Lotus Terrace

　　Lotus Terrace (Scenic Area) is situated in the Guanshan Mountains in the western part of Hua Ting County, 35 kilometers from the county town, with an elevation ranging from 1,520 to 2,764 meters. It is said to have been a site where emperors offered sacrifices to heaven. In 1995, it was approved by the provincial government as a provincial-level forest park. The area features pristine natural landscapes intertwined with Taoist cultural elements. It spans a protected viewing area of 118.8 square kilometers. The region boasts picturesque peaks, deep valleys, melodious birdsong, and breathtaking scenery. It is rich in flora and fauna, with over 400 species across nine categories, earning it the reputation of a stunning “zoo” and “botanical garden” on the Loess Plateau. There are numerous cultural relics, including two ancient copper mine sites (mined during the Tang Dynasty by Jingde), two ancient plank road ruins, 21 stone carvings, 20 Buddha statues, and multiple temples. The ruins of the ancient “Upper Temple” and “Lower Temple,” two of the five temples built by the Qin Dynasty in Yong, have also been discovered here.

　　The stele inscription on Qinglong Mountain serves as the best historical and archaeological evidence. The most captivating feature is the surrounding area centered around the unique sight of the solitary, towering Lotus Terrace. Here, steep ridges are covered in lush greenery, deep valleys twist and turn, bizarre rocks stand in clusters, clouds and mist linger in the air, trees form a canopy overhead, vines drape from branches, birds sing and flowers bloom, and streams babble softly. It seems crafted by the hands of gods, a rare sight in the Longyuan region, and is hailed as a premier destination for tourism and sightseeing in the west.

　　The main scenic area of Lotus Terrace features renowned spots such as Herb Garden Hut, Valley Labyrinth, Mountain Gate Welcome, Heavenly King Tower and Green Dragon Pool, Turtle-Suppressing Peak and Tiger-Hiding Cliff, Mushroom Cliff and Bodhisattva Head, Mountain Ghost Bridge, Immortal Bridge, and Elephant Drinking Water. Each site offers a unique blend of wonder, danger, grandeur, and beauty, perfectly complementing the natural and cultural landscapes.

　　Lotus Terrace is renowned throughout the world for its naturally secluded beauty that ranks first under heaven and its numerous historical relics. Over the ages, many poets and scholars have flocked here to admire the “gathering place of immortals.”

　　They come to experience the charm and spiritual essence of Eastern Taoist culture. Through millennia of history, Lotus Terrace has cultivated a rich Taoist heritage. In addition to the well-preserved and reconstructed temples, monasteries, and other cultural landmarks, it also houses a wealth of ancient relics, including old steles, stone carvings, statues, and classical historical texts.

　　These treasures hold a wealth of historical information and mysteries related to Taoist culture, waiting to be studied, deciphered, and interpreted by people.

　　Admission: 10 RMB.

　　Contact Number: 0933－7728609