Xuanwu Mountain Scenic Area

Xuanwu Mountain Scenic Area

Xuanwu Mountain Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Xuanwu Mountain is located in Jieshi Town, Lufeng City. Yuan Mountain Temple was built at the southern foot of Xuanwu Mountain, covering an area of 15 hectares. It is a religious site that combines both Buddhism and Taoism. It is also a historic site renowned both domestically and internationally, especially in Southeast Asia, as well as a Buddhist worship center for people in the Southern Min language region. The temple preserves a large number of historical and cultural relics and has been designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Xuanwu Mountain

As the saying goes, "A mountain need not be high—its fame comes with the presence of immortals." It is precisely because of Xuanwu Mountain that Jieshi Town has become a renowned town in eastern Guangdong.

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

The highest reputation that Jieshi Town enjoys comes from the world-famous Xuanwu Mountain Scenic Area. Recently, the grand celebration of Yuan Mountain Temple being listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council was held here.

Xuanwu Mountain

"Xuanwu Mountain Scenic Area" is a national AAAA-level attraction. It is a religious site that combines both Buddhism and Taoism and is also a historic site renowned both domestically and internationally, especially in Southeast Asia. Yuan Mountain Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain features multiple scenic spots including Yuan Mountain Temple, Fuxing Pagoda, Ancient Theater Stage, Santai Baozhang, Taiping Rock, Qilin Rock, Qilong Rock, Longmen Rock, and Siming Pavilion. It serves as a long-standing place of reverence in eastern Guangdong.

Xuanwu Mountain

Historical Anecdotes

Xuanwu Mountain

Yuan Mountain Temple was first built during the Jianyan years of the Southern Song Dynasty, in 1127 AD, over 860 years ago. In 1389 AD, when Jieshi was established as a military garrison, the then Commander-in-Chief Hou Jiangao oversaw its expansion and planned its design to resemble a palace complex with typical Ming Dynasty architectural style and artistic characteristics. The layout consists of multiple symmetrical courtyard units, facing south and nestled against the hillside toward the sea, constructed along the mountain slope. Its layout is rational, the structure rigorous, comprising a mountain gate, front hall, middle hall, main hall, side halls, halls, courtyards, corridors on the right, the abbot’s chamber, and monks' quarters—totaling 99 structures. Initially named Xuan Mountain Temple, it was later renamed Yuan Mountain Temple to avoid the naming taboo of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, whose personal name was Xuanye.

Xuanwu Mountain

Yuan Mountain Ancient Temple has weathered many storms and undergone several renovations. Starting from the 22nd year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty, it was stipulated that major repairs and restorations would occur once every ten years. Due to these regular maintenance efforts, the temple has been well-preserved. To this day, Yuan Mountain Temple still retains its stacked brackets, carved beams and painted rafters, various forms of wood carvings, stone carvings, ceramic inlays, and depictions of flowers, birds, insects, and fish—all exquisitely crafted and lifelike. The temple's roof features soaring ridges and upturned eaves, while the copper castings, jade carvings, ceramics, and clay sculptures within the temple are all vivid and finely crafted. These elements offer visitors a sense of the grandeur and solemnity characteristic of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and craftsmanship. They vividly showcase the exceptional skill of Chinese builders and the brilliance of Chinese wisdom. It is the largest-scale, best-preserved historical site in Lufeng City, rich in historical, scientific, and artistic value.

Xuanwu Mountain

Yuan Mountain Temple enshrines the Dark Heavenly Emperor. There is still a plaque inscribed with “Flew from Wudang.” However, the temple also houses statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Maitreya, and others, thus giving Yuan Mountain Temple the rare characteristic of being a convergence point of Buddhism and Taoism. It enjoys a high reputation among overseas Chinese, especially among those from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan who speak the Southern Min dialect. It is a widely influential ancient temple known for “protecting those abroad” (with another folk saying: “The Buddha of Xuanwu Mountain manifests in Chaozhou”). (Note: The Chaozhou referred to here is the former Chaozhou Prefecture region.)

Xuanwu Mountain

According to research, eight towns in Lufeng City—Jieshi, Qiaochong, Nantang, Piyang, Hudong, Jiazi, Jiadong, and Jiaxi—were incorporated into Jieyang Garrison in Longchuan County after the Qin Dynasty unified the Lingnan region. In the sixth year of the Yuanding era of the Han Dynasty (111 BC), Jieyang Garrison was elevated to the status of a county. During the same period, other areas of today’s Lufeng City were under the jurisdiction of Fuluo County. In the sixth year of the Xianhe era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (331 AD), these eight eastern towns belonged to Haicheng County in Yian Commandery, while the rest were part of Haifeng County in Dongguan Commandery. In the early Ming Dynasty, Shifan District of Haifeng County was briefly incorporated into Chaozhou Prefecture along with Longxi District, but shortly after, Shifan District was reassigned to Huizhou Prefecture. Longxi District roughly corresponds to the western Nanyang Mountainous Region of present-day Puning City, while Shifan District refers to the eight eastern towns of Lufeng.

