Dafeng Scenic Area

Dafeng Scenic Area

Dafeng Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Dafeng Scenic Area is located on the north side of the Heping section of National Highway 324, with direct access from the entrance and exit of the Shenshan Expressway. Boasting a prime location and convenient transportation, the area features beautiful mountains and clear waters, with spring-like weather all year round. It is a renowned scenic destination in the Chaoshan region that attracts compatriots from home and abroad who come to pay homage and seek their roots.

Dafeng Scenic Area was created to commemorate Dafeng Zuoshi, a highly revered monk from the Song Dynasty. Covering an area of 2.62 square kilometers, the scenic area centers around the Dafeng Zuoshi Pavilion as its main axis, forming a grand landscape complex. At the main gate of the axis stands a memorial archway pavilion inscribed with the words “A Peak in the Southern Frontier” by Ye Xuanping, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. The pavilion is 15.68 meters tall and constructed from 168 large granite blocks, making it the largest stone archway pavilion in eastern Guangdong.

As visitors ascend the stone steps, they will find various pavilions on both sides, including Yuye (Jade Leaf), Dangui (Sweet Osmanthus), Yingri (Welcoming the Sun), Yaoyue (Inviting the Moon), Yusan (Umbrella), and Gubei (Ancient Stele). Other pavilions include Baode (Repaying Kindness), Tengyun (Soaring Clouds), Lingzhi (Ambition Soaring), Yangshi (Respecting the Master), Peiying (Nurturing Talent), Chengde (Sincere Virtue), Side (Thoughtful Virtue), and Jixiang (Auspiciousness). These uniquely styled pavilions are named after the traces of virtuous figures and are set against a backdrop of green leaves, red flowers, and shaded woods, standing elegantly for visitors to admire. Along the stone stairway, there are also a fountain pool and the Jade Guanyin Health Pool.

Further up lies the Dafeng Zuoshi Pavilion, which features unique architecture and is currently the largest stone-and-timber structure pavilion in eastern Guangdong. Its carved eaves and brackets are exquisitely detailed with lifelike depictions of flowers, insects, birds, beasts, red splashes, green sways, and dragons and phoenixes bringing prosperity. The plaque of the pavilion, inscribed with “Dafeng Zuoshi Pavilion,” was respectfully penned by Dr. Zheng Wulou, a leader of the Thai overseas Chinese community.

Beside the master’s tomb is the Baode Building, funded and built by the Mingxiu Charity Association of Malaysia and overseas Chinese such as Ma Xingsong and Guo Hanzhong. The plaque of the building was inscribed by the late Zhao Puchu, former President of the Buddhist Association of China. To the lower right of the Baode Building is the “Song-style” Dafeng Zuoshi Memorial Hall, funded and constructed by the Overseas Chinese Baode Charity Hall led by Dr. Zheng Wulou. Majestic and solemn, the hall echoes the “Baode Hall” built at the end of the Song Dynasty—linking ancient and modern structures in commemoration of Dafeng Zuoshi’s wisdom and benevolence. This truly embodies the saying: “The master rides the crane, his enlightened heart shining brighter than the sun and moon; the peak color melts into the clouds, two landscapes bridging past and present.”

Address: Xiongshi Mountain, beside the Heping section of National Highway 324, Chaoyang District, Shantou City

Type: Mountain cemetery/grave site

Recommended visiting time: 4–6 hours

Phone: 0754-82259965

Official website: http://www.csdafeng.com/

Opening hours:

Open all day

Ticket information:

Free admission.