Longnan Xiangshan

　　Xiangshan is situated at the junction of the southern part of Xihe County and Li County, with its main peak reaching an altitude of 2,532 meters, making it the second highest peak in the county. It borders Wudu District to the south, stretching east to west. The terrain is gently sloped in the east and steep in the west, vast and lush, extending over 60 kilometers.

　　When you climb Xiangshan and look into the distance, you’ll see mountains surrounding you and a vast sea of clouds. The Hanjiang River flows quietly at the foot of the mountain. Amid the misty mid-slopes, three temples—the Upper Temple, Middle Temple, and Lower Temple—are neatly arranged one after another in the sea of green. Watch the drifting clouds, listen to the rustling pine waves, admire the rare flowers and plants, gaze at the undulating green sea, and listen to the chirping of birds. It feels like entering a fairyland, refreshing the mind and making one linger without wanting to leave.

　　Historically, due to excessive deforestation, the Xiangshan mountain was left bare and desolate. Starting in 1982, Xihe and Li counties implemented aerial seeding of tree species such as Masson pine and spruce. Now, 260,000 acres of forest have been established, with green woods sprawling and the forest meeting the sky, accompanied by crisp sounds of rustling leaves. It has become an important protected forest area.

　　Legend has it that during the Western Han Dynasty, there was a Xi Yu Kingdom in Xihe. The third princess of Xi Yu Kingdom, Miaoshan, practiced diligently in Baique Temple. Her father, King Miaozhuang, tried repeatedly to persuade her to return home and get married but failed. In a fit of anger, he ordered Baique Temple to be burned down, resulting in the deaths of 500 monks and nuns and ten thousand worshippers in the fire. Princess Miaoshan was protected by various deities and miraculously survived. Later, she was captured by King Miaozhuang and brought to the palace to be beheaded. However, under the secret protection of the deities, Princess Miaoshan managed to escape and eventually came to Xiangshan, where she built a hut to preach, drive away evil spirits, and save sentient beings. One day, while Princess Miaoshan was meditating by the cliff, a white rabbit suddenly darted past and ran toward the edge of the cliff. Miaoshan immediately rushed to the edge to try to save it but unfortunately fell into the abyss herself. After Miaoshan attained nirvana, her disciples buried her on the cliff. This now steep and solitary peak is called “The Cliff of Self-Sacrifice.” It is said that Princess Miaoshan was the reincarnation of Guanyin Bodhisattva who came to save sentient beings. Later, people built temples on the Cliff of Self-Sacrifice, depicting Miaoshan as the compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva, sitting on a lotus throne, for future generations to worship. To this day, ancient books such as “The Legend of Xiangshan” and “The Morning Bell That Awakens the World” are still passed down among the people of Xihe, recounting this mysterious historical legend.

　　Xiangshan boasts beautiful scenery and enchanting attractions. There are nine major scenic spots: Xiangshan Flowing Clouds, Twelve Cauldron Pits, The Cliff of Self-Sacrifice, Tower People (commonly known as Double People Rock), Sky Ladder, Wind Cave, Ice Cave, Quiet Water, and Boundary Stone. Due to its high altitude and location within a forested area, Xiangshan is often shrouded in mist, creating a mystical and breathtaking view. On clear days, dense fog wraps around the mountainside. Around noon, the fog condenses into cloud patches that rise and drift unpredictably around the mountaintops. Sometimes the clouds drift into the temples, pass through pavilions, or enter through the pavilions and exit the courtyards. If visitors reach out their hands, their palms will be filled with dewdrops. The moving clouds also make a rustling sound. In the afternoon, the clouds may gather or disperse unpredictably. Occasionally, when the clouds descend to the mountainside, thunderstorms occur, while the mountaintop remains sunny and red as ever, forming the unique spectacle of Xiangshan Flowing Clouds.

　　At the top of Xiangshan, there are twelve pits of varying sizes shaped like iron cauldrons. Legend has it that they were formed over time by Guanyin Bodhisattva cooking here during her practice on Xiangshan, hence the name “Twelve Cauldron Pits.”

　　Behind The Cliff of Self-Sacrifice stands a natural stone pagoda, resembling both a stone pagoda and a stone figure, standing proudly on Xiangshan, guarding the mountain. To the left of The Cliff of Self-Sacrifice lies the Eight-Turn Sky Ladder, the only path leading to the Guanyin Grand Hall. This winding path climbs steeply step by step, narrow and dangerous, making one’s heart race as if walking on a heavenly ladder.

　　Halfway up The Cliff of Self-Sacrifice, there is a cave entrance known as the Wind Cave. When the wind blows, it howls out from the cave, and mist gushes forth. Below the Wind Cave, there are three springs of clear water. Drinking from them is said to cool the body, cure illnesses, ward off evil, and protect one’s health.

　　The Ice Cave is hidden among towering ancient cypresses and steep cliffs in the back mountains of Xiangshan. Even in the scorching heat of June, the cave is chilling, with icicles standing everywhere. In the bitter cold of winter during the depths of December, the cave remains as warm as spring.

　　On the left side of Xiangshan, within the rocky cliffs, there is a spring with sweet and refreshing water. It is said that drinking this water can prolong life. The water in the spring appears and disappears unpredictably. To see the water flow, one must pray sincerely and avoid speaking loudly. If one prays with reverence, the water will gush out abundantly. But if one is arrogant, boastful, or noisy, the water will not appear. Therefore, people call this spring “Quiet Water.”

　　Even more astonishing is that at the summit of Xiangshan, there is a massive natural rock that divides the mountain into two parts. This rock also serves as the natural boundary stone between Xihe and Li counties.

　　With its profound historical and cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, Xiangshan has become a sacred site for pilgrims and tourists from Longnan and surrounding cities and counties. Xiangshan has three major temples: Qilin Temple, Jine Temple, and Longtan Temple, also known as the Upper Temple, Middle Temple, and Lower Temple. These temple buildings are grand and majestic, with soaring eaves and exquisite craftsmanship that is truly remarkable.