Taihua Mountain

　　Taihua Mountain is situated in Zhuangdong Village, Dongzhen Town, Xinyi City, at the border between Dongzhen Town and Chidong Town to the northwest of the city proper, about 10 kilometers from downtown and standing 678 meters above sea level. The mountain boasts breathtaking natural scenery and is honored as one of the “New Eight Scenic Spots of Xinyi”—“Taihua Panorama View,” which has become a popular destination for tourists from both home and abroad.

　　Taihua Mountain is a famous peak in Xinyi, known for its beautiful natural landscape and pleasant climate. The mountainside is covered with lush, verdant trees, while the mountaintop features green meadows and blooming wildflowers. The mountain is home to three classic-style ancient temples: two Temple of the Grand Commanders and one Guanyin Temple. These structures are elegantly built and solemnly preserved.

　　The Temple of the Grand Commanders enshrines three deities: Grand Commanders Han, Yan, and Tao.

　　Among the three temples, the divine statues are vividly crafted, lifelike and striking. Worshippers coming to pray and draw divination slips arrive in an endless stream, as do tourists here for sightseeing. On either side of the temples stand two small opposing hills—one shaped like a bell and the other like a drum. Between the “bell” and “drum” lies a pool outlet, beneath which drops a 200-meter-high cliff. Water cascades down like an inverted silver ribbon. To the south of the temples lies an ancient well with clear, high-quality water that flows continuously—it is one of the sources of the Jian River. The crystal-clear Heavenly Lake and Immortal Lake are home to fish visible to the naked eye. There is also a stunning rainbow-like zigzag bridge, as well as the earthen wall fortress and tombs of the three Grand Commanders—Han, Yan, and Tao—who once led troops to build them for defense.

　　From the summit of Taihua, one can take in the sweeping beauty of the surrounding landscape: looking east, the Datian Top TV Tower soars into the clouds, the new urban complex along both banks of the river in downtown Xinyi presents a magnificent view, and the Shangwen Reservoir glimmers under the sunlight; to the south lie the landscapes of Gaozhou, with the distant Gaocheng Pagoda in view; to the north, you can see the mountains of Guangxi—Jiguan Mountain, Tuzhu Mountain, and Fugaiding Mountain; and to the west, the Xijiang Hot Springs exude fragrant air. The mountain also hosts dozens of acres of tea plantations. Strolling along the quiet paths, you’re greeted by the rich aroma of tea wafting into your heart. Take a rest in the woods, listen to the pine winds and birdsongs, sip Taihua tea, and feel all worldly fatigue wash away—leaving you refreshed, uplifted, and energized.

　　In 1991, with the approval of the Maoming Municipal Tourism Bureau, Taihua Mountain was designated as Xinyi City’s first tourist area and historical cultural heritage reserve. In 2002, the Taihua Mountain Tourism District Management Committee invested substantial funds to develop tourism facilities. Major projects included the Taihua Mountain Hotel Corridor, Ancient Fortress Great Wall, sightseeing cable car, ecological tourism site roads, Astronomical Observation Deck, stone-paved mountain steps, Sky Ladder, Immortal Platform, Heavenly Lake, and commercial corridor in the temple area. Additionally, the soon-to-be-installed “World’s No. 1 Drum” on Taihua Mountain has already been cast.