Lianghe Cliff

　　    Lianghe Cliff is located in Houba Village, about 3 li from Puxi Town, Hanyin, approximately 200 meters north of the Anshi Second-Class Highway, covering an area of 3.5 hectares. About 40 meters into the mountain, visitors are greeted by a magnificent and spectacular colorful archway inscribed with five gilded characters reading “Lianghe Cliff Scenic Spot” in bold and vigorous strokes. On the pillars on both sides are couplets that read: “The gate welcomes green mountains and clear waters, offering a view of the grand Lianghe Hall; the cliff embraces ancient caves where monks guard the sun, moon, and universe,” which provide a vivid summary of the legendary beauty and spiritual charm of Lianghe Cliff, captivating all who see it.

　　    Lianghe Cliff has a long history. With two mountains facing each other and only a sliver of sky visible, the cliff rises hundreds of feet high, often shrouded in clouds. Legend has it that it was split open by Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy) from the South Sea to drive away demons and bless the local people. To show their gratitude for Guanyin’s grace, the locals carved shrines into the mountain cliffs to enshrine the Goddess. A clear spring emerges from an eye-like opening in the cliff, dripping into a pool. The water is cool and refreshing, and drinking it is said to cure illnesses and ward off disasters, leaving one feeling clear-headed and invigorated. Thus, people also call Lianghe Cliff “Dripping Water Cliff,” and refer to the deity as the “Dripping Water Guanyin.” A Guanyin Pavilion was built here, and from then on, Lianghe Cliff became widely known, attracting numerous worshippers. During the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, locals donated funds to renovate the Guanyin Pavilion and recast the golden statue of the Goddess. The site flourished as a blessed land. As an ancient couplet praises: “Stone...”

　　    “...a grand mountain gate with two doors, a clear spring in the cave where immortals dwell.” This provides a vivid sketch of what Lianghe Cliff used to be. However, after several instances of damage, the scenic area lost much of its former glory.

　　    Since the reform and opening-up period, efforts have been made to restore this tourist attraction, leading to new developments at Lianghe Cliff. Thanks to the advocacy of public-minded retirees such as Jiang Xiaowan and Ma Shiduo, strong community support, along with the attention of city and county leaders to the development of the tourism industry and their support for the expansion of the Lianghe Cliff scenic area, over a decade of hard work has resulted in a completely renewed and unprecedentedly vibrant Lianghe Cliff.

　　    Five years ago, visitors to Lianghe Cliff called it a “street of temples” out of curiosity. Now, Lianghe Cliff is a serene and otherworldly paradise of exquisite temples, home to deities representing Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, as well as various folk gods and figures. At the top is the Primordial Heavenly Worthy, at the bottom is the local earth god, far away is the Sacred Mother of the West, and nearby is the locally revered Saint Tang, whose healing powers are celebrated. The scenic area features temples, shrines, and divine caves scattered across the landscape, filled with fragrant flowers and birdsong. The spiritual mountain cliffs are beautifully serene, delighting all the immortals. On entering the cliff area, to the left against the mountain stands a 13-meter-high statue of the Tathagata Buddha, with kind and benevolent features smiling at visitors. Opposite the great Buddha is a theater stage adorned with dragons and phoenixes, where generals and ministers once performed. During temple festivals, the number of pilgrims, sightseers, and theatergoers can reach...

　　    a thousand people a day. The air is filled with incense smoke, and the sounds of bells and drums ring out, creating a lively and extraordinary atmosphere. Venturing deeper into the enchanting realm, amidst swirling clouds and mist, one encounters Guanyin, compassionate and promoting kindness, and the Spirit Official, whip in hand to vanquish evil. One can observe the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each displaying their unique powers, or count the eighteen arhats smiling at life’s journey. Ascending the winding stone steps up the mountain, one comes across the Azure Dragon Jade Pool, where the dragon sprays crystal-clear spring water, fragrant like fine wine. By the “Dragon-Trapped Pool,” one can see the legendary figure Jiang Ziya fishing, while on the “Immortal Crossing Bridge,” the immortal Zhang Guolao is seen riding his donkey backward across the bridge—an amusing and unique scene. There is also a tale of the Dragon King and an immortal drinking wine and composing poetry: “On heaven’s back rides a lone donkey; on earth untie a pair of ducks. Leisurely returning to the celestial abode, I ask: are the peaches ripe yet?” As one journeys through this divine realm, layered peaks and ever-changing scenery unfold. Lush vines hang down like curtains hung by immortals, and floral-patterned cliffs form beautiful screens alongside divine beings. As praised in a fine couplet: “Below Lianghe Cliff, a hundred Buddhas appear; within the narrow rift in the mountain, a multitude of immortals hide.” Being in this heavenly realm...

　　    brings a sense of peace and joy, banishing worldly concerns, elevating one’s spirit, and transcending the mundane. With its magical allure, Lianghe Cliff attracts Buddhist monks from all directions to meditate, chant scriptures, and preach here, as well as visitors from all around who are inspired by the scenery to compose poetry, paint, and leave messages. People praise Lianghe Cliff as a unique gem among the tourist attractions at the foot of Phoenix Mountain and as a window of openness for Hanyin.

　　    “A mountain need not be high to be famous if it is home to immortals; water need not be deep to be spiritual if it holds a dragon.” Lianghe Cliff gathers gods and immortals, enjoys widespread fame, and boasts a soaring dragon and gushing springs, radiating spiritual energy—a perfect combination. Visitors find it hard to leave, making it truly a rare earthly paradise.

　　    Rating: 2A

　　    Phone: 0915-5410840

　　    Fax: 0915-5212222

　　    Address: Puxi Town, Hanyin County