Anshan Forest Park

Anshan Forest Park

Anshan Forest Park is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Anshan Forest Park is located in Quanhe Township, Gushi County, Xinyang City, Henan Province. It is 25 kilometers away from the county seat and can be reached via National Highway 312 or the Xinyang-Ye Road. It is now a provincial-level forest park. With a total area of 45 square kilometers and a main peak elevation of 419.4 meters, the park features rich flora and fauna resources, stunning natural scenery, and profound historical and cultural heritage. It serves as an ideal forest park for summer retreats, leisure, folk experiences, and heritage exploration.

The park is extremely rich in forest resources, wildlife, natural assets, and cultural elements, making it an ideal destination for vacationing, sightseeing, and enjoying nature.

The forest coverage rate of Anshan Forest Park reaches 93%, with a timber volume of 120,000 cubic meters. It includes six vegetation types, 16 subtypes, 45 plant communities, and over 300 plant species. Rare plants include clusters of Japanese cryptomeria and bald cypress, while valuable tree species comprise golden larch, Huashan pine, and five-needle pine. Precious medicinal plants found here include fleeceflower root, ganoderma, notoginseng, gastrodia elata, and rabdosia rubescens. The park is home to over 100 species of terrestrial vertebrates, including mammals such as wolves, foxes, raccoon dogs, and porcupines, as well as birds like the Lady Amherst's pheasant, lark, thrush, owl, swan, egrets, and pheasants. The natural and cultural landscapes of Anshan Forest Park are exceptionally diverse, featuring the Cloud Temple dedicated to Wei Jing, the grandmother of "the Sage King of Zhangzhou" Chen Yuanguang, as well as Shepherd Stone, White Dragon Pool, air-raid shelters, Sacrificial Platform, Golden-Silver Fish Pools, Nine Dragons Waterfall, Immortal Cave, and Old Cat Cave.

The natural landscapes of Anshan Forest Park include White Dragon Pool, Golden-Silver Fish Pools, Nine Dragons Waterfall, Immortal Cave, Old Cat Cave, air-raid shelters, and Sacrificial Platform.

I. Cloud Temple

Also known as the Great Mountain Grandmother Temple, the Cloud Temple was initially built during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty. This temple was constructed by "the Sage King of Zhangzhou" Chen Yuanguang in memory of his grandmother, Wei Jing. The temple covers an area of about a hundred acres, with over a hundred rooms, featuring gray-tiled structures with blue bricks. It is divided into one main compound and three courtyards (eastern, central, and western). The main hall in the central courtyard is spacious and bright, housing the golden statue of the Great Mountain Grandmother seated on a lotus throne. The eastern courtyard enshrines statues of deities such as the Queen Mother of the West and the Dragon King. The western courtyard contains five solemn and lifelike statues of the King of Hell, all exuding an ancient charm.

Legend has it that from the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the Sui Dynasty, Anshan suffered continuous warfare and lacked proper governance. The temples on the mountain housed hundreds of monks who colluded with local bandits, disregarded imperial laws, and oppressed the villagers. The mountain dwellers endured great suffering. Even after the founding of the Tang Dynasty, the situation did not improve—the monks continued their lawless and oppressive behavior. Wei Jing, also known as Lady of Liao State, returned to her hometown with her husband, General Chen Kegeng, and settled three kilometers north of Anshan. Intimidated by Lady Wei’s authority, the monks and Taoists temporarily restrained themselves, and peace ensued for a time. However, their mischievous nature soon resurfaced, causing trouble and harming the villagers. Consequently, Lady Wei mobilized 3,000 soldiers and 100 generals, who bravely charged uphill under a barrage of rolling logs and stones, successfully capturing the mountaintop, sealing off hidden passages, and eradicating the villainous monks and bandits. She earned deep respect and affection from the local people.

One day, Lady Wei rode to the mountaintop with her beloved grandson, Chen Yuanguang. Overlooking the vast landscape, she was captivated by the breathtaking scenery—the towering Diamond Platform reaching into the clouds nearby and the shimmering, mirror-like waters of Dragon Pool in the distance. She sighed in admiration, “This is truly a divine mountain crafted by heaven. When I pass, I wish to be buried here to overlook generations to come.” Yuanguang immediately understood his grandmother’s desire and replied, “Dear grandmother, your wish shall be fulfilled. May you live as long as Anshan, and I will build a temple here in your honor.”

Since ancient times, the temple has attracted visitors and pilgrims from all directions. Especially during the three days of the lunar calendar from October 15 to 17, hundreds of thousands of worshippers from Henan and Anhui provinces flock to the mountain to pay tribute.

