Qianfushan Scenic Area

Qianfushan Scenic Area

Qianfushan, located three kilometers northwest of Guangling County, is one of the peaks of Jiuhua Mountain. It lies against the surrounding mountains to the north and faces the Hushui River to the south, with an elevation of 1,254 meters. It serves as a natural barrier that shields the county from the cold and provides relief from the summer heat. From the summit, the entire landscape of the Guangling Basin can be seen, and being there feels like stepping into a painting, offering a refreshing and uplifting experience. It is also a renowned religious mountain in the county. The temples at the peak of Qianfushan were built in the 29th year of the Jiajing reign during the Ming Dynasty. There are over 70 halls and rooms in total, including the main halls “Beiyue Xinggong” (Palace of the Northern Mountain God), “Jiuxian Yuanjun Temple” (Temple of the Nine Immortal Goddesses), and the bell tower known as “Qianfu Xiaozhong” (Morning Bell of Qianfu), which is one of the ancient “Eight Scenic Spots” of Guangling. In front of the temples at the peak, there is an open area facing the main mountain gate where a theater stage is built. Every year on the “Birthday of the Goddess,” people from all directions gather here to celebrate the annual Qianfushan Temple Fair. Pilgrims and spectators come in an endless stream, creating a magnificent scene.

The temples of Qianfushan were destroyed in 1966, along with the ancient trees, flowers, and plants within and around them. The existing forest of steles is now a protected cultural relic at the county level. Since 1998, volunteers have spontaneously organized efforts to restore and rebuild the site on the original foundation, and roads leading to the mountain peak are currently under construction.

Qianfushan is surrounded by open areas on all sides, commonly referred to as “wa” (depressions). To the east is Anshan Wa, to the west is Wanghou Wa, to the north is Zhenzhu Wa, and to the south is Qianhuai Wa. Together with the valleys between the peaks of Jiuhua Mountain, these areas cover over 10,000 acres, making it an ideal location for large-scale afforestation and tourism development. Since 2000, the county Party committee and government have listed Qianfushan as one of the key ecological greening areas in the county. Plans are underway to develop Qianfushan as a scenic destination, restoring the “Qianfu Xiaozhong” landscape and establishing it as a green barrier for the county, as well as a tourist attraction for sightseeing, leisure, vacation, and summer retreat.