Jinchengshan Moretan Scenic Area

Jinchengshan Moretan Scenic Area

Jinchengshan Moretan Scenic Area is located in Shengguan Town, Gaoping District, covering an area of approximately 4,771 mu, including 3,171 mu of forest and 1,600 mu of water area. It was approved as a forest park by the Ministry of Forestry in 1991. The scenic area features dense forests and a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for enjoying natural scenery, leisure vacations, swimming, and fishing.

The main peak of the area, Jincheng Mountain, stands at an elevation of 824 meters and is a famous mountain in northern Sichuan. It was once recognized as one of the seventy-two sacred Buddhist sites in ancient China. The scenic area is home to many unique mountains, exotic waters, peculiar rocks, and ancient scenes, including ninety-nine peaks, thirty-six springs, and forty-eight caves.

1. Douzhaimen (Steep Stockade Gate). This is the first gateway to the summit of Jincheng Mountain. On the right side of the gate, the cliff face bears an inscribed merit stele from the 46th year of the Wanli era in the Ming Dynasty.

2. Jinfeng’an Temple Complex. The temple has three levels, and the main beam bears an ink inscription from the 18th year of the Qianlong reign.

3. Jincheng Temple. Built in the 46th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty, the temple follows the contours of the mountain. Its mountain gate features six rows and five doors, offering a simple yet pleasing aesthetic.

4. Nanjingmen (Nanjing Gate). This is one of the “Four Great Wonders” within the scenic area. It is a natural rock fissure, with its upper part sealed by a massive boulder firmly wedged in the gorge. The lower part has two stone gates: one called “Nanjinmen” and the other “Nanjingmen.” Climbing to Nanjingmen offers a view of the sea of clouds and sunrise at dawn, azalea blooms across the hills in spring, the rumbling pine waves in summer, and, in the crisp autumn air, a distant panoramic view where the Jialing River winds toward the horizon.

5. Dazidong (Prayer-for-Children Cave). Modeled after the cave temples of northern China, the cave houses over a hundred carved figures of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, disciples, and guardian warriors.

6. Laolongdong (Old Dragon Cave). Built on a cliff on the northern side, the cave is so narrow that only one person can pass through at a time. Inside, a spring flows out and plunges down into a ravine dozens of meters deep, creating a spectacular view. Other attractions include Jiaoding Mountain, Shenxian (Immortal) Summit, and Shanjing Stone, all of which come with enchanting legends that inspire the imagination. Within the scenic area, the Moretan Reservoir features rippling blue waters. Boating here brings a sense of relaxation and joy. The reservoir spans more than 1,000 mu, with a water storage capacity of 1.3 billion cubic meters. It is surrounded by undulating mountains covered in forests and bamboo. The edges of the reservoir area and the islands within are lined with citrus orchards. In the warm spring, fragrant blossoms fill the air, while golden fruits adorn the trees in autumn. The area is also abundant in fish, some weighing over a hundred pounds. Currently, the scenic area is equipped with pavilions such as the Waterfall View Pavilion, Revival Pavilion, and Lake View Pavilion, along with walking corridors around the lake. Dozens of various types of pleasure boats are available for visitors' enjoyment. Travelers can also take routes along the two rivers to explore upstream, seeking hidden gems and wonders to their heart's delight.

The scenic area also offers guesthouses, sanatoriums, and entertainment facilities. The restaurant serves distinctive, delicious full-fish banquets and game meat feasts noted for their color, aroma, and flavor.