kingdoms period, the Baiyun Temple from the Song Dynasty, the Five Hundred Arhats sculptures, Zhou Yu’s Study, the Ink-Washing Pool, the Wenchang Pavilion, the Tomb of Li Dian, and the former residence of Liu Mingchuan, the first governor of Taiwan, among many other historic sites.

Zipeng Mountain lies just north of Hefei, offering convenient transportation. A drive out of the city covers just over 20 kilometers to reach the mountain’s summit, and another 8 kilometers leads into the heart of Yuantong Mountain.

Nationally renowned institutions such as the Huizhou Business Vocational College, Anhui Wenda Information Technology Vocational College, and Anhui Foreign Languages Vocational College are located at the foot of Zipeng Mountain.

- Name Origin

“Zipeng Mountain,” also called Liling Mountain, is the site of the tomb of Li Dian, a Wei Dynasty general from the Three Kingdoms period. Li Dian once guarded Luzhou and built a temple atop the mountain to enshrine his seventh-generation ancestor, Li Zipeng.

The mountain was thus named after him.

According to folklore, the name “Zipeng Mountain” comes from combining the first characters of “purple monk’s robe” and “Penglai fairy island,” symbolizing the idea of “welcoming the purple aura and journeying to Penglai.” The mountain gate bears a couplet: the upper line reads, “Purple aura comes from the east, nurturing timeless splendor in the forest,” and the lower line reads, “Penglai departs to the west, drawing reverence from all directions.” The first characters of both lines form the name “Zipeng,” giving the mountain a strong Buddhist connotation.

- Development Plan

Zipeng Mountain Scenic Area is developing under the vision of being the “Home of the Huai Army, a Blessed Mountain, a Fitness Kingdom, and an Ecological Homeland.” Guided by the philosophy of “people-oriented planning, ecology as the foundation, tourism as the industry, culture as the soul, and sports as the medium,” the area emphasizes balancing tourism development with ecological protection and cultural heritage exploration. The goal is to establish Zipeng Mountain as a suburban eco-tourism and sports-focused leisure destination, gradually becoming a national scenic area and AAAA-level tourist zone.

Zipeng Mountain Scenic Area is famed for its cluster of fortresses from the Huai Army era, including Liu Laowei, Zhang Laowei, Tang Laowei, and Zhou Laowei. Its cultural and tourism value is increasingly prominent, with influence reaching across the nation.

Zipeng Mountain Scenic Area comprises over a hundred peaks, including Zipeng Mountain, Yuantong Mountain, Zhougong Mountain, and Daqian Mountain. At the summit of Zipeng Mountain stands Xilu Temple, a renowned temple in central Anhui with thriving Buddhist activities. Daqian Mountain, the highest peak in the Hefei area, boasts stunning scenery that attracts worshippers and tourists from both within and beyond the province.

Zipeng Mountain Scenic Area includes over a hundred peaks such as Zipeng Mountain, Yuantong Mountain, Zhougong Mountain, and Daqian Mountain. The Xilu Temple at the summit of Zipeng Mountain is a famous temple in central Anhui with active Buddhist practices. Daqian Mountain, the highest peak in the Hefei region, features beautiful scenery that draws numerous pilgrims and visitors from inside and outside the province.

Egrets

Zipeng Mountain Scenic Area serves as a national cycling training base, an Anhui Province cycling competition and training base, and an Anhui Provincial water sports center. It has successfully hosted the National Mountain Bike Championship, National Championships, and the 2005 “Tour of China” International Road Cycling Race. It has become the premier destination for fitness, leisure, and recreational getaways for Hefei residents.

Zipeng Mountain Scenic Area maintains excellent ecological conditions, with over 3,500 hectares of forest, more than 470 plant species, over 120 types of birds, and a population of 30,000 egrets alone. The “Forest Avenue” brings this vast green expanse into the provincial capital, making Zipeng Mountain Hefei’s natural backyard garden.

