Heshan

Heshan

Heshan is located 15.5 kilometers northwest of the county town, in the central part of Heshan Township, with an elevation of 252.6 meters and covering an area of 1.8 square kilometers. It is a limestone mountain. Viewed from a distance, the mountain resembles a pine tree and a crane, with the main peak representing the crane’s head and two symmetrical side peaks flanking it, nestled closely to the main peak. The revised 1851 edition of the Ningyang County Annals ● Mountains and Rivers records, “Heshan features graceful peaks and ridges, its form resembling a soaring crane.”

The mountain is home to numerous historical relics. At the summit, there are legendary rocks such as the “Ninety-Nine Stone,” which, according to legend, can ward off illness, prevent disasters, and extend one’s life to ninety-nine years if touched. Around the main peak at the top, there are clear remnants of flagpole holes and city walls left behind by ancient military encampments. Midway up the mountain are the Chaoyang Cave and Tiger Cave. The Ningyang County Annals ● Mountains and Rivers states: “The eastern and northern stone cliffs stand tall; locally called Tiger Cave, it houses carved Buddha statues.” Inside Chaoyang Cave, there are also stone tables, stone stools, and other objects engraved by ancient people, among which the stone-carved Thousand-Hand Guanyin is exquisitely detailed, with the benevolent image of the Goddess of Mercy rendered remarkably lifelike, making it a true artistic treasure. Unfortunately, parts of the carvings were damaged during the Cultural Revolution.