Mantou Mountain Ecological Park

　　Mantou Mountain Ecological Park was established in 2005. It spans from Ganhe River in the east to Chuan Kou in the west, from Huang Yuan in the south to Xianhe River in the north…

　　The entrance gate of Mantou Mountain is a four-pillar memorial archway built in the style of the Ming Dynasty, featuring upturned eaves and brackets, red pillars, and colorful beams. Both the height and width measure 9 meters, symbolizing the concept of “returning to unity from nine nines,” representing the idea that one can observe the vastness of the world through a single gateway.

　　A total of six leisure pavilions have been planned for Mantou Mountain, with three currently completed. The first is named Hubi Pavilion, built on Tiger Head Cliff and located to the west of the mountain gate. According to celestial alignment, it corresponds to the “White Tiger” (the right side), hence the character “Tiger.” The second is named Longxiang Pavilion, built to the east of the mountain gate. Based on celestial theory, it is associated with the “Dragon”—symbolizing power and a noble steed—while “Xiang” refers to a horse rearing its head and galloping. The third is named Jixian Pavilion, situated on the mountainside of Lifeng Mountain. It serves as a resting spot for visitors during their climb and is the only pavilion with a square design. It is simply styled: white pillars and blue tiles, without any inscriptions or colored paintings, making it distinct from the other Ming- and Qing-style buildings in the park, as it imitates the Han Dynasty architectural style.

　　The mountaintop square is a place where visitors can enjoy distant views, exercise, and rest during their climb. It covers a total area of 2,741 square meters. At the entrance, stone lions welcome visitors, with 205 white lions facing the tower on all sides, symbolizing the year 2005 when it was built. The lions are divided into males and females, with different patterns on their railings. For example, at the entrance, the right side features a phoenix, while the left side features a dragon. Male and female lions are interspersed. All steps are designed using the auspicious numbers 9 and 13.

　　Yunyan Tower stands 17.3 meters tall and has three levels, with two gates—one on the north and one on the south—decorated entirely with exquisitely painted calligraphy and paintings. The first floor features floral designs, birds, trees, and plants; the second floor depicts the legends of the Eight Immortals; and the third floor showcases the eight trigrams pattern. The figures, trees, flowers, and birds throughout the tower are vividly portrayed and lifelike. Since ancient times, there has been a saying about “nine swallows diving toward Mantou,” and from this tower, visitors can directly witness this phenomenon and take in the full view of Mantou Mountain. Up close, the pavilions and towers are staggered and harmoniously correspond with each other, intricately interwoven and reflecting colors against each other. Stone steps wind around the mountains in gentle rises and falls, leading to secluded paths. The green cypresses and pines, blooming flowers, singing birds, and fragrant blossoms fill the mountain. At night, the streetlights along the mountain roads resemble a silver chain winding around the mountain. The elegant and colorful lighting on the mountaintop square adorns Mantou Mountain with a dazzling crown. From a distance, the crisscrossing roads of the city connect rows of densely packed buildings, while the bustling crowds bring vitality to the ancient town. Bridges arch like rainbows over the rippling waters, linking the northern and southern parts of the city. Standing atop Yunyan Tower and gazing into the distance offers boundless imagination and lingering memories...