Xuanwu Mountain

Attraction Introduction

Xuanwu Mountain

The location of Yuan Mountain Temple is closely tied to the history of the ancient Jieshi Garrison. It served as the military command center of coastal defenses in eastern Guangdong during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Over hundreds of years, amid vast changes, a wealth of precious temple artifacts and immovable cultural heritage documents the glorious history of the Chinese nation—especially the people of Guangdong’s coastal regions—in resisting foreign aggression and safeguarding their homeland.

Xuanwu Mountain

After Jieshi was designated as a garrison, Yuan Mountain Temple became a place where imperial envoys, officials, and celebrated individuals gathered for defense affairs, meetings, tours, sightseeing, and religious pilgrimages. Today, it still preserves numerous cliff inscriptions, plaques, and inscriptions left by historical figures. These include the plaque inscribed with “Aqua Virtue, Enduring Long” by national hero Lin Zexu; the plaque “Spirit Resounds Across the Path” by Liu Yongfu, Commander of Jieshi Garrison during the Guangxu era; the imperial plaque “Majesty Extends Over the Ridge” bestowed by Emperor Tongzhi and imperial edicts, as well as plaques by various governors and commanders, and notable individuals. Among them, the plaques by Lin Zexu and Liu Yongfu have been listed as China’s Famous Plaques. These invaluable cultural treasures possess great historical, artistic, and academic value, while also attesting to the strategic importance of Jieshi Garrison’s coastal defense location and the religious prominence of Yuan Mountain Temple.

Xuanwu Mountain

The stage was originally built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty and was reconstructed in 1986. Its design is simple yet elegant, with a majestic presence. The various wood carvings and stone engravings depict vivid and lifelike figures, flowers, and birds in a myriad of poses, making it a finely crafted architectural work from the Ming Dynasty. Initially, it hosted full-length traditional plays such as *The Romance of the Three Kingdoms* from the Haifeng- Lufeng Zhengzi Opera, performed continuously for over a month starting from early March in the lunar calendar, and again in early September. Nowadays, during the Lunar New Year, grand operas staged by the Guangdong Chaoshan Opera Troupe are performed here for several days, offering a continuous stream of excellent performances. People set up tents regardless of wind or rain, creating an unprecedentedly lively scene.

Xuanwu Mountain

The ancient stage, Yuanshan Temple, and Fuxing Pagoda are built along a central axis, ascending in height. Fuxing Pagoda rises majestically from the ground, standing at the highest point of Xuanwu Mountain, towering above the dense shade of ancient banyan trees. It has long served as a navigational landmark for ships entering Jieshi Port. From the pagoda, visitors can gaze out over the South China Sea, with the sails of boats clearly visible — it is known as one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Lufeng,” titled “Jieshi Sea View.” Fuxing Pagoda was originally built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty and was reconstructed in 1981. To the east of Fuxing Pagoda lies a massive rock, standing proudly with an appearance reminiscent of a qilin (a mythical Chinese creature), hence its name Qilin Rock. Inscribed on the rock is the phrase “A mountain need not be high,” written in the 16th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty by Zhen Jieshi envoy Deng Wanlin — a fitting description for Xuanwu Mountain. The Longmen Rock, standing in front of Qilongyan, has weathered over time, taking on an aged and mottled form, and experts have identified it as a relic from 100,000 years ago.

Xuanwu Mountain

The Four Beauties Pavilion and Zideju are also located near the pagoda to the west, celebrated for representing the four refined pleasures: “fine time, beautiful scenery, joyful heart, and delightful amusement.” Visitors often chat and enjoy the views here. During the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, military officials Zheng Qianshan, Cheng Yuquan, and Yao Long gathered at the mountain pavilion to discuss strategies against Japanese pirates and jointly erected the “Three Terraces Safeguard” stele.

Xuanwu Mountain

Notable Attractions

Xuanwu Mountain

Since its opening, Yuanshan Temple on Xuanwu Mountain has attracted a continuous stream of overseas Chinese and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan from over twenty countries and regions in Europe, America, and Southeast Asia. With over a million visitors annually, it has become one of the premier tourist destinations in eastern Guangdong. Its recent designation as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit marks a new phase of development for this ancient temple. The breathtaking architectural craftsmanship, the unique fusion of Buddhist and Taoist elements, the inscribed plaques and stone carvings by master artists, and the captivating legends are sure to draw even more visitors.

