Haiyuan Nanhua Mountain

Haiyuan Nanhua Mountain

Nanhua Mountain is an extension of the Liupan Mountain range, located 7.5 kilometers south of Haiyuan County. It borders Yueya Mountain of Xiji County to the south, neighbors Xihua Mountain to the northwest, and connects with Sikouzi to the southeast. Stretching in a southeast–northwest direction, it is approximately 35 kilometers long and 25 kilometers wide, covering a total area of 420,000 mu. With an average elevation of 2,600 meters, its main peak, Mawanshan, has an altitude of 2,955 meters—just second to the Helan Mountains, ranking as the second highest in the region. The surface soil is fertile, with an average annual rainfall of 600 millimeters. The climate is cool, and the grassland is lush. The southern part of the mountain is home to the Nanhua Mountain Pasture of Haiyuan County. Nearly 10 square kilometers of primeval forest and natural secondary forest are distributed in the northwest of the mountain, along with 270,000 mu of afforested land and 170,000 mu of forest coverage, resulting in a forest coverage rate of 62.9%.

During the Song and Xia dynasties, Nanhua Mountain and Xihua Mountain were collectively known as Tiandu Mountain, renowned across the frontier. Due to its lotus-like shape, it was also called Lotus Mountain. Furthermore, because of its high altitude and cold climate, where rain turned to snow in spring and autumn, it was referred to as Snow Mountain. In the Qing Dynasty, there were “Eight Scenic Spots of Haicheng,” three of which were located on this mountain. At the northwestern end of the mountain lies a Neolithic site known as the “Caiyuan Relics,” while in the southeast are the ruins of Shuichong Temple, and in the central part are the remains of Lingguang Temple.

Viewed from afar, Nanhua Mountain appears lush and verdant. Up close, it features overlapping layers of green, surrounded by shady canopies and wildflowers, with thousands of shades of green. In spring and summer, the mountain is picturesque with singing birds, murmuring streams, rich floral scents, and pleasant hues, forming a vast green labyrinth. Autumn brings a riot of colors, while winter clothes the landscape in silvery white—the scenery is captivating in all four seasons. The abundant natural resources not only provide ample food for wildlife but also create an ideal habitat for various animals to live and breed. Here, you may spot eagles, crows, magpies, sparrows, hares, and if you’re lucky, long-tailed pheasants, foxes, wolves, and wild boars. The Nanhua Mountain scenic area is not only rich in eco-tourism resources but also boasts abundant historical and cultural sites. The mountain houses the summer palace of Western Xia Emperor Li Yuanhao, as well as eight historical sites including Lingguang Temple, the Second Prince’s Refuge Cave, and the Imperial Pond. The primeval forest creates a pleasant summer retreat climate here, while the Western Xia relics form a unique and stunning landscape.

The Lingguang Temple Scenic Area is located deep within Nanhua Mountain. In 1042 AD, it served as the residence of Western Xia Emperor Li Yuanhao and his beloved concubine Moyi. The palace was built against the mountain, with pavilions reflecting on the water, upturned eaves, and corbel brackets, stretching for miles. During various instances of destruction, the surrounding trees and forests caught fire, only to be extinguished by thunderstorms and heavy rains. Later generations built a temple here, naming it “Lingguang Temple” (Temple of Divine Light) after the miraculous light and rain. The area features five peaks standing in succession, shaped like bridges, hence also called Five Bridge Mountain. There are also five springs that flow crystal clear from the mountain gate, cool, sweet, and rich in minerals—natural mineral water. In 1081 AD, it was burned down by Song General Li Xian. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Lingguang Temple was designated as a natural forest reserve of Haiyuan County. Over ten million yuan has been invested to plant species such as larch, birch, and sea buckthorn, greening more than 100,000 mu of land. A 15-kilometer secondary asphalt road was built from the county town to Nanhua Mountain, along with 15-kilometer gravel roads to Lingguang Temple and Shuichong Temple respectively. Today, the Lingguang Temple scenic area is covered with lush vegetation and misty pine forests, offering distinctive scenery. It has become a great destination for modern visitors to connect with nature, experience eco-tourism, and enjoy a cool and relaxing retreat.