Wuding Lion Mountain

Wuding Lion Mountain

Wuding Lion Mountain is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Wuding Lion Mountain Scenic Area is 88 kilometers from Kunming, with its main peak at an elevation of 2,419.8 meters and an average annual temperature of 13.2°C. It enjoys mild winters and cool summers. The area centers around one mountain, one lake, and one valley, integrating landscape scenery, cultural relics, geological heritage, and ethnic customs. The scenic area spans a total of 166 square kilometers and is divided into four zones.

Known as the "Number One Mountain in Southwest China," Wuding Lion Mountain boasts majestic and steep terrain, rising abruptly from the rolling hills like a lion standing guard. Deep valleys and lush forests within the mountain are home to various rare birds and animals. Along the towering cliffs, an ancient stone stairway winds its way up the mountain, featuring numerous scenic spots along the route: the twisting pine trees that greet visitors, the thrilling Sunrise Pavilion, the rugged Snake Head Rock, the mist-shrouded Twin Bamboo Peaks, the mysterious and alluring Guanyin Cave, as well as the deep and perilous "Nine-Turn Yellow River" and "Winding Stream for Floating Wine Cups." There are also man-made attractions such as the elegantly landscaped LiDou Pavilion and Crescent Moon Pond. These sites scattered across the cliffs and valleys transport visitors to a magical world. On clear early mornings, many tourists flock to the Sunrise Pavilion to witness the sunrise over Lion Mountain. The sunrise over this highland peak offers a uniquely enchanting spectacle.

The main peak of Lion Mountain stands at 2,452 meters above sea level, with an elevation difference of 680 meters from Wuding County. Within just a few kilometers of winding uphill from the county town, a refreshing breeze greets visitors, invigorating the spirit. The scenery of Lion Mountain contrasts sharply with its surroundings, resembling a hidden paradise embraced by rolling hills and mountains. The scenic area stretches 12 kilometers from east to west and 8 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 0.78 million mu, with permanent boundary markers erected around it. On May 7, 1982, the Standing Committee of the Chuxiong Prefecture People's Congress approved Lion Mountain as a prefectural-level nature reserve, primarily aimed at protecting the subtropical semi-humid evergreen broad-leaved forest. The forest coverage within the reserve is 42%, belonging to the Yuanjiang oak and Diqing oak ecological communities. Lion Mountain boasts rich plant diversity, with 214 species across 165 genera and 86 families. The Lion Mountain Nature Reserve plays a vital role in maintaining local ecological balance and water conservation.

Stepping into Lion Mountain, amidst the dense evergreen broad-leaved forest, visitors are greeted by a solemn and magnificent Buddhist temple, now known as Zhengxu Chan Temple. Originally built in the fourth year of the ZhiDa era during the Yuan Dynasty (1331 AD), it was called the Main Temple. Later, it was expanded by the renowned Indian monk Zhikong, forming the Extension Temple. The Grand Buddha’s Hall stands tall and imposing, surrounded by ingeniously laid out pavilions, towers, and terraces, all showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Various stone inscriptions and couplets scattered throughout the temple were created by masters from different dynasties, carrying profound cultural significance. In front of the Grand Buddha’s Hall grow several ancient pine and cypress trees, said to be over a thousand years old, adding a layer of mystery to this ancient temple. The temple’s expansion was led by the eminent Indian monk Zhikong, who enjoyed great prestige in central Yunnan. He chose Lion Mountain as a sacred site for preaching and carried out ingenious renovations to the temple, greatly enhancing its splendor. Later, Zhikong traveled to Korea, spreading Buddhism and founding his own sect, and is still worshipped by the Korean people today.

The scripture depository on the back hall of Zhengxu Chan Temple rises from the mountainside, almost merging with the main peak of Lion Mountain. The shrine downstairs houses not a Buddhist bodhisattva but the seated statue of an emperor; the wooden pillars in front are painted with golden dragons. This resembles the imperial palace. After the tragic "Jingnan Campaign" in Nanjing, Zhu Yunwen, following the secret decree left by Emperor Hongwu, shaved his head and became a monk. He journeyed through mountains and rivers to become a monk at Lion Mountain, where he eventually passed away. This imperial shrine, as part of the temple, evokes memories of history and earns the sympathy of devout worshippers. Hanging high in front is a large plaque inscribed with “Imperial Buddhist Legacy,” flanked by ingeniously worded couplets. The upper line reads: “A monk becomes an emperor, an emperor becomes a monk; for decades the legacy is passed on—true enlightenment confirms the former imperial awakening.” The lower line reads: “An uncle fails his nephew, but the nephew does not fail the uncle; eight hundred li on straw sandals, Lion Mountain stands even higher than Yan Mountain.” The story told here is imbued with the legendary charm beloved by the Chinese, while the sentiments expressed stir reflections on the passage of time and the brevity of life.

Beside Zhengxu Chan Temple, a fertile plot of land developed by gardeners over the years has become the renowned Peony Garden. During the blooming season, throngs of visitors immerse themselves in the vibrant sea of flowers, adding another wonder to the Lion Mountain Scenic Area. Currently, Lion Mountain offers service facilities such as Lion Mountain Hotel and Peony Tower Hotel, providing warm and attentive services to domestic and international tourists.

◇ Lion Mountain Ticket: 60 RMB; 20% discount with Yunnan Tourism Passport (48 RMB), valid for one person only

◇ Address of Lion Mountain: 3 km west of Wuding County, Chuxiong Prefecture

◇ Contact number for Lion Mountain Scenic Area: 0878-8724577

Address: Wuding Lion Mountain Scenic Area, Chuxiong Prefecture

Type: Mountain

Rating: AAAA

Recommended visiting time: 2 hours

Opening hours:

08:00–18:00.