Xuanwu Mountain

The temple enshrines deities such as the True Martial God of the North Pole, Sakyamuni Buddha, Guanyin, and Maitreya, reflecting a blend of Buddhist and Taoist traditions. Since the Ming Dynasty, the temple’s monastic lineage has been passed down through 26 generations. Yuanshan Temple held its first “Restoration Celebration” in the 22nd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1896), and this tradition has continued every ten years. By 2006, it had reached its 12th celebration, marking 110 years. During each celebration, temple repairs, statue renovations, consecration ceremonies, grand Buddhist rituals such as the Water-Land Dharma Assembly, and a variety of folk cultural activities — including decorated streets, opera performances, lantern and firework displays, lion dances, fish lantern dances, stilt walking, and flag-bearing processions — are held over several days. Every household decorates with lanterns and colored banners, and the streets are packed with people, creating a spectacular and joyous atmosphere. The entire Jieshi town is immersed in a festive spirit of happiness and peace.

Xuanwu Mountain

The temple grounds house a large collection of cultural relics, including a plaque inscribed with “Water Virtue, Enduring Long” donated by national hero Lin Zexu in 1839 (the 19th year of the Daoguang reign), and another plaque inscribed with “Sacred Echoes Fill the Path,” donated by national hero Liu Yongfu during his time stationed at Jieshi in 1887 (the 13th year of the Guangxu reign). Both plaques are recognized as “Famous Plaques of China.” Other treasured relics include the imperial plaque “Majestic Influence Over the Mountain Region” bestowed by Emperor Tongzhi of the Qing Dynasty, as well as over a thousand artifacts such as plaques and couplets by military governors and commanders, stone carvings, porcelain, and lacquered screens.

Xuanwu Mountain

The large stage in front of the temple, built during the Ming Dynasty, has hosted local operatic performances for many consecutive days each year on the third day of the third lunar month and the ninth day of the ninth lunar month since the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the largest temple stage in eastern Guangdong and serves as a carrier of a long-standing intangible cultural heritage.

Xuanwu Mountain

Behind the temple lies a garden-like landscape. The towering Fuxing Pagoda has three levels that visitors can climb. To the left of the pagoda is Qilin Rock, and to the right are Qilongyan and Longmen Rock, both bearing inscriptions by historical figures such as Hou Jigao and Deng Wanlin from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Climbing the pagoda or rocks offers panoramic views of the city and sea, providing a sense of boundless freedom. Since ancient times, “Jieshi Sea View” has been one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Lufeng. Surrounded by ancient banyan trees, the area also features structures such as the Four Beauties Pavilion, the “Three Terraces Safeguard” stele platform, and Zideju.

Xuanwu Mountain

Travel Information

Xuanwu Mountain

The newly expanded hillside garden behind the temple is lush and fragrant, planted with gardens and flowers, offering a peaceful and open space. It includes classic-style architecture, an elegantly comfortable reception building, and a vegetarian restaurant with over a thousand seats, providing dining and accommodation services for visitors. The garden has parking facilities, a visitor center, and offers informational materials and consulting services.

Xuanwu Mountain

Visitors can also travel three kilometers west to the Guanyintang Ridge Tourist Area to see the Shuiyue Ancient Temple, seaside bathing beaches, and numerous cliff inscriptions by historical figures from ancient to modern times. Four kilometers south, via Shizhou Cultural Park, you can reach Tianwei Cape to view the underwater garden, ancient fort ruins, and the Tin Hau Temple, which features a plaque inscribed with “Vast Sea’s Grace” by Lin Zexu. There, you can also gaze out at the boundless sea, fulfilling your sightseeing desires.

Xuanwu Mountain

The Xuanwu Mountain Tourist Area welcomes visitors from all over with its beautiful scenery, profound historical and cultural heritage, the mysterious religious atmosphere of Yuanshan Temple, nearby attractions, and the warm, attentive services provided within the area.

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Address: Xuanwu Mountain, Jieshi Town, Lufeng City, Shanwei, Guangdong Province, China

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Type: Mountain, Historical Site, Temple, Taoist Temple

Xuanwu Mountain

Rating: AAAA

Xuanwu Mountain

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Xuanwu Mountain

Phone: 0660-8691952

Xuanwu Mountain

Official Website: http://www.xwslyq.com

Xuanwu Mountain

Opening Hours:

Xuanwu Mountain

8:30-17:00

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanwu Mountain

Jieshi Town: With a long history, Jieshi Town has long been a key coastal defense stronghold. Since the Song Dynasty, military defenses have been stationed here to protect the borders. In the 22nd year of the Hongwu reign during the Ming Dynasty (1389), the Jieshi Guard was established, making it one of the 36 guards nationwide, on par with the renowned Tianjin Guard and Shenyang Guard. The town derives its name from its coastal landform features, and it is one of the three major towns in Lufeng City. Located in the southern part of Lufeng City, Jieshi Town faces Jiaoxiang Town across the water to the east, bordering Jieshi Bay. The town covers a total area of 120 square kilometers, with a coastline stretching 40.3 kilometers, and has a population of over 170,000. It administers 41 village (residential) committees. In 2000, the town’s gross domestic product was 8... More details about Jieshi Town++