Putian Phoenix Mountain Park

Putian Phoenix Mountain Park

Phoenix Mountain is located one kilometer west of Putian City. It is named for its shape resembling a phoenix spreading its wings, hence the name Phoenix Mountain, also known as South Mountain. The Guanghua Temple at the southern foot of Phoenix Mountain is one of Fujian's famous ancient temples, and there are over ten scenic spots within the area. The central part of Phoenix Mountain features the renowned "Smoke in Stone Chamber" landscape, where the mountain has multiple sea-eroded caves once inhabited by ancient people, hence it is called "Stone Chamber Rock." The eminent Tang Dynasty monk Miaoying Zen Master once meditated here, often riding two tamed tigers when going out, hence it is also known as Tiger-Taming Rock.

The winding mountain path up Phoenix Mountain is paved with over a hundred stone steps, flanked by junipers as thick as two people holding hands. Pines and rocks stand like walls, interspersed with cliff inscriptions. Along the path lies a huge rock inscribed with the seal script characters "Tiger-Taming Rock" written by Song Dynasty’s Fang Zuoyue, above which is the "Stone Chamber Rock Hermitage." In front of the nearby Jade Emperor Hall stands a pair of intricately carved stone pillars featuring coiled dragons and the Eight Immortals, vividly lifelike and considered masterpieces of stone carving art. Behind the temple rises an exquisite and quaint seven-story square brick pagoda, unique in style. Nearby, a massive rock juts out from the cluster of boulders, about two zhang in length and shaped like a tongue, hence called "Dragon Tongue Rock."

Ancient pines on the mountain grow from solid rock, lush and vigorous with straight, sturdy trunks. Beneath the pines stands the Fengxing Pavilion, where visitors can rest and enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding scenery. At dawn and dusk in spring, clouds and mist often drift among the strange rocks, dense forests, and shrubs, making the emerald peaks and green trees appear and disappear intermittently—hence the reputation of "Smoke in Stone Chamber." Stone Chamber Rock also features other attractions such as Immortal Traces, Tiger Source, Winding Water Pond, Empty View Platform, Nirvana Platform, and Sea Seal Stone, along with numerous cliff inscriptions dating from the Song Dynasty onward.

Source: Fujian Provincial Tourism Development Commission