Jiulangshan Scenic Area

Jiulangshan Scenic Area

Jiulang Mountain is located in the northern suburbs of Zhuzhou City. It is 30 kilometers from Changsha and 10 kilometers from Xiangtan. The main peak has an elevation of 328 meters, making it the highest among the urban areas of Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Xiangtan. In Zhuzhou, you can take bus routes 19 or 47 to Hehua Village to reach the area. The scenic zone boasts abundant resources, including 3,000 acres of planted Chinese fir, a 2,000-acre bamboo seedling viewing garden, a 100-acre lotus pond, the majestic Fengshuzhai, the legendary Jiulang Temple, Baimalong, Houshishi, Wugui’an, Jiujielong, Tianhecao, Huaguoshan, Zhushutan, and the former residence of the heroine Qiu Jin. Spanning dozens of square kilometers, Jiulang Mountain features undulating peaks, lush ancient trees, gurgling springs, and birdsong, making it a true gem of mountain and water scenery in central Hunan. It has now been designated as the "Jiulangshan Forest Park" by the provincial and municipal governments. The Shanglin Temple in the mountain is a modern, multifunctional comprehensive temple that integrates Buddhist worship, meditation, spiritual practice, chanting, ceremonies, sightseeing, leisure, and tourism. The mountain where Shanglin Temple is situated features rolling ridges stretching for miles, fertile land with harmonious energy, a bright front and solid back, with the Azure Dragon and White Tiger flanking it on either side, a high and open courtyard that gathers and stores vital energy — a truly rare geomantic treasure that brings blessings and prosperity to future generations. The mountain also has the perennially flowing “Jiulang Divine Water.” As the saying goes, “mountains govern people, water governs wealth,” and thus visitors come in an endless stream to fetch the water. Today, Jiulang Mountain has become a gathering place for “agritainment” style courtyard economy households in Shifeng District, offering fishing, dining, entertainment, and leisure.

Jiulang Mountain spans dozens of square kilometers, featuring undulating peaks, the legendary Jiulang Temple, Shanglin Temple, Baimalong, Houshishi, Wugui’an, Jiujielong, Tianhecao, Huaguoshan, Zhushutan, and the former residence of the heroine Qiu Jin.

The forested area of Jiulang Mountain covers 10,200 acres, with plantations of Chinese fir, bamboo seedling gardens, exotic pines, oil tea, camphor trees, catalpa trees, lotus ponds, and mixed woodlands. With lush ancient trees, gurgling springs, and birdsong, it is a true gem of mountain and water scenery in central Hunan.

Shuangfeng Temple

Originally named Shanglin Taoist Monastery, it still houses a Han Dynasty stone tablet inscribed with “Shanglin Taoist Monastery.” In the late Tang Dynasty, it was renamed “Shanglin Nunnery” and became a Buddhist site. By the late Qing Dynasty, it had been renamed “Shanglin Temple.” In the autumn of 1943, the Japanese invaders burned Shanglin Temple to the ground. The newly restored Shanglin Temple is magnificent, with five terraces, including the Mountain Gate, Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Dharma Hall, Abbot’s Quarters, Scripture Depository, Three Saints Hall, Avalokitesvara Reception Hall, Thousand-Hand Guanyin Hall, Sangharama Hall, Meditation Hall, Dining Hall, Guest Hall, Ancestral Hall, Bell and Drum Towers, and Layperson Residence, along with auxiliary structures such as a Liberation Pond, Merit Stele, Pavilions, and Corridors. With red walls, yellow tiles, upturned eaves, and classic charm, it is nestled within the forest.

Jiulang’s Miraculous Water

“Mountains govern people, water governs wealth.” The water of Jiulang Mountain is quite mystical. The entire scenic area contains 210 acres of water bodies, with scenic spots such as the Jiaopo Reservoir, Tang Reservoir, Shipikou Reservoir, Bashichong Reservoir, Yuanjiachong Reservoir, and Hanpo Reservoir in Jiutang Village scattered throughout. From the mountaintop, the interplay of mountains and water adds splendor to the landscape. Especially noteworthy are two year-round springs halfway up the northern and southern hillsides, known as the “Jiulang Divine Water,” which are crystal clear, sweet, and refreshing, rich in over 20 minerals beneficial to human health. People come from far and wide to fetch this water.

Jiulang’s Miraculous Water

Historical Culture

Legend has it that in the late Yuan Dynasty, before becoming emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang (later known as the Hongwu Emperor), the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, once led his army to camp at what is now “Hongwu Fort” in Dachong Village, stockpiling grain and training troops to resist the Yuan Dynasty. At that time, Zhu Yuanzhang organized the construction of city walls and trenches, and cleared over 100 acres of barren land halfway up Jiulang Mountain to create a military training ground. After Zhu Yuanzhang ascended the throne, the locals renamed Fengshuzhai to “Hongwu Fort” in his honor. Today, visitors to “Hongwu Fort” can still see remnants of the ancient walls, trenches, and general’s platform, almost as if they can still feel the imposing aura of Zhu Yuanzhang “reviewing his troops on the autumn battlefield.”

Scenic Spot Location

Northern suburbs of Shifeng District, Zhuzhou City, Hunan Province