II. Drill Ground

Commonly known as Old Dragon’s Nest, the Drill Ground is a flat area of land located about 500 meters north of Anshan’s main peak, covering approximately twenty acres. It is now entirely planted with pine trees.

According to locals, this flatland was where General Chen Zheng ("the Sage King of Zhangzhou" Chen Yuanguang’s father), following an imperial decree, gathered local militias to train for military campaigns. At the time, it was not as flat as it is today but was leveled by the Chen family to train soldiers. It was on this modest-sized drill ground that soldiers were trained, later playing a pivotal role in the Chen family’s southern expeditions and suppression of rebellions.

III. Immortal Cave

Immortal Cave is situated on the sheer cliffs halfway up Anshan’s second peak. The entrance is so narrow that only one person can pass through at a time. The cave extends over ten meters into the mountain, housing natural stone tables and benches within a space of about 20 square meters that can accommodate over ten people. It is surrounded by lush pines and cypresses. More remarkably, whenever it rains or right after rainfall, the cave entrance is shrouded in mist, both up close and from afar, giving off a refreshing cool breeze. Locals say there’s an old saying: “When yellow clouds rise to heaven, rain is sure to follow.” These yellow clouds are believed to originate from the mist of this cave. Legend has it that immortals, bored of the monotony of heaven, sought a joyful gathering place on earth. After searching far and wide, they found this earthly paradise filled with the essence of heaven and earth—Immortal Cave.

IV. Sacrificial Platform

Located at the eastern end of the Great Mountain Grandmother Temple and above Puji Temple, the Sacrificial Platform consists of two massive stone slabs, each about five to six zhang (approximately 16–20 meters) wide and over ten zhang (around 30–35 meters) tall. These slabs stretch southward, backed against the mountain peak, with a deep valley lying before them. A crevice about two zhang (around 6–7 meters) wide separates the two stones, as steep and sharp as if cleaved by an axe. Below lies a grassy meadow of about a hundred acres (formerly the site of Puji Temple). Legend says these stones are highly spiritual and serve as a test of one’s conscience. If someone suffers an unjust accusation, they can light incense, climb onto the platform, and leap down—if their heart is pure, the gods will ensure their survival. But if they are guilty, they will perish.

It is said that during the Qing Dynasty’s Yongzheng era, a filial woman, tired of false rumors spread by the villain Zhao Wu and his servants that she was unchaste, swore an oath and leapt off the cliff. Miraculously, she survived unharmed. This act cleared all doubts among her family and neighbors, and her virtuous reputation lives on to this day. Meanwhile, the wicked Zhao Wu was ultimately struck dead by lightning. Hence, the platform earned the name “Sacrificial Platform.”

V. Nine Dragons Waterfall

The Nine Dragons Waterfall is located halfway up the northern slope of Anshan, surrounded by grotesque rocks and steep cliffs. Here, mountain streams cascade down rugged cliffs to form a waterfall. After heavy rains, the rushing waters plunge down, splashing pearls and jade-like droplets, creating a spectacular scene as the torrent flows into a deep pool. On the cliff face, nine distinct waterfalls are visible through the mist, appearing like nine dragons hanging upside down—hence the name “Nine Dragons Waterfall.” It is one of the park’s major attractions.

VI. Temple of the King of Min

Also known as the Dragon King Temple or Three Dragons Shrine, the Temple of the King of Min was built during the Five Dynasties period to commemorate Wang Shenzhi, the King of Min. Legend says he loved reading in his youth and harbored great ambitions. At 19, he joined a rebel army in Fujian with his elder brother, eventually becoming the regional supervisor. After his brother’s death, he succeeded him as the Military Governor of Weiwu. Known for often riding a white horse, he earned the nickname “White Horse Third Son” among his soldiers.

During his rule in Fujian, Wang prioritized peace and the welfare of the people. He advocated frugality, refused to ride in carriages while traveling, and didn’t use umbrellas even in the heat. In handling border disputes, he aimed to transform battlefields into farmland and promoted benevolence among the people. In the first year of the Qianying era, when famine led to unrest, he strictly forbade troops from killing civilians and reassured the hungry, saying, “It is the officials who have wronged you, not the other way around.” Through his policies of benevolence and virtue, peace was restored. He encouraged farming, reclaimed vast mountainous wastelands, and developed coastal areas with dikes, land reclamation, and advanced irrigation. He also promoted tea cultivation, trade, and shipbuilding, establishing trade ports and expanding foreign commerce. Furthermore, he set up recruitment centers across the region to attract talented individuals. After the fall of the Tang Dynasty, the Later Liang emperor appointed him Chancellor and King of Min in 907 AD, elevating Fuzhou to a grand military command. Though urged by subordinates to proclaim himself emperor, he refused, declaring, “I would rather be an open-door governor than a closed-door emperor,” remaining loyal to the central dynasty. He passed away in Fuzhou on December 12, 925 AD, at the age of 64.

