Azalea Mountain Scenic Area

Azalea Mountain Scenic Area

The Azalea Mountain Scenic Area is situated in the Heili River National Nature Reserve. Blessed with dense forests, unique mountain formations, abundant vegetation, and distinctive scenery, it is an ideal destination for enjoying nature. The area includes meticulously constructed temples where the profound Buddhist ambiance complements the rugged peaks, verdant pines and cypresses, and striking azaleas, making it highly attractive and unforgettable. Additionally, the newly designed and uniquely shaped Azalea Mountain Villa integrates entertainment and accommodation, offering an excellent spot for tourism and vacationing. With a total investment of over ten million yuan, this scenic area has become another highlight of Ningcheng’s tourism.

Xiushan Temple: Legend has it that the temple was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. The name “Xiushan Temple” was bestowed by Emperor Kangxi himself, and the Buddha statues enshrined within were personally chosen by him. Although the original temple was constructed with earth and wood and had relatively simple furnishings, the atmosphere of worship was fervent. Politicians, merchants, and commoners from near and far would come to pay their respects. Locals were especially devout, closely associating their peace, prosperity, and the area’s beautiful mountains and waters with the temple’s spiritual power. However, during the infamous “Four Cleanups” campaign in the early years of our country’s history, Xiushan Temple suffered severe damage. By the time of the Cultural Revolution, the temple had been completely destroyed. In the late 1970s, locals spontaneously organized efforts to raise funds and materials, largely restoring the temple to its original appearance. The religious spirit of “worshiping Buddha and doing good deeds” thus spread, merging with the Azalea Mountain Scenic Area and becoming a unique cultural and natural landmark in Ningcheng. In 2007, through the careful design of experts and the investment of devoted individuals, the temple was further enhanced. Today, Xiushan Temple is even more solemn and majestic. It now houses six Buddha statues, including Guanyin the Giver of Children and the Three Western Saints (Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva).

(Amitabha Buddha represents boundless light, boundless life, and boundless merit. Guanyin Bodhisattva embodies great compassion—the universal compassion. Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva symbolizes joyous giving. In the depiction of the Three Western Saints, Amitabha Buddha is in the center, with Guanyin Bodhisattva on the left and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva on the right. Therefore, on our Earth, the East is the domain of Guanyin Bodhisattva—Mount Putuo in the South China Sea is her sacred site—while the West is the realm of Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva.)

Guanyin Bodhisattva, being the embodiment of great compassion, is why practices such as vegetarianism, non-killing, and releasing living beings are associated with her teachings. In China, there’s even a saying: “Every home has Guanyin, every household has Amitabha.” However, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva is less familiar to many. His practice is that of joyous giving, which means generosity or charity. What is the result of generosity? It leads to the path of ascending to heaven. In fact, Jesus Christ from the West is considered by some to be the manifestation of Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. As the name suggests, wherever Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva goes, his great influence follows.

Similarly, Jesus spread love and compassion—wherever American aid went, his influence extended.

What is Jesus Christ? He is the one who sacrifices himself to save the world. When Jesus was dying on the cross, he said:

“I take away the sins of the world.” Did he really take them away? If he truly

did, why are prisons around the world

still overcrowded? Although he may not have taken away all the sins of humanity, the fact that he said those words earned him people’s admiration. It also proves that his coming to this world meant sacrificing his life to save mankind—an act symbolic of joyous giving.

The concept of Mahasthamaprapta represents the principle of joyous giving in the Buddhist realm. Christianity teaches faith in Christ, doing good, giving, and repentance—its teachings also lead to ascension to heaven, aligning entirely with the Mahasthamaprapta principle of generosity. Therefore, we Buddhists embrace all religions and must never reject Christianity, because we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the reincarnation of Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. During my trip to the United States, I discussed this with several Christians, and some of them even converted to Buddhism. They asked about ascending to heaven—what does that mean? They couldn’t find a conclusion or answer.

In Buddhism, ascending to heaven means reaching one of the realms within the cycle of samsara. Once you become a heavenly being, you still need to cultivate and seek liberation to transcend the six realms of existence. That is the essence of Buddhism. In the U.S., some Christians who have converted to Buddhism may form a new sect—perhaps called the Human Vehicle Buddhism, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva Jesus Christ Sect. This way, Human Vehicle Buddhism could quickly spread across Europe and America. We hope this idea is not promoted in Taiwan but rather in Western countries, as they are nations seeking Eastern culture. Thus, we should share the positive aspects of Chinese culture with the West.)

