Scenery of Mantuo

Scenery of Mantuo

Mantuo Mountain is located on the southern shore of Dali Lake, 90 kilometers southwest of Jingpeng Town, between longitude 116°42′–47′ and latitude 43°13′–16′, with an elevation of 1,364 meters. According to the History of Yuan:

"In the 24th year of Yuan (1278), the Mongolian Naiman tribe rebelled. Emperor Kublai Khan of the Yuan Dynasty personally led troops in a campaign. On the night he stayed at Yingchang, a Buddha appeared high above the mountain, glowing golden and appearing vividly as if in a vision... As a result, Buddhist ceremonies were held there for seven consecutive days and nights."

”

Eventually, they achieved victory in battle. In the second year of the Yuan Taiding era (1325), the emperor’s aunt, Princess Lu, the Grand Princess Puna, and Prince Lu Sanggebula commemorated this event by building a Guanyin Hall next to a natural cave. It was named Longxing Temple, and the cave was called Jingfan Tian Shuiyun Cave. Today, the stone stele of Longxing Temple and the ruins of Jingfan Tian Shuiyun Cave remain.

Mantuo Mountain is a tourist, sightseeing, and leisure destination that combines mountains, lakes, deserts, grasslands, and shrublands. From atop Mantuo Mountain, you can gaze into the distance: to the east lies the vast and lush Gongger Grassland; to the south stretches the endless white-as-snow, yellow-as-gold Hunshandake Sandy Area; to the west is a stretch of green shrubbery; and to the north lies the shimmering waters of Dali Lake.

The western side of Mantuo Mountain features an area for viewing unique rocks. Various uniquely shaped and strikingly lifelike rocks lie either lying down or standing upright. There are

“

the Great Buddha of Mantuo

”

,

“

the Seal Bathing in the Sun

”

,

“

the Stone Waterfall

”

,

“

the Golden Toad Leaping

”

and more. The southern side of Mantuo Mountain is a tourist resort area, showcasing a perfect blend of modernity and ethnic culture. Western-style villas give you the feeling of being in a city, while traditional Mongolian yurts allow you to experience rich ethnic charm.

When night falls, you can dance under the glittering neon lights, as if strolling through the Jade Pool; when you gather around a bonfire in the wild, it feels like a festive celebration. Oh, and don’t forget to head north to see the two majestic wind turbines standing tall, soaring gracefully like a roc spreading its wings in the sky. These are wind-powered generators, 40 meters high with 43-meter blades, sweeping an area of 1,452 square meters. The total investment was 9 million yuan, generating 1,200 kilowatt-hours per year. While you’re marveling at the grandeur of the turbines, you might also casually spot the gentle and serene Dali Lake opening her broad embrace toward you from the north of Mantuo Mountain. Before you descend the mountain, be sure to offer a prayer facing the towering Great Buddha of Mantuo—he will bless you in realizing your beautiful wishes.