Anshan Forest Park

Anshan Forest Park

According to the Jianyang County Annals, the name “Anshan” (Hermit’s Mountain) originated during the reign of Emperor Mingzong of the Tang Dynasty. A recluse named Shihu built a hermitage on the mountain, which led to it being called Anshan. The mountain stands tall and proud, with diverse shapes when viewed from different angles. Its main peaks are South Peak and North Peak. South Peak features numerous peculiar rocks, among which a large flat rock is famously called "Dragon Altar," surrounded by craggy stones that rise sharply, creating a breathtaking and majestic view commonly known as "Guan Dao Gorge." On North Peak, there is a uniquely shaped rock resembling a waking lion, commonly known as "Lion Rock." Beneath this rock is a cool and refreshing spring, known as Anshan Spring, also poetically called the "Spirit Spring."

The highest point of Anshan is commonly known as “Jade Emperor Summit,” with an elevation of 1,020 meters. As past visitors praised, “All surrounding mountains seem small and reverent, while this lone peak proudly stands supreme.” Anshan is located just 8 kilometers from the city center. Climbing up from the base to Lingji Temple involves ascending about 2,500 stone steps, and reaching the top offers a refreshing sense of openness and peace.

Lingquan Temple was originally built during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty. In the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, a local named Fu Guozhen renovated and expanded it. In the tenth year of the Yongzheng reign (1732) of the Qing Dynasty, the temple was destroyed by fire. In the thirtieth year of the Qianlong reign (1765), locals Fu Guangyi and Fu Keqin initiated fundraising efforts to rebuild it. The temple has three grand gates. The first gate retains a stone-carved couplet from the Song Dynasty: “Approaching this mountain gate, one feels near Heaven’s gate; only then do you realize immortals dwell in Penglai.” The second gate features a stone-carved horizontal plaque reading “Ancient Site of Lingquan.” The third gate displays a stone-carved horizontal plaque inscribed “Spring Surging Wonderland.” The temple enshrines statues of the Three Sovereigns and Primordial Goddess. In front of and behind Lingquan Temple stand six thousand-year-old cryptomeria trees.