Xiyán

Xiyán

Cháoyáng’s Tǎshān Mountain is also known as Xiyán, located in the western suburbs of Miánchéng. At its southern foot lies the “Hǎicháo Ancient Temple,” also called “Xīshān Hǎicháo Rock,” which ranks as the foremost ancient temple in the Chaoshan region.

According to the Cháoyáng County Annals from the Ming Dynasty’s Longqing era: “Ten li west of the county is Xīshān, commonly called Tǎshān. It is said that the ruins of a brick pagoda once stood here, with bricks and stones still remaining. Later, they were moved into the county, and those now in the government office are the same. At its foot lies a rock cave called Hǎicháo Rock, also known as Xiyán. With stone walls on three sides, it is over ten feet deep and wide. It is said that Huìzhào once lived here, and Dàdiān resided here together with Yàoshān.”

Inside the Xīshān Hǎicháo Rock is the former study place of Xiāo Duānméng, a local scholar of the Ming Dynasty, during his youth. The plaque inscribed with “Hǎicháo Ancient Temple” at the Xiyán Temple was written by Xiāo Duānméng.

The Xiyán of Cháoyáng’s Tǎshān Mountain, along with the Běiyán of Dōngshān Mountain and the Dōngyán with its Zhuóxī Spring, are collectively known as the Three Rocks of Cháoyáng and enjoy great renown.