Nanshan Mountain in Yizhou

Nanshan Mountain in Yizhou

Introduction 　

Nanshan is located about 2 kilometers south of Yizhou’s urban area, featuring dozens of cliff inscriptions.

At the foot of Nanshan lies a cave known as Longyin Cave. Legend has it that there is an underground passage beneath the Longjiang River that leads to Bailong Cave. In front of the cave, on the cliffs, there is a “Triumph Stele” erected by Song Dynasty General Fei Chen to commemorate the “pacification” of the Yao uprising leader Mo Wenzha, as well as over ten other stone inscriptions including a memorial stele by Zhizhou Sha Shijian recording the suppression of the Mao Nan uprising leader Mo Wenzha. On a large rock, there is a wild cursive-style seven-character quatrain handwritten by Yu Jing, deputy general to Song Dynasty General Di Qing. On the eastern and western cliffs, there is a regular-script character “Shou” (meaning longevity), measuring 4.2 meters in height and 2.3 meters in width. It is said that only those who visit this spot can become immortal beings of longevity.

At the northern foot of the mountain, there is a small rocky spring known as the “Longevity Spring,” which never dries up or overflows throughout the seasons. The spring water is crystal clear, making it a remarkable sight.

In front of Longyin Cave at the northern foot of Nanshan stands the Nanshan Temple. Formerly called Guanghua Temple, it once housed 16 imperial calligraphy scrolls bestowed by Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty, which were stored in the nearby Imperial Calligraphy Pavilion. The temple has been renovated through various dynasties and was once grand in scale. During the birthday celebration of Empress Dowager Cixi in the Qing Dynasty, the Qingyuan Prefecture presented a sandalwood screen carved with scenes of Nanshan Temple. Today, the temple no longer stands, but the remains of its foundation can still be seen.

Hechi City, Guangxi