Ruiyun Temple Scenic Area

Ruiyun Temple Scenic Area

Ruiyun Temple Scenic Area is a cultural tourism attraction.

Ruiyun Temple Scenic Area — Covering an area of 5 square kilometers, this is a region where landscapes are relatively concentrated. Key attractions include the following:

Huangcangyu: Originally called Huangsangyu, it got its name from the abundant yellow mulberry trees growing in the valley. Legend says it was renamed Huangcangyu after Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, sought shelter here. The landscape is marked by rolling hills and lush forests, with pines, cypresses, yellow mulberries, blue sandalwoods, and 146 other tree species, along with 700 to 800 types of medicinal herbs. Fifty-eight bird species inhabit the area, along with rare fur-bearing animals such as otters, weasels, and foxes. It is the only region in northern Anhui that reflects the historical biodiversity, holding significant scientific research value and serving as a rare treasure of natural scenery and resources.

The mountain gate archway was completed in June 1993. Standing ten meters tall and fourteen meters wide, it is a three-story, three-gate, nine-colored structure — solemn, elegant, majestic, and spectacular. The lintel bears the three gilded characters “Huangcangyu” (Yellow Mulberry Valley), inscribed by Liu Kaiqu, a master sculptor of contemporary China, in bold and powerful strokes. On the reverse side of the lintel, the four characters “Hanwang Liuyun” (The Charm of the Han King) were penned by Zhao Puchu, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and a renowned calligrapher, in vigorous and graceful script that stirs the imagination and evokes nostalgia for ancient times.

Ruiyun Temple: Built during the Datong era of the Southern Liang Dynasty, the temple was originally named Dengyun Temple. Nestled against a cliff and facing a deep ravine, its architectural layout showcases remarkable ingenuity. Legend says that when Liu Bang was in hiding, Empress Lü searched for him and, seeing auspicious clouds hovering above the temple, quickly found him. The temple was thus renamed Ruiyun (Auspicious Cloud) Temple. It features a three-courtyard, three-tiered design with a total of 99 halls and rooms. The Scripture Depository, with its flying eaves and hanging bells, is majestic and imposing. The Mahavira Hall is spacious and grand, housing over 20 golden Buddha statues, including Guanyin and the Eighteen Arhats, all uniquely posed and lifelike. The monks’ quarters are refined and elegant. In front of the east and west wing rooms stand two osmanthus trees — one golden and one silver — which fill the air with fragrance in the crisp autumn air. The temple also has two ginkgo trees, male and female, which have thrived for more than 1,300 years. Their canopies remain lush and shady. The female tree has a chest diameter of 95 cm, while the male tree measures 139 cm — so large that it takes three adults to encircle them. At the base of the male tree, two offshoots have grown: one with a diameter of 40 cm and the other 18 cm, forming a “three generations under one roof” spectacle. Locals fondly call it “carrying son and embracing grandson,” a charming and rare sight among ancient trees. The outdoor scenes of the TV series “Three Monks” were filmed here.

Huangcang Cave: About 100 meters southwest of the temple, within a cliff, lies a natural cave over ten meters deep, circular in shape, with a flat bottom and smooth walls. The scenery is beautiful and the location steep and dramatic. A massive rock stands upright at the cave entrance, known as the Flying Rock. Cave inscriptions such as “Tian Dong” (Heavenly Cave) and “Huangcang Cave” can be found at the entrance. Legend says that during the Chu-Han Contention, Liu Bang took refuge in this cave. Fearing for his life, he murmured, “If only a huge rock would block the cave’s entrance, I would be safe!” No sooner had he thought this than a giant rock fell from the sky, sealing the entrance and saving him from danger. From the cave’s mouth, one can gaze at the verdant mountains, listen to the murmuring streams, and admire the exquisitely shaped rocks, all of which create a refreshing and mesmerizing experience.

Bajian Spring: Located about 40 meters southeast of Ruiyun Temple, the well opening is shaped like a “plunged sword.” Looking down, the depth is unfathomable. Legend says that when Liu Bang was fleeing in defeat, both he and his horse were exhausted and desperate for water. After searching fruitlessly, he angrily plunged his sword into a nearby boulder — and upon withdrawing it, spring water gushed forth, hence the name Bajian (Sword-Plunged) Spring.

Mabap Spring: This spring is about one square meter in size, shaped like a horse’s hoof. Legend says that Liu Bang once passed by, and his horse, thirsty and hungry, pawed at the ground here, creating the spring, which was then named Mabap (Horse-Pawed) Spring.

Xibei Pool: At the foot of the peaks northwest of Ruiyun Temple lies a natural stone basin filled with clear water. Regardless of the season, weather, drought, or flood, the water level remains constant, never overflowing or drying up — a true marvel. In the past, when the temple held initiation ceremonies, monks would come here to wash their alms bowls, hence the name.

Meiren Cave: Located on the Hukou Peak northwest of Ruiyun Temple, the cave boasts a unique formation that makes climbing difficult. From afar, especially at dawn or dusk, one can see exquisite rocks and colorful plants complementing each other, resembling a shy beauty sitting gracefully — hence the cave’s evocative name.

Guanjing Peak: This peak rises higher than the surrounding ones. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the valley — layered emerald rocks, towering ancient trees, murmuring streams, and the vibrant forest hues are all laid out before you. Standing here feels like soaring above the clouds, giving rise to the saying, “Ascend Guanjing Peak, and forget the mortal world.”

Guolao Cave: This cave is about two zhang (approximately six meters) deep. Legend says that Zhang Guolao, one of the Eight Immortals, once rode his donkey backward and lived here, hence the name.

Longquan An and Longquan Cave: This area is densely forested. Although the Longquan Temple is now in ruins, remnants of its broken walls and steles remain. Nearby, Longquan Cave offers year-round bubbling springs that flow endlessly. Visitors often describe it as a perfect spot for exploring history and tranquility.

Immortal’s Bed: Located about 300 meters northeast of Ruiyun Temple, this is a natural giant rock shaped like a bed — large enough for one person to lie on and stretch out comfortably. Legend says that the eminent monk Du Yu once rested here regularly and lived to be 100 years old before ascending as an immortal, thus giving the rock its name.

Gou Fountain: The water here is of exceptional quality and abundant supply. The spring continuously sprays year-round, keeping the water level more than half a meter above the ground. The overflow creates a stream that flows gently day and night — a remarkable spectacle in northern Anhui. Besides providing drinking water, locals have also built channels to irrigate fields. It is also known locally as Ganlu Spring (Sweet Dew Spring).

Xiaosu-Tongling Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery: Located north of the mountain gate, this cemetery was established by retired veterans who fought in the region during the War of Resistance Against Japan and the Liberation War. It features memorial steles bearing the names of martyrs from counties including Xiaoxian, Suzhou, Huaibei, Tongshan, and Lingbi. Inscriptions were contributed by national leaders such as Zhang Zhen. The lintel inscription “Xiaosu-Tongling Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery” was penned by Zhang Aiping, former Minister of National Defense of China.

Additionally, the scenic area boasts several other attractions, including Suolong Bridge, Kengou Temple, Jiashan Temple, Longju Mouth, and Jiulong Wo, each with its own unique charm and legendary tales.