Three-Tiered Rock

　　The Three-Tiered Rock Scenic Area is located 15 kilometers southeast of Longyou County. Surrounded by mountains, lush forests, and bamboo groves, the area is alive with birdsong. The stone chambers are stacked like buildings in three tiers, hence the name “Three-Tiered Rock.” The bottom cave is called Emperor Cave, where jagged rocks hang dramatically from above. Though shallow, the cave has a perilous aura and a perennial spring. There is also a stone drum that “resonates deeply, echoing to the treetops,” and legend says Zhu Yuanzhang once took refuge here. The second tier features a spacious cave resembling a hall, extending several zhang deep. Niches were carved into the walls, and temples were built inside the cave, including the Hu Gong Hall, Arhat Hall, and a Liberation Pond. The third tier cave is situated on a steep cliff and is called Guanyin Cave, housing a statue of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin.

　　The Three-Tiered Rock Scenic Area features 12 attractions, including Tiger Rock, Lion Rock, Snow Rock, Mouse Rock, Seven Fairies Cave, and Flower Rock Jade Pool. Stretching over several miles, the area boasts uniquely shaped rocks, beautiful peaks, and a tranquil environment, forming a natural landscape resembling dragons coiling, lions crouching, and tigers roaring. Notable sights include Hidden Temple Among Precipitous Rocks, Secluded Path Through Bamboo, Summit Viewpoint, and Moonlit Bamboo Sways. Buddhist activities at the temples began in the Song Dynasty, and Emperor Duzong of the Southern Song “sent envoys to worship the mountain.” After ascending the throne, Emperor Taizu of the Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang, bestowed the title “Protectorate Chan Monastery.” Li Shixian, the Prince of Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, also set up camp and planned strategies here. Every year on the 13th day of the eighth lunar month, the Three-Tiered Rock Temple Fair attracts throngs of worshippers and visitors.