Xianling Mountain Scenic Area

Xianling Mountain Scenic Area

Xianling Mountain, also known as "Mumin Mountain," is located about 1 kilometer northeast of the outskirts of Yangshan in Qingyuan. It is a cultural and historical tourism area in Yangshan County. Han Yu was demoted multiple times during his life, and his first demotion was to serve as the county magistrate of Yangshan. Although his tenure here was brief, its impact was profound. The *New Book of Tang* states that he “won the love of the people” in Yangshan: first, he introduced Central Plains culture to Yangshan, promoting local intellectual enlightenment; second, he brought advanced agricultural techniques from the Central Plains, transforming the area’s hunting-based lifestyle and boosting local economic development.

Xianling Mountain got its name because Han Yu was considered a “virtuous magistrate.” The mountain boasts stunning natural scenery—rolling peaks, winding paths, flowing streams where fish leap, pine waves that block out the sun, and birds chirping loudly, making it an ideal spot for leisure and vacation. Since the Tang Dynasty, famous scholars have left inscriptions on the red cliffs and verdant rocks, turning historic sites such as Han Wengong’s Reading Platform, the Leisure Cave, Chaoyang Cave, and Typing Cliff into renowned attractions today. The magical Chaoyang Cave, the winding One-Line Sky, and the lively Water Curtain Cave are natural wonders that captivate the imagination.

The mountain features breathtaking natural scenery—undulating peaks, meandering trails, gurgling streams where fish leap, pine waves that shield the sun, and birds singing loudly, making it a perfect destination for relaxation. Since the Tang Dynasty, celebrated scholars have left inscriptions on the crimson cliffs and lush rocks, transforming ancient sites like Han Wengong’s Reading Platform, Leisure Cave, Chaoyang Cave, and Typing Cliff into popular attractions. The mystical Chaoyang Cave, the serpentine One-Line Sky, and the vibrant Water Curtain Cave are natural marvels that inspire awe. The Beishan Ancient Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty, is serene and elegant, surrounded by lush trees and home to exquisite stone inscriptions, each a true treasure.

A short walk of just over ten minutes from downtown Yangshan leads you to “Yumen Stacked Waves,” one of the “Ten Scenic Spots of Yangshan” named by Xiao Bingkun, a county magistrate of Yangshan during the Qing Dynasty.

The Yangshan Martyrs' Cemetery is situated at the southern foot of Xianling Mountain, facing south with its back to the north, and covers an area of approximately 10 hectares. The cemetery’s main entrance is a grand marble archway, with side gates on the east and west. The frames of the side gates are inscribed with the eight-character seal script phrases “Heroes’ Spirits Live On” and “Noble Spirit Endures Forever,” which complement the marble gate beautifully. Inside the gate lies a platform adorned with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, featuring a large stone carving on the front. Over 2,000 neat and sturdy steps, flanked by rows of emerald cypresses, lead directly to the memorial monument, symbolizing the everlasting vitality of the martyrs.

The Yangshan Martyrs' Cemetery is situated at the southern foot of Xianling Mountain, facing south with its back to the north, and covers an area of approximately 10 hectares. The cemetery’s main entrance is a grand marble archway, with side gates on the east and west. The frames of the side gates are inscribed with the eight-character seal script phrases “Heroes’ Spirits Live On” and “Noble Spirit Endures Forever,” which complement the marble gate beautifully. Inside the gate lies a platform adorned with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, featuring a large stone carving on the front. Over 2,000 neat and sturdy steps, flanked by rows of emerald cypresses, lead directly to the memorial monument, symbolizing the everlasting vitality of the martyrs.

Behind the monument lies the martyrs’ tomb, circular and domed, housing the remains of the fallen heroes in solemn silence. On the hillside beside the steps are memorial pavilions with railings nestled in greenery, offering lovely spots for visitors to explore.

The monument stands tall and majestic, piercing the sky, with a dazzling red star embedded at its top. The front of the monument is inscribed with “Monument to Revolutionary Martyrs,” while the back reads “Eternal Glory to Revolutionary Martyrs.” It stands proudly atop the hill.

The martyrs' cemetery is solemn and dignified, with lush greenery and blooming flowers adding splendor to Xianling Mountain. Clusters of blossoms dot the sea of pines and cypresses, blending harmoniously with pavilions and towers. On the wide walls within the cemetery is a large relief sculpture titled “Inscription of Aspiration,” with the three characters calligraphed by the renowned Chinese painter Guan Shanyue.

Cross the Yumen Bridge and climb the steps. Amidst the greenery, an ancient temple—the Beishan Ancient Temple—suddenly comes into view. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is one of the few well-known temples in northern Guangdong. Having weathered centuries of storms, although its deities once “journeyed to the immortal realm,” the temple itself remains. In the late 20th century, some devoted individuals funded its renovation, invited monks to return, and revitalized the temple.