Azalea Mountain Villa: With a total investment of 5 million yuan, the villa covers an area of 3,335 square meters. It features a specialty restaurant, high- and mid-range lodging rooms, as well as recreational facilities like a bathhouse and karaoke. Nestled against green mountains and facing clear springs, the villa offers a serene environment and fresh air, making it a perfect spot for leisure and vacation.

Introduction to Major Attractions:

Guanyin Sacred Water: Located at the foot of Azalea Mountain within the Heili River National Nature Reserve, Guanyin Sacred Water is not only a renowned cultural site but also a famous Buddhist pilgrimage destination. It attracts officials, scholars, Buddhists, and common people who come to offer incense and pay homage. It’s said that “those who are ill are healed, and those who are healthy are uplifted”—a blessing attributed to “Guanyin’s grace and the sacred water’s power.” Legend has it that long ago, the area at the base of Azalea Mountain was a swamp, with hundreds of miles of barren wilderness surrounding it due to a “sea eye” that caused violent flooding in summer, endangering all life. Upon hearing this, Guanyin Bodhisattva descended on a cloud, moved mountains and stones to seal the sea eye, and carved out a channel. From the original site of the sea eye, a gentle stream began to flow, nourishing plants and quenching the thirst of animals, eventually bringing butterflies, birds, leopards, deer, and a thriving population to the region. In 1681, during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, the emperor visited the area feeling weary and anxious. His imperial physician diagnosed exhaustion and advised several days of rest. Hearing the soothing sound of a stream, the physician noticed a clear, gurgling spring flowing down the mountain. Thirsty, he drank from it and felt instantly refreshed. He then offered it to the emperor, who also experienced renewed vitality and clarity after drinking. The emperor asked the locals, “What place is this? What water is this?” They replied it was Azalea Mountain and told the story of Guanyin sealing the sea eye and creating the stream. Pleased, the emperor expressed gratitude to the unseen bodhisattva for blessing the Qing Empire and its people. He then pointed to the stream and declared, “Let this be called Guanyin Sacred Water.” Since ancient times, the spring has flowed continuously, bringing prosperity and sustaining generations of life. Though the legend is folkloric, scientific analysis confirms the water’s health benefits. Originating deep in the mountains, the water contains over ten trace elements and is classified as bicarbonate-sulfate type water—truly rejuvenating and invigorating. A poet once wrote: “Guanyin rests on Azalea Mountain, where lush grass and life thrive; sacred waters bless the clouds, sheltering all in joy.”

Yuanbao Rock: This massive rock resembles a celestial ingot fallen from the heavens, inviting people to explore nature’s mysteries, ponder the vastness of the world, and reflect on the meaning and joy of life.

Succeed by Following the Elephant:

This is a marvelously shaped natural rock formation resembling an elephant. Sturdy and grand, the elephant rock stands tall, leading the way to the summit of Azalea Mountain just over ten meters ahead. Many have come here to admire the view or to feel the sense of triumph in “following the elephant” to reach the peak. The symbolism is clear—encounter the elephant, and you’re embraced by its inspiring presence.

Immortal’s Cave Heaven:

“What exists is nothingness, what is nothingness exists”—this Buddhist concept reveals the truth of life. Though Immortal’s Cave has no physical “cave,” its naturally formed “heavenly cave” landscape evokes thoughts of immortals and the ethereal realm amid its ambiguous presence.

Dolphin Worshiping the Immortal

: This is a fascinating stone forest landscape, particularly striking for the dolphin-like rock (dubbed “Dolphin Worshiping the Immortal”) that appears remarkably lifelike. The “dolphin” gently bows over a baby dolphin, head tilted upward as if in sincere prayer. Beside it are other fantastical creatures, with open space below for exploration. Legend says that those who pass through here will turn misfortune into fortune and overcome adversity. Truly, this praying dolphin is an immortal in itself.

Everlasting Harmony (400-Year-Old Pine Trees):

These are two ancient pine trees over 400 years old. Some call them the “Yin-Yang Pines,” others the “Couple Trees.” These pines have been companions since birth, thriving for over four centuries and still full of vitality. Yin and yang are the fundamental elements of the universe, and husband and wife are the basic units of life. Everlasting harmony is the source of growth and prosperity for all life forms, including humans. The longevity of these pines lies in their companionship and enduring harmony.