Nanshan Ancient Scenic Area

Nanshan Ancient Scenic Area

The Nanshan Ancient Scenic Area preserves three of the former Eight Scenic Spots of Zengcheng: "Nanshan Fishing Platform," "Zengjiang Evening Ferry," and "Nanshan Phoenix Tower." It is a place of breathtaking scenery and abundant historic sites. The Phoenix Tower stands atop Nanshan Mountain, facing the Wild Goose Tower across the river.

Built in 1578 during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era, the Phoenix Tower has been reconstructed many times. Seven stories tall, visitors can climb to the top to take in the full view of the Zengjiang River and downtown Zengcheng. It’s no wonder that throughout history, numerous officials and literati have left poetic verses here in admiration.

Visitors can admire the beautiful Zengjiang River from the River-Viewing Pavilion. The scenic area also retains the “Nanshan Ancient Temple,” initially built during the Ming Dynasty, which stands by the river. The temple houses deities such as Guanyin, the Northern Emperor, and Tai Sui. It’s no surprise that later generations composed a poem to praise these scenic wonders: “Ride the ‘Evening Ferry’ to ‘Nanshan,’ where the ‘Phoenix’ and ‘Wild Goose’ towers reflect in the river; ‘South Screen’ sends off school kids as ‘Spring Carp’ swim, while the ‘Ancient Temple’ bell chimes bid ‘Farewell’ on the way back.”

Beyond its cultural relics, Xishan (West Mountain) is also home to countless historical legends:

According to the family chronicles of the Cai clan, Cai Zongrong of the tenth generation was related by marriage to Hu Tinglan (his younger sister-in-law was Hu’s sister). After serving as the magistrate of Xianning County, Cai Zongrong returned to his hometown in glory. Scholars from nearby towns gathered at Xishan to meet him, and the young Hu Tinglan hurried to the banquet. Seeing Hu dressed in shabby clothes and looking impoverished, the local scholars refused to share a table with him. Deeply moved by this display of indifference, Hu reflected on the coldness of society. After the banquet, he walked home by lantern light, passed by the Nanshan Fishing Platform, and threw his lantern into the Nanshan Pool (later called Xishan Pool), vowing, “If I don’t pass the exam this time, I will next time; if I still fail, I will die in Xishan Pool.” Fueled by determination, he studied hard and indeed ranked first among the successful candidates in the imperial examination that year (as the top scholar among the Juren).