Chenghai Tashan Scenic Area

Chenghai Tashan Scenic Area

Chenghai Tashan Scenic Area is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Tashan Scenic Area in Chenghai is attractive for its picturesque mountain views and clear blue lakes. But historically, there was no tower on Tashan, a regrettable absence that detracted from its cultural richness. Since 1998, thanks to the concerted efforts of leaders and insightful figures from Shantou and Chenghai, a park with the theme of documenting historical facts and enlightening future generations—“Tayuan (Tower Park)”—was constructed. Towering at the heart is the seven-story, 35-meter-high “Si’an Tower” (Tower of Peaceful Reflection), complemented by four smaller towers in harmony, not only rewriting Tashan’s history of having no tower but also establishing the first historical education base in Chaoshan and even nationwide that allows visitors both to admire the view and comprehensively learn about and reflect on the history of the Cultural Revolution.

The Tashan Scenic Area in Chenghai is located on the western side of the Tucheng section along National Highway 324, and is part of the Nanzhi Mountain Range. The ancient Tashan Temple was originally built in the second year of the Shaoxing era during the Southern Song Dynasty (1132 AD), and underwent multiple renovations during the Qing Dynasty. In 1958, it was submerged due to the construction of a reservoir. It was rebuilt in 1988 and turned into a tourist destination, forming a series of landscapes including one temple, one shrine, one heavenly pool, two chambers, four bridges, seven memorial archways, eight springs, nine paths, twelve peaks, thirteen pavilions, and thirty-two stone structures. Yet Tashan still had no tower. In 1998, through the efforts of 14 advocates including veteran comrades such as Li Xikai, Zhuang Mingrui, Peng Qi’an, and other notable local figures in Chenghai, this cultural landscape integrating tourism and political education was finally completed, centered around the “Si’an Tower.” It serves to remind people of the tragic history of the Cultural Revolution and express the collective longing for peace. This construction is unique across China in both ideological depth and scenic concept. The development of Tayuan has been highly commended by insightful members of society. Renowned Hong Kong industrialist Li Ka-shing and Shantou Mayor Li Chunhong both inscribed words of affirmation.

The concept and construction of Tayuan embody the historical responsibility of veteran cadres in the Chaoshan region, reflecting their selfless dedication and that of fellow insightful members of society. Strolling through “Tayuan”: the two large characters “Tong Shi” (Stone of Grief) engraved on a cliffside rock serve as a constant reminder of the tragic history of the Cultural Revolution; statues of proletarian revolutionaries such as —, —, and documented literature educate future generations; calligraphy works from surviving veteran revolutionaries; the “Wan Shu” (Ten Thousand Books) art on the “Ming Jing Tai” (Mirror Terrace) is truly breathtaking; the already completed sites such as “Men Shi Dao Xin Zhao” (Gate Stone Reflects the Heart), “Bei Lang Xian Shi Shi” (Monument Gallery Reveals Historical Truth), “Yuan Ying Chang Qing Liu” (Martyrs’ Tomb Stays Evergreen), “Gao Ta Yong Si An” (High Tower Perpetually Remembers Peace), “Di Ta Mian Mo Fan” (Low Tower Commemorates Role Models), “Dan Xin Ming Yong Zai” (Loyal Heart Inscription Lasts Forever), “Tong Ge Xi Tai Ping” (Children’s Doves Play in Peace), “Chao Yue Pu Tian Qing” (Chaoshan Music Celebrates Universal Joy), and the recently completed “Jing Zhong Chang Ming” (Alarm Bell Rings Evermore) and “Shi Bi Feng” (Stone Pen Peak) all richly reflect the profound significance of the Tashan Scenic Area. Shantou Mayor Li Chunhong inscribed in the “Shi Jian Shan Wu” (Mountain House of Historical Lessons): “Console the predecessors, inspire the present, warn the future, learn from history, and advance with the times,” affirming that “using scenic sites to record history and enlighten future generations is of great historical significance—it is a first in the nation and can be called an exhibition of the Cultural Revolution. It should be widely promoted.” This undoubtedly helps foster tourism attractions with Chaoshan characteristics and fully explore the rich connotations of Chaoshan culture.

The construction of Tayuan is divided into the park area and the tower area, with newly built cement roads leading directly to the main tower. The park area is divided into northern and southern zones, featuring memorial archways and monument galleries to mourn the souls of those who perished during the Cultural Revolution. The location of the tower area is thoughtfully chosen, corresponding with Lotus Mountain and the Han River, thus making up for Tashan’s previous lack of a tower. Ascending the “Si’an Tower,” visitors can see inscriptions and calligraphy works by dignitaries and scholars engraved on the tower’s interior steles and exterior gallery—poems, lyrics, odes, and essays—that vividly depict the tragic history the ten-year catastrophe brought to Chenghai. Standing before the “Si’an Tower” and reflecting with emotion, you will come to cherish the hard-won stability, unity, and peaceful life we enjoy today.

Inside and outside the tower area, visitors can also admire the exquisite architectural craftsmanship of the Chaoshan region—stone qilins, stone lions, the white elephant stone sculpture in the tower area, as well as distinctive structures like “Huan Xin Tower” (Renewed Tower), “Ding Xin Tower” (Reformed Tower), “Mei Zong Tower” (Beautiful Ancestral Tower), “Gui Fen Tower” (Osmanthus Fragrance Tower), “Tong Ge Xi Tai Ping” (Children’s Doves Play in Peace), and “Chao Yue Pu Tian Qing” (Chaoshan Music Celebrates Universal Joy)—all offering a glimpse into the unique artistic ambiance and deep historical meaning of Tayuan.

This area was listed as a member unit by the Guangdong Province Scenic Area Association in 1991 and is an excellent destination for leisure, vacation, and summer retreat.

Address: West side of the Tucheng section along National Highway 324, Lianshang Town, Tucheng Township, Chenghai City, Shantou

Type: Mountain Museum

Recommended visiting time: 4–5 hours

Tel: 0754-85743024

Opening Hours:

5:00-17:00

Ticket Information:

Door Price: 10.0 RMB