Lianhua Mountain in Haifeng

Lianhua Mountain in Haifeng

Lianhua Mountain in Haifeng is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Lianhua Mountain Scenic Area is located in the ever-spring-like Lianhua Mountain Range of Haifeng County, nestled between two of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Haifeng”: “Layered Peaks of Lianhua in Emerald Hues” and “Silver Vase Waterfall.” Hikers ascending the mountain are greeted by endless layers of lush forests, creating a breathtaking view that feels like stepping into a fairyland. The main peak of the Lianhua Mountain Range, standing at an elevation of 1,336 meters, is the best location for enjoying the views.

The Lianhua Mountain Scenic Area centers around the Chicken Temple (Jiming Temple), a historic structure dating back to 1633. It was built by Monk Yinzhen, who came to Lianhua Mountain to collect alms after five consecutive earthquakes struck Haifeng. He constructed the temple to ward off evil and attract blessings for the region. Now nearly 400 years old, visitors to Lianhua Mountain can also try purchasing locally produced Lianhua Mountain tea and brew it with spring water from the mountain for an exceptionally refreshing taste.

Lianhua Mountain is situated in Lianhua Town in the northern part of Haifeng County. As one of the four major mountain ranges in Lingnan, the Lianhua Mountain Range reaches its highest point here at 1,377 meters. The main peak spans over 5,000 hectares. Towering and often shrouded in clouds, the main peak is flanked by Yinping Mountain, forming a landscape of continuous ridges, steep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and verdant pine forests, characterized by grandeur, uniqueness, beauty, and serenity. “Grandeur” refers to the towering main peak that pierces the sky with its steep and majestic form. “Uniqueness” describes the undulating mountains and overlapping peaks that stir the imagination. “Beauty” highlights the lush pines clinging to the cliffs, with clear streams flowing beneath, creating picturesque green landscapes. “Serenity” evokes the winding mountain streams, the silent valleys, and the gentle flow of water as if a jade dragon were quietly spraying its whiskers.

The meteorological phenomena on Lianhua Mountain are also quite distinctive. The peaks are often wrapped in drifting clouds that rise gracefully. In summer, resting on the mountain brings a sudden coolness to the skin, making it feel like a different season compared to the blazing heat below. When caught in an unexpected rain while in the mountains, one truly experiences the poetic feeling of “rain falling halfway down the mountain, with no clue where it comes from.”

Lianhua Mountain is known for its local specialties such as “Lianhua Immortal Tea,” “Lianhua First Spring,” and bitter thorn heart tea. Deep in the valleys of Lianhua Mountain grow ancient trees, some as thick as a person’s embrace and weathered with age. The spring water here is pure and has a delightful taste, so brewing the immortal tea with the mountain spring creates a uniquely pure and refreshing flavor that invigorates the body and mind. Bitter thorn heart tea serves as a health drink, known for clearing heat, detoxifying, relieving wind and depression, as well as easing pain and itching.

“A mountain need not be high to be spiritual if immortals dwell there.” Due to Lianhua Mountain’s unique qualities as a sacred dwelling place for deities and immortals, the “Chicken Temple” was established here. In the 32nd year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1693 AD), Monk Yinzhen chose the mountainside of Chicken Heart Rock, nestled between the twin peaks of Lianhua Mountain and Silver Vase Mountain, to build the “Mountain-Foot Hermitage.” After the temple was completed, monks often heard the crowing of a rooster halfway up the mountain, leading to its name “Chicken Temple.” The temple was damaged during wartime but was rebuilt in 1989 with donations from compatriots in Hong Kong, Macau, and members of the public. The rebuilt site now includes an outer mountain gate, a large stone sculpture of a Golden Rooster Announcing Dawn, the Three Great Bodhisattvas Pavilion, and the Mahavira Hall. The main structures cover an area of 4,800 m². The surrounding area also features thousands of acres of fruit trees and tens of thousands of acres of pine forests.

Address: Lianhua Mountain Resort, Lianhua Town, Haifeng County, Shanwei City

Type: Temple, Mountain, Forest

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 2–4 hours

Opening Hours:

8:00-18:00

Transportation

Within Haifeng County, you can take a tricycle to get there.