Taishan Scenic Area

　　   Taishan Scenic Area is situated 38 kilometers south of Wuyi County in Yunhua Township, spanning a total area of 5 square kilometers. The region is characterized by sheer cliffs, a majestic atmosphere, competing peaks, and misty surroundings, resembling a fairyland beyond the mortal world. It has long been known as a scenic gem of central Zhejiang.

　　   Taishan Temple is perched atop the summit of Taishan Mountain, with its name inscribed by Zhao Puchu, former president of the Buddhist Association of China. Historical records indicate that as early as the Qiande era of the Northern Song Dynasty (963–968 AD), the eminent monk known as the Tiger-Taming Master came to Taishan to preach. He built a thatched hut for meditation and, riding a tiger, raised funds to establish Taishan Temple. His tiger would lie