- Cultural History

Zipeng Mountain features continuous ranges, encircling waters, dense forests, and rich natural and cultural landscapes, particularly known for its four highlights: peculiar rocks, unique trees, emerald waters, and rare birds, forming a unique three-dimensional scenic tapestry in southern Luzhou.

Zipeng Mountain Giant Buddha

According to the “Records of Zipeng Mountain,” the area has a long-standing Buddhist culture, with extant Buddhist sites such as the Buddhist Garden, Kumarajiva, the Three Ages Great Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, and the Five Hundred Arhats.

The mountain is home to the renowned Xilu Temple from the Three Kingdoms era, the Five Hundred Arhats sculptures, Zhou Yu’s Study, the Ink-Washing Pool, the Wenchang Pavilion, the Tomb of Li Dian, and the former residence of Liu Mingchuan, the first governor of Taiwan, among many other historic attractions.

Zipeng Mountain lies just north of Hefei, offering convenient transportation. A drive out of the city covers just over 20 kilometers to reach the mountain’s summit, and another 8 kilometers leads into the heart of Yuantong Mountain.

- Attractions Introduction

The scenic area boasts well-preserved natural ecology and numerous historical sites. Major attractions include: the West Lu Temple, a renowned temple in central Anhui built during the Three Kingdoms period;

Former Residence of Liu Mingchuan

the tomb of Li Dian, a famous general from the Three Kingdoms era and descendant of Han Dynasty general Li Ling; the former residence of Liu Mingchuan, the first governor of Taiwan, known as Liulao Wei. Notable landscapes include the "Three Ages Buddha," the Mijin Grand Buddha, and the cliff-carved Five Hundred Arhats statues. Revolutionary historical sites include the birthplace of the Hefei Central County Committee, the Northwest Anhui Special Committee, and the Northwest Anhui Independent Guerrilla Division, as well as the former site of Xiaolianggang, the early county government office of Feixi. The miraculous work of nature, while creating the majestic Dabie Mountains spanning Hubei, Henan, and Anhui, left behind a strip-like mountain range in the central part of Feixi County under Hefei’s jurisdiction—a branch of the Dabie Mountains. Stretching 25 kilometers from west to east, this area is the Zhipeng Mountain Range. In July 1992, the Zhipeng Mountain Range was approved as a national forest park by the Ministry of Forestry due to its undulating peaks, dense forests, pleasant climate, unpolluted water, rugged rocks, and numerous historical sites. Covering nearly 100 square kilometers, the Zhipeng Mountain Forest Park is densely forested and rich in historical sites, with over 30 named and storied hills within its bounds. Additionally, it is the closest to Hefei (just 35 kilometers away), and its summit is home to the renowned West Lu Temple, which was called the "Number One Mountain of Lu Yang" in the Qing Dynasty and is now a famous scenic spot in Anhui.

Zhipeng Mountain is located south of Nongxing Town in Feixi County. It faces Daoist Mountain to the east, connects to Qianzi Mountain to the south, and is near Luobo Mountain to the west. The mountain covers a base area of 6 square kilometers, with its main peak at an elevation of

