Doushan Rock

Doushan Rock

Doushan Rock is located in Tandong Village, Xitan Township, Zhao’an County, and is one of the ancient Twenty-Four Scenic Spots of Zhao’an. The rock features ancient structures such as Dutou Nunnery, Wenfo Temple, and Doushan Taoist Temple, which were first built during the Southern Song Dynasty. Though the mountain is no more than 222 meters high, its undulating ridges, winding springs, and fragrant flowers and grass create a serene landscape. With its beautiful peaks, secluded valleys, clear springs, and unique rocks, it has long been celebrated for its “Eighteen Scenic Views,” including “Jade Spring Reflection,” “Plum Blossoms Resting on Snowy Ridges,” “Fragrant Streams in Emerald Valleys,” “Autumn Pines Soughing in the Wind,” “Moon over Western Hills,” “Ancient Well in Front of the Cliff,” “Sea Clouds at Nanpu,” “Epiphyllum Blooming as an Omen,” “Eagles Soaring Aloft,” and “Treasured Gem on the Roc’s Brow.”

Ascending the stone steps from the foot of the mountain, you’ll find the slopes covered with lush wild grass and bizarrely shaped boulders, while colorful wildflowers bloom all over and dense woods thrive. Nestled within this emerald setting stand two majestic temples: one facing south is the ancient Dutou Nunnery, housing Buddha statues and the Eighteen Arhats; the other, oriented westward, enshrines “Sizhou Buddha,” commonly known as the “Holy Monk” or “Buddha Lord.” At the mountain’s front, facing a quiet valley, the left and right hillsides strikingly resemble a turtle and a snake—believed to be the two divine beasts guarding the water outlet. To the left of the mountain’s front stands an old banyan tree with sprawling branches and leaves, like a giant umbrella reaching to the sky, its broad shade offering a pleasant resting spot for visitors.

Doushan Temple has stood for over four hundred years since its initial construction. It was renovated in 1902. Legend has it that the “Sizhou Wenfo” (Sizhou Buddhist Deity) was originally a scholar from Quanzhou, well-versed in astronomy, geography, medicine, and Buddhism. He once became sworn brothers with Wu Mingde of Zhao’an, and the two traveled together to Fuzhou to take the imperial examinations. After failing, he joined Wu Mingde on a visit to Zhao’an. Struck by the spiritual beauty of Doushan, he chose to live in seclusion here, built a nunnery, and became a monk. He treated the sick and provided free medicine, benefiting the local community. After his passing, his disciples converted his former hermitage into a temple and enshrined him as the “Wenfo.” The temple sits in a basin-like depression of the Yanhe area, creating a naturally charming scene. Scenic spots such as “Epiphyllum Blooming as an Omen” and “Moon Reflected in the Heart of Zen” among the Eighteen Views of Doushan have even been included in the local county chronicles as part of Zhao’an’s Twenty-Four Scenic Spots.

Further ahead, climb to the summit of Doushan Rock. Gazing southeast, you’ll see the sea meeting the sky, with silver waves glistening. Looking down over the countryside, crisscrossed fields, crystal-clear streams like silk ribbons, rows of rural houses, lush forests, and verdant wilderness unfold like a beautiful painting of a pastoral paradise.