San Die Yan Scenic Area

　　“Peaks converge on Longqiu Mountain, winding and undulating with rugged ridges. Among them, the most extraordinary is San Die, towering abruptly like a noble’s hat.” These are lines from Yu Shaosong’s poem about San Die Yan. Located 15 kilometers southeast of the county town, San Die Yan features a main peak with precipitous cliffs, where rock chambers are stacked like three-story towers—hence the name “San Die” (Three Layers).

　　The scenery of San Die Yan is spectacular and its caves are unique. The first layer of the cave is known as the Emperor Cave, named after Zhu Yuanzhang once took refuge here. Peculiar rocks hang precariously overhead; the cave is shallow but imposing, with springs that flow year-round. There is a Stone Drum that “resonates deeply, echoing to the treetops.” The second layer boasts a spacious cave resembling a hall, extending several zhang in depth. Niches are carved into the walls, and shrines are built along the cave, including the Hu Gong Hall, Arhat Hall, and Liberation Pond. The third layer’s cave lies on a steep cliff and is called the Guanyin Cave, housing a Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue.

　　Another highlight of the San Die Yan scenic area is its long history. Buddhist activities began in the Song Dynasty; Emperor Duzong of the Southern Song “sent envoys to worship the mountain,” and after ascending the throne, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang bestowed the title “Protectorate Chan Temple.” Li Shixian, the Prince of auxiliary forces during the Taiping Rebellion, once set up camp and planned strategies here.

　　Near San Die Yan are other attractions such as Tiger Rock, Lion Rock, Snow Rock, Mouse Rock, and the Seven Fairies Cave, stretching over several miles. With their extraordinary rocks and peaks, serene surroundings, they form a natural landscape resembling dragons coiling, lions crouching, and tigers roaring. From the summit of San Die Yan, the panoramic view spans dozens of square miles.

　　The San Die Yan Scenic Area and its surroundings feature 12 attractions, including the Notable Precipice Hiding a Temple, Bamboo Path Leading to Seclusion, Fairy Summit Offering Panoramic Views, Crouching Tiger and Coiled Dragon, Lone Beauty of Black Stone, Bright Moon in Secluded Valley, Bamboo Swaying under Moonlight, and Flower Rock Jade Pool.