Feixi Academy

188.7 meters. The main peak is flat-topped, with gentler slopes on the north side and steep, majestic terrain on the south. Zhipeng Mountain is also known as Li Ling Mountain. The mountain is the site of the tomb of Li Dian, a Wei Dynasty general from the Three Kingdoms period. Li Dian once guarded Luzhou (Hefei) and built a temple atop the mountain to enshrine his seventh-generation ancestor, Li Ling, hence the name. During the Tang Dynasty, the Li Ling Temple was renamed West Lu Temple. In the Qing Dynasty’s Guangxu era, Li Enshou’s *Records of Zhipeng Mountain* provided a detailed account of this. Unfortunately, amid the chaos of war, West Lu Temple was repeatedly destroyed, along with the Bagua Pavilion, Tonggong Pagoda, bell and drum towers, Wanghu Tower, and imperial treasures such as the jade ruyi and ancient tripod bestowed by the Qing emperor, the *Dragon Treasury Sutra* gifted by Empress Dowager Cixi, and the Ming Dynasty Xuande Incense Burner. By the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, Yuan Hongmo, a Taiping Rebellion general who retired to farming, became a monk and restored over a hundred temple buildings. At that time, the temple complex was grand and magnificent, becoming one of the most famous ancient temples in central Anhui and the parent temple of Hefei’s Mingjiao Temple, earning the nickname "Little Jiuhua." The mountain also features the tombs of anti-Jin hero Ge Sheng and Wu Kingdom General Zhou Gong Temple, as well as ruins of cultural sites like the Wenchang Pavilion, Zhenwu Temple, Guanyin Hall, and Scripture Repository, evoking a sense of historical reverence. At the mountain’s base, dozens of villages and levee settlements are scattered, including the famous Liu Laowei and Zhang Laowei—former residences of Liu Mingchuan, the Zhili Governor-General and first governor of Taiwan, and Zhang Shusheng, a Huai Army general and Viceroy of Liangguang—showcasing a unique style of old Hefei architecture. The Zhipeng Mountain gate is a grand palace-style structure with three railings and four gates. Above the gate hangs a plaque inscribed with "Number One Mountain of Lu Yang." Three couplets adorn the gate. The middle one reads: "Purple aura comes from the east, nurturing timeless splendor in the ancient woods; the Penglai Mountains stretch westward, drawing blessings from all directions." The first characters of each line form the name "Zhipeng." The word "woods" carries a double meaning, referring both to the dense forests of Zhipeng Mountain and Buddhist monasteries. The other two couplets are: "Delight the eyes and lift the spirit amidst towering peaks and lush bamboo; calm the mind and listen to the rain on apricot blossoms, pine winds, chants, and temple bells" and "The homeland of the Huai Army, where history converged; a dazzling jewel in the forest sea."

Immortal Lake

Immortal Lake

The lake water is crystal clear with excellent quality, serving as a natural bathing beach and water park. About a hundred meters from "Immortal Lake" is the "Buddha Garden" scenic area. The entrance gate of the "Buddha Garden" faces east, symbolizing "purple aura coming from the east," with the plaque inscribed "Buddha Garden." In front of the gate stand a pair of stone lions, each enclosed by a tall square stone fence. The surrounding mountain cliffs are carved or molded with numerous vivid and lifelike Buddha statues. Walking along the winding mountain path through the stone archway, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the charm of Zhipeng Mountain’s Buddhist culture. Not far beyond the "Buddha Garden" lies the "West Lu Temple." In front of the temple stands a towering Masson pine resembling a "peacock," over ten zhang high. Its aged bark resembles the feathers on a peacock’s neck, while its thick, curved trunk stretches upward toward the sky. The tree’s branches spread out like a peacock’s fanned tail, making this naturally uniquely shaped "Peacock Pine" a famous tree and scenic highlight of Zhipeng Mountain.

The memorial archway gate faces east, symbolizing the arrival of auspicious purple air from the east. The gate lintel bears the two characters "佛园" (Buddha Garden). In front of the Buddha Garden’s entrance stand a pair of stone lions, each enclosed by a tall, square stone fence. The surrounding mountain slopes are adorned with numerous exquisitely carved and sculpted Buddha statues in various lifelike poses. Passing through the stone archway and following the winding mountain path, you can fully immerse yourself in the spiritual charm of the Buddhist culture of Zǐpéng Mountain. Not far beyond the "Buddha Garden" lies the "Xīlú Temple." In front of the temple stands a Masson pine tree shaped like a "peacock," over ten zhang tall. Looking up, the aged marks on the pine resemble the feathers on a peacock’s neck, while its thick, twisted trunk reaches upward into the sky. The branches at the top sprawl outward, resembling a peacock “spreading its tail.” This naturally formed “Peacock Pine,” with its unique shape, has become a famous tree and scenic highlight of Zǐpéng Mountain.