The Beishan Ancient Temple in Yangshan is located at the foot of Xianling Mountain, facing south with its back to the north, and is built along the contours of the mountain, covering over ten acres. With upturned eaves and a grand structure, it is embraced by surrounding hills and lush woods. In front, the Yumen Stacked Waves cascade down; inside, flowers and trees thrive, creating a serene environment that ranks it as the finest temple in the county.

The Beishan Ancient Temple was first built during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty (1522–1566) and has undergone multiple expansions over the centuries. Originally a large courtyard with four sections, the first section housed the Zhengxianweng Shrine on the right, the Han Daxian Shrine on the left, and the main gate in the center, inscribed with the characters “Beishan Ancient Temple.” A pair of stone lions guards the gate. Inside, there is a liberation pond with clear, winding water flowing from the “Ancient Cave Rhyme Spring” behind the temple. Above the pond lies the Golden Water Bridge, and beyond it lies the Yuan Emperor Hall, flanked by the Sanyuan Shrine on the right and the Seven Sages Shrine on the left. The shrine walls feature eight rare stone inscriptions, including the calligraphy of Song Dynasty artist Mi Fu: “Just Look at the Mountain Hut,” with bold and exquisite strokes unparalleled in the world.

From the temple gate, visitors can gaze into the distance to see green-clad mountains and a silver ribbon of the Huangchuan River. The neatly arranged fields of the suburbs and the towering buildings of the urban area spread out before you, brimming with vitality.

Today’s Beishan Ancient Temple follows the architectural style of the Song Dynasty and is designed as a monastic complex. It boasts solemn and unique beauty—the Mahavira Hall is resplendent and majestic, the Arhat Square is imposing, and the Bell and Drum Towers are thoughtfully arranged. The Western Paradise, Scripture Depository, Lotus Pond, and Buddhist Pagoda have all been completed, making Beishan Ancient Temple another Buddhist sacred site in Guangdong and a scenic religious destination in northern Guangdong.

As a renowned ancient temple in Qingyuan City, Beishan Ancient Temple belongs to the Southern School of Chan Buddhism and is currently the largest religious activity venue in northwestern Guangdong. The temple houses magnificent golden Buddha statues throughout its halls and squares, making it the temple with the most Buddha statues in Asia.

The Han Yu Memorial Hall is located on Xianling Mountain in Yangshan County, Guangdong, built to commemorate the great literary figure Han Yu, who once served as the county magistrate of Yangshan. The exhibition hall displays stone carvings of Han Yu’s handwriting left in Yangshan, as well as rubbings of poems and writings by literati through the ages who admired him.

Inside the exhibition hall, there is a precious rubbing of a full-body portrait of Han Yu. The Yangshan Han Yu Memorial Hall also preserves a stone engraving by Xiao Bingkun, accompanied by a poem and preface. The poem and preface are passionate and moving, leaving readers in awe.

Han Yu was demoted multiple times during his life, and his first demotion was to serve as the county magistrate of Yangshan. Although his tenure here was brief, its impact was profound. The *New Book of Tang* states that he “won the love of the people” in Yangshan: first, he introduced Central Plains culture to Yangshan, promoting local intellectual enlightenment; second, he brought advanced agricultural techniques from the Central Plains, transforming the area’s hunting-based lifestyle and boosting local economic development. Xianling Mountain got its name because Han Yu was considered a “virtuous magistrate.”

Chaoyang Cave is located on the southwestern side of Xianling Mountain, with its entrance facing east—hence the name “Chaoyang Cave” (Sun-Facing Cave). Outside the cave, pine forests layer the landscape, and grasses sway gently; inside, the cave is deep and dim, stretching from east to west and illuminated by torchlight. The cave is about 2 to 4 meters wide and 3 to 6 meters high. Stalactites hang like silver pillars, and the stream inside is crystal-clear, shimmering like phosphorus or a mirror, smooth as sandalwood or willow. Rocky outcrops stand firm like chairs or tables, while delicate stones resemble shells or pearls, creating a surreal scene. At sunrise, when sunlight shines directly into the cave, the three characters “Chaoyang Cave,” inscribed in the Ming Dynasty Wanli year of Yimao (1615) by Yangshan County Magistrate Feng Dashou on the stone brow at the cave entrance, emerge through the mist. The cave walls also bear inscriptions such as “Chaoyang Cave Connects to Leisure Cave” and several untitled seven-character quatrains. Exploring the cave reveals fantastical sights, offering a unique experience.

Nestled within Xianling Mountain, this cave is over ten meters high, with a waterfall cascading straight down like a beaded curtain, hence the name “Water Curtain Cave.” The cave stretches from east to west, allowing visitors to enter via a detour along the side. Inside, stalactites hang high, and the sound of dripping water echoes. The entrance pool is shallow and green, with fish and shrimp darting about. Outside the cave, vines and branches are lush and vibrant. On warm days, sunlight filters through, creating rainbows, while in spring and summer, water droplets spray like pearls and jade, resembling snow and thunder, a truly spectacular sight. Visitors here are always filled with joy.

Throughout the year, Xianling Mountain welcomes a continuous stream of visitors.