Xiyanyan

Xiyanyan

Xiyanyan

Xiyanyan is located on Wangjiang Road in the southern part of Changshou District, Chongqing. Backed by Fengcheng and facing the Yangtze River, it was once one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Changshou. It gets its name from the ancient Xiyanyan Temple that once stood here. Today, a relatively well-preserved city gate built during the Ming Dynasty’s Tianshun era and a section of the ancient city wall still remain. In 1988, it was listed as a county-level cultural relic protection site. Major attractions include the Ming Dynasty city gate, Xiyanyan Waterfall, Forest Park, and Changshou Cable Car. In the mid-1980s, an elegant pavilion was built atop the city gate.

Located on Wangjiang Road in the urban area, it is famous for its waterfall. Attractions include Xiyanyan Waterfall, Ming Dynasty City Gate, and Forest Park.

The waterfall has three tiers, with water gushing out from Tanzi Rock. It is about 20 meters wide, with the first tier approximately 40 meters high, the second 30 meters, and the third 20 meters. After heavy rain, the waterfall is particularly majestic—the taller tiers resemble white silk hanging in the air, while the lower ones look like gracefully dancing long sleeves, inspiring the verse “A thousand threads of the Xiyanyan Waterfall.” The stream is formed by the convergence of small trickles from fields and ditches, making it a seasonal waterfall.

The Ming Dynasty city gate is situated southwest of the waterfall, built during the Tianshun era, over 500 years ago, and retains its original appearance. In 1985, it was designated as a county-level cultural relic protection site (its protection plaque is engraved on the stone wall outside the gate). In the mid-1980s, a new pavilion with traditional hip-and-gable roof and yellow glazed tiles was added atop the gate. From inside the pavilion, visitors can enjoy views of distant mountains, nearby waters, and most of the urban area. Walking up the steps west of the city gate, a terraced garden has been newly built along the slope. The garden features 22 uniquely shaped flower stands, arranged in a staggered fashion along the south side of the road.

East of the ancient city gate, across the highway bridge, lies a park situated between the road and the rock face, shaped like a rectangle. A magnificent stainless steel sculpture titled "Phoenix Facing the Sun" stands proudly in the park. The long pool features small islands, bridges, and grape trellises with distinctive charm, while the pavilions among the rocks are quaint and elegant. Below the ancient city gate lies a strip-shaped forest park, covered with lush greenery. Four shaded avenues crisscross the area, making it a great summer retreat.