West Lu Temple

Originally built in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, it was reconstructed as the "West Lu Chan Temple" in the Tang Dynasty. After the Tang Dynasty, it experienced cycles of destruction and revival due to wars. In the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties, monks Jingcheng and Jianrong, as well as the late Qing monk Tongyuan, each oversaw major restorations. According to *Records of Zhipeng Mountain*, during the Tongzhi era, Monk Tongyuan rebuilt 124 halls, including: "a grand mountain gate with five bays housing the Amitabha Buddha and the Four Heavenly Kings; the Earth Treasury Hall with fifteen bays, featuring a wooden pagoda and ten Kings of Hell on either side; plus the Great Buddha Hall, Rear Hall, Palace Hall, Meditation Hall, Guanyin Hall, the second-floor Bagua Pavilion, Bell Tower Pavilion, Scripture Repository, monk dormitories, Tonggong Pagoda, and Wanghu Tower—truly a magnificent and imposing complex." The temple also houses numerous cultural relics, including a Song Dynasty inkstone once owned by Su Dongpo. West Lu Temple is regarded as a renowned and sacred temple, and was the largest temple complex in the Hefei area at the time. The temple’s Buddha Hall enshrines statues of the "Three Ages Buddha." To the left of the hall stands an ancient ginkgo tree, known as a "living fossil," over 10 meters tall with a trunk circumference of about 10 spans. Despite its slight lean and aged appearance, this 500-year-old ginkgo remains lush and vibrant.

Xīlú Temple

The temple underwent major renovations during the Qing Dynasty by the monk Tōngyuán, among others. According to the *Zǐpéng Mountain Annals*, when Monk Tōngyuán restored Xīlú Temple during the Tongzhi era, he successively built 124 halls and rooms. These included a grand mountain gate with five bays housing the Amitabha Buddha, with the Four Heavenly Kings on either side; a fifteen-bay Dizang Hall containing a wooden pagoda and the Ten Kings of Hell on both sides; as well as the Great Buddha Hall, Rear Hall, Palace Hall, Meditation Hall, Guanyin Hall, an eight-trigram pavilion on the second floor, Bell Tower Pavilion, Scripture Repository Tower, monastic quarters, Tōnggōng Pagoda, and Lake-Viewing Tower, among others. Truly, the temple complex was grand and imposing in scale. The temple also houses numerous cultural relics, including a Song Dynasty inkstone once owned by Su Dongpo. Xīlú Temple can be regarded as a renowned and sacred temple, and it was the largest temple complex in the Hefei area at the time. The temple’s Buddha hall enshrines statues of the "Three Ages of Buddhas." To the left of the hall stands an ancient ginkgo tree known as a “living fossil.” Over ten meters tall with a trunk circumference of about ten spans, this 500-year-old ginkgo remains lush and vibrant, despite its slightly leaning trunk that gives it a somewhat venerable appearance.

Surrounded by pines and bamboos, with ancient trees towering above, the environment around West Lu Temple is serene and picturesque. The "Wanghu Tower" beside the temple is its tallest structure. From the tower, visitors can see the lake and mountain scenery of Dayan Bay—dubbed the "Dazzling Jewel"—at the foot of Zhipeng Mountain, and gaze far into the boundless beauty of Chaohu Lake. A short walk southeast down the forest trail from the temple leads to the "Immortal Cave." This spot features rugged rocks resembling elephants, dogs, and oxes, blending reality and imagination. The "Immortal Cave" has two interconnected entrances and has long been a must-visit for tourists to Zhipeng Mountain. Ancient poets praised it: "Rugged rocks rise green on the cliffs, a heavenly cave where immortals dwell. Roses bloom wildly, falling in the wind; misty rain flowers drift at the cave’s mouth."

Peacock Pine

"Jagged green cliffs rise steeply, where a natural stone cave is home to immortals. Roses bloom wildly, falling in the wind, as misty rain flowers drift at the cave’s mouth."