After his death, the people of Fujian built numerous temples in his honor. His hometown also erected a shrine on Anshan’s main peak, which later collapsed due to war and neglect. Today, descendants plan to rebuild the temple on its original site to preserve his legacy for future generations.

VII. Old Harrow Ground

Also called “Old Pingtang,” the Old Harrow Ground is a flat area of land about 200 meters north of Anshan’s main peak. Originally the site of Hongmen Temple, part of it has been converted into tea fields, and part planted with bamboo, covering roughly twenty acres. Legend says Hongmen Temple was once highly prosperous, with more halls and Buddha statues than any other temple in the mountains. It had nearly a hundred monks, but the abbot, driven by greed and lust, colluded with local officials, abducted and abused women, hiding victims in underground chambers for his pleasure. Despite repeated complaints, corrupt officials shielded him. Eventually, a newly appointed magistrate, furious upon learning the truth, devised a plan to rescue the victims and executed the abbot by flaying him alive. The other monks, hiding in the chambers, were ultimately killed by having the ground iron-harrowed, their skulls smashed. Since then, no one dared commit evil here again. From this spot, one can gaze up at the Cloud Temple, look down at shimmering waters, admire the rolling mountains, and listen to the rustling pines—a perfect place for scenic enjoyment.

VIII. Golden-Silver Fish Pools

Twenty meters behind the Cloud Pavilion at the main peak of Anshan lie two spring pools, connected east to west, of equal size and water level. Each pool spans about 20 square meters, with a depth of 6 meters and crystal-clear visibility to the bottom. Regardless of the season—spring, summer, autumn, or winter—or whether there is heavy rain or severe drought, the water level in the pools remains constant. Legend has it that monks and Taoists who once lived and practiced here, in adherence to the doctrines of Buddhism and Taoism—doing good without taking life—often brought injured fish and shrimp to these pools to release them. Since the two pools are interconnected, they are called the Golden and Silver Fish Pools. They are also known as the "Release Pools."

9. Hongwu Rock

Hongwu Rock is a massive boulder located halfway up the southern slope of Anshan. Its surface is smooth and reddish-brown, rectangular in shape, standing about 3 meters tall and occupying roughly twenty cubic meters. The rock clearly bears the imprints left by Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, when he herded animals here. It stands like a natural sculpture before visitors. Surrounded by lush green grass and blooming flowers, the scenery is delightful, making it an outstanding scenic spot.

Legend has it: When Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, was young, his family was so poor that he was forced to leave his hometown to beg for food and survive. He ended up herding cattle for a local landlord in what is now Huoqiu County, Anhui Province. During this time, he often played and rested on this rock with other shepherd boys. Strangely, among all the shepherd boys, only Zhu Yuanzhang’s image was deeply imprinted on this huge rock. Later, after he founded the Ming Dynasty and adopted the reign title "Hongwu," the rock was named "Hongwu Rock." People in western Anhui today often refer to it as the "Sheep Herding Rock."

10. Air-raid Shelter

The air-raid shelter (military base) was built by the People's Liberation Army in the late 1960s. Located 20 meters below the top of Anshan, it covers a total area of 360 square meters, measuring 60 meters in length, 6 meters in width, and 3 meters in height—capable of holding about 200 people. The shelter has ventilation holes at the top and is constructed with a reinforced concrete frame. At the time, it served as a wartime facility for the Air Force radar unit and was the only significant military stronghold in the county. In 1980, after the military unit stationed there was withdrawn, it was handed over to the state-owned Gushi Forest Farm for management. The air-raid shelter is well-preserved today and open for tourist visits. It also serves as an excellent site for military education and training.

Quanhepu Town: A township under the jurisdiction of Gushi County. Established as the Quanhepu District in 1951, it became a central township in 1955, was reorganized as the Quanhe Town Camp in 1958, then as a management area in 1959, and became a commune in 1961 before being restructured as a township in 1983. Located in the northeastern part of the county, it is 20 kilometers from the county seat and borders Huoqiu County, Anhui Province, to the east. Covering an area of 81 square kilometers with a population of 40,000, the town is traversed by the Quanhe River and has road access. It administers 17 village committees: Sanguan, Wangdian, Anshan, Xudaying, Zhanggang, Dingtang, Wuxiaomiao, Xiaowangji, Dabaqiao, Heqiao, Yanqiao, Gudi, Shizimiao, Huangyan, Pingzhai, Xushan, and Quanhe Street. Township... More detailed information on Quanhepu Town++