Lingzhi Spring

Lingzhi Spring

After leaving the Magu Fairyland, walk about 100 meters along the tree-lined avenue to reach Lingzhi Spring. Also known as "Meiling Spring," this spot was frequently visited by Soong Mei-ling for leisurely strolls during her time accompanying Chiang Kai-shek at Mount Nanyue while he convened military meetings for the War of Resistance. It is one of the best places on Mount Nanyue to enjoy alpine forest bathing and sunbathing. Lingzhi Spring consists of a Lingzhi Fountain and a swimming pool. The artificial Lingzhi Fountain collects mountain spring water and uses the backpressure from the height difference to create a spectacular gushing effect.

The swimming pool was built during the Republican era by He Jian, then governor of Hunan Province, for his daughter He Mei. Chiang Kai-shek visited Mount Nanyue eight times and stayed at He Mansion, not far from Lingzhi Spring, on five of those occasions. His wife, Soong Mei-ling, often swam here and spoke highly of this high-altitude swimming pool.

Mount Nanyue has long been a feng shui treasure blessed with beautiful mountains, clear waters, and extraordinary people, attracting countless poets, scholars, and Taoist immortals with its picturesque scenery. Legend has it that in ancient times, one of the Eight Immortals, Iron-Crutch Li, was captivated by the ethereal aura and stunning views of Magu Fairyland and Lingzhi Spring. Carrying a wine gourd, he drank and admired the scenery, indulging in the beauty of nature until he became so enchanted that he reached a state of total ecstasy. In a moment of abandon, he tossed away his wine gourd, which then formed a magical spring with rippling blue waters — thus creating this gourd-shaped pool.

Transportation

After leaving the Magu Fairyland, walk about 100 meters along the tree-lined avenue to reach Lingzhi Spring.

Attraction Location

Nanyue District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province

He Jian

(1887–1956)

A Nationalist Army general, executive member of the Central Committee of the Kuomintang, and governor of Hunan Province.

Born in 1887 in Chashanling Township, Liling County (now Liling City), Hunan Province, He Jian entered the Chonggu Academy at Yuelu Mountain in Changsha in 1906, transferring to the Hunan Law and Politics School three years later. After the Xinhai Revolution, he successively studied at the Hunan Officers Training School, the Third Army Middle School in Wuchang, and the Infantry Department of the Third Phase of the Baoding Military Academy. Upon graduation in 1916, he served as a platoon... More details about He Jian++

Soong Mei-ling (March 5, 1897 – October 24, 2003), born in Wenchang, Guangdong (now part of Hainan), was the First Lady of the Republic of China and Chiang Kai-shek’s fourth wife. Aside from her excellent command of English, Soong spoke six languages, had notable skills in traditional Chinese painting, and was also an accomplished calligrapher. It’s said she was also quite skilled at playing the piano, making her proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. As Chiang Kai-shek’s diplomatic aide, she, along with her sisters Soong Ai-ling and Soong Qing-ling, were known as the Soong Sisters... More details about Soong Mei-ling++

Chiang Kai-shek (October 31, 1887 – April 5, 1975), courtesy name Zhongzheng, was born Chiang Chung-cheng, with childhood name Ruìyuán, registered name Zhōutài, and formal name Zhìqīng. His ancestral home was in Yixing, Jiangsu, but he was born in Fenghua, Zhejiang. He was a prominent political and military leader in modern China, serving as President of the Whampoa Military Academy, Commander-in-Chief of the National Revolutionary Army, Chairman of the National Government, President of the Executive Yuan, Chairman of the Military Affairs Commission of the National Government, Generalissimo of the Republic of China, Leader of the Kuomintang, Commander of the Three People's Principles Youth League, Supreme Commander of the China Theater of the Allied Forces in World War II, and President of the Republic of China, among other positions.

Chiang Zhong... More details about Chiang Kai-shek++