Peacock Pine

Located beside the mountain path east of the thousand-year-old West Lu Temple. The peacock spreads its wings and soars toward the sky. The Peacock Pine has become a symbol of Zhipeng Mountain.

Peacock Pine

Qianshan Reservoir

Situated at the southern foot of Qianzi Mountain, the reservoir features a winding shoreline, mirror-like waters, and harmonious mountain-water views, making it an ideal destination for tourism and leisure.

Toad Rock

Located at the foot of Guoshi Ridge, beside Dazi Pond, are two massive rocks about a hundred paces apart—one resembling a turtle, the other a toad. "Naturally carved, not man-made," locals call it "The Toad Chasing the Turtle."

Dragon Neck Ancient Elm

South of Zhipeng Mountain lies a mountain ridge leading to Qianzi Mountain. Legend says it is one of the "Five Dragons Coiling a Pearl" dragon veins of Zhipeng Mountain, shaped like a dragon’s neck—hence the name "Dragon Neck." A 500-year-old ancient elm grows here, revered by locals as a "divine tree." In the past, many came to pray for blessings. It remains a key attraction of Zhipeng Mountain.

Dayan Lake

Nestled at the lush northern foot of Zhipeng Mountain, this area boasts exquisite natural landscapes and unique cultural sights. It is a prime spot for scenery, leisure, and recreation. The nearby ruins of Yuanwei Levee, adjacent Xiaolianggang, and the former residences of Huai Army generals like Zhou Laowei are nearby. Today, it hosts national-level water sports competitions and serves as Anhui Province’s water training base. Visitors can also enjoy boating, fishing, or speedboat rides for an adrenaline rush.

Baiyun Temple

the thrill.

White Cloud Temple

Originally named Green Dragon Temple, it was built in the early Western Han Dynasty and has a history of over a thousand years. Legend has it that during his exile, the Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo sought refuge here and left behind a massive inkstone

measuring one chi two cun in length and seven cun in width. When Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty traveled to the south of the Yangtze River, he visited this temple to seek traces of Su Dongpo and find the giant inkstone. He renamed “Green Dragon Temple” as “White Cloud Temple.” The “White Cloud Temple” is situated on “Thousand Character Mountain.”

Thousand Character Mountain

Only half a meter lower than “Zi Peng Mountain,” it is also known as “Thousand Children Mountain” or “Thousand Sons Mountain,” as evidenced by stone tablets from the Qing Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Republican eras. “Thousand Character Mountain” features twin peaks standing side by side, rugged rocks, dense pine forests, and beautiful scenery. Its pleasant ecological environment creates a comfortable climate, earning it the local nickname “natural air conditioner” and oxygen bar.

The Qing Dynasty poet Li Enshou wrote in his poem *Ascending Thousand Character Mountain from the Foot of Li Ling Mountain with Fellow Travelers*: “Front peak meets rear peak, one layer upon another. Clouds hold sudden rain, autumn hints at distant bells. Strange rocks seem to aid travelers, fine mountains are all pine. My steps falter, how I wish for a walking stick.” These few lines vividly depict the mountain’s features, landscape, and spirit. Below the right slope of the “White Cloud Temple” lies the site of the tomb of Fan Kuai, a famous general of the Western Han Dynasty. Not far from the “White Cloud Temple,” midway up the mountain, there is an ancient well called “Sichuan Well.” According to folklore, the spring of this well connects to Sichuan, hence the name “Sichuan Well.” However, some researchers have found that during the Guangxu era, a high monk named Xu Fu, originally from Sichuan, lived on the eastern cliffs of Zi Peng Mountain. The abbot of Xilu Temple, Tongyuan, invited him to Zi Peng Mountain to study Buddhist scriptures. After arriving, Xu Fu often wandered around Thousand Character Mountain and would quench his thirst at this well. To commemorate him, later generations named the well “Sichuan Well.”