South Cliff

South Cliff

South Cliff, also known as Lu Family Cliff, is located on the southern bank of the Xin River, about 3 kilometers from the county town. It features eight scenic spots: the Thousand-People Chamber, Wen Gong Shrine (Zhu Xi Temple), Dayi Rock, One-Drop Spring, Five-Tiered Peak, Hundred-Zhang Cliff, Kaijian Pond, and Zhaoying Well. The Thousand-People Chamber encompasses the entire cave of South Cliff. Tang Dynasty’s Monk Caoyi gathered disciples here, with both the Buddhist hall and monks’ quarters situated inside, showcasing the immense size of the cave. The Wen Gong Shrine is located to the left front of the Thousand-People Chamber. Backed by One-Drop Spring and facing Five-Tiered Peak, it was built to commemorate Zhu Xi’s lectures here, though it no longer stands today. Dayi Rock is situated at the mountaintop, where Tang Dynasty’s Monk Huiguang once built a house for meditation and scripture teaching. The house has long been gone, but the stone foundation remains. One-Drop Spring is located on the left half-wall near the cave entrance. Its dripping rate remains constant regardless of weather or season changes, and the water is extremely clear and cool. Five-Tiered Peak lies to the right front outside the cave. The peak is divided into five tiers, with a stone-paved path leading to the summit. From the top, one can gaze far into the distance, taking in the clouds, sky, and valleys all in one view. Hundred-Zhang Cliff refers to the cliffs on both sides of the cave—bare, steep, and sheer, making them unclimbable. From the Tang to the Qing dynasties, famous individuals left inscriptions on the rocks, many of which remain well preserved. Kaijian Pond is located in front of the Wen Gong Shrine and is fed by water from One-Drop Spring. The pond is crystal-clear like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding peaks, clouds, and sky, creating an exceptionally beautiful scene. Zhaoying Well is inside the cave. Legend says it was dug by Monk Huiguang using his tin staff. The well water is cool, sweet, and refreshing, invigorating to the heart and lungs. It was named after a line from Zhu Xi: “The well can cleanse the dust from one’s hat strings.” In recent years, another cave was discovered inside the cliff, winding and spiraling all the way to the mountaintop, adding yet another attraction to South Cliff. The scenic area of South Cliff is compact, well-preserved, easily accessible, and boasts numerous rock inscriptions by notable figures—making it a truly captivating destination.