Shixiang Lake

Shixiang Lake

Shixiang Lake is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Highlights - Shixiang Temple: Located within the Shixiang Lake area. According to the inscription on the stele commemorating the reconstruction of Shixiang Temple in the ninth year of the Xianfeng era (1859), General Yan Yan of the Eastern Han Dynasty, after returning victorious from a southern campaign, resigned from his official post and retired here. He visited the historical sites of General Mo of Henan from the Western Han Dynasty, admired the beauty of the landscape, and thus built a hut behind Ziyanyan Rock and hung his bow by the Hanma Spring. He commissioned workers to carve stone lions and stone elephants to enhance the grandeur of the scenery. Later, he attained enlightenment and ascended to heaven riding an elephant. The local people, in admiration of his noble spirit, built a temple on the mountaintop, and hence the name “Shixiang” (Stone Elephant) originated. Shixiang Temple has a history of over 1,000 years and has been damaged and restored several times. The existing temple buildings were reconstructed after 1980. It currently serves as a Buddhist activity site in Pujiang County. Ancient Xiangshan Academy: Situated at the highest point of Xiangshan Mountain, the “Ancient Xiangshan Academy” stands at an altitude of 632 meters, covering an area of about 700 square meters with a construction area of 250 square meters. This is the main site representing “Confucian scholarship and education.” Originally named “Xiangshan School,” it was renamed “Ancient Xiangshan Academy” after the rise of academy education during the Southern Song Dynasty. The academy fully embodies the architectural style of schools from the Song Dynasty, and its roof design is quite creative—featuring a sixth-rank official in the center, followed by the second-place and third-place scholars on either side, while the beams above symbolize “pillars of talent.” The renowned Neo-Confucian scholar and educator Wei Liaoweng of the Southern Song Dynasty received his early education here. Today, the academy preserves precious historical materials about Wei Liaoweng as well as books related to Southern Song Neo-Confucianism.

Introduction - Shixiang Lake is located at the 86-kilometer exit of the Chengya Expressway, within Pujiang County, Chengdu, a national ecological demonstration zone. It boasts exceptional natural resources, with forest coverage exceeding 90% in the scenic area. Its vast ecological zones serve as a paradise where flora and fauna coexist harmoniously, making it a serene retreat for urban dwellers seeking mental and physical rejuvenation. In the early morning, the lake is shrouded in mist with birds chirping and flowers blooming; in the evening, layered green shadows in the forest are infused with the essence of Confucianism and Buddhism. This place and its scenery cleanse the body and mind of visitors, leading them into the highest state of harmony between humanity and nature. Shixiang Lake gets its name from the ancient Shixiang Temple located by the lake, which is said to be the spot where the Three Kingdoms general Yan Yan ascended to heaven riding an elephant. The lake houses Shixiang Temple, a 15-meter-tall seated statue known as the “Western Sichuan Giant Buddha,” as well as attractions such as Ziyanyan Rock, Waterbird Bay, Poria Bay, Pearl Island, Green Dragon Island, Bow Gully, Doll Gully, and Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl.

Transportation - Shixiang Lake Ecological Scenic Area is situated at the 86-kilometer mark of the Chengya Expressway and is currently the only scenic area in China with its main gate located right beside the expressway, offering extremely convenient access. At Chengdu’s Xinnanmen Bus Station, there are regular buses to and from Shixiang Lake Ecological Scenic Area every day. (Fare: 25 RMB per person) By car: It takes only about 40 minutes to reach Shixiang Lake via the Chengya Expressway.

Address: 86-km Exit of Chengya Expressway, Pujiang County, Chengdu

Type: Lake

Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours

Phone: 028-88591888

Official Website: http://www.selake.com/

Opening Hours:

8:00–18:00 (9:00–17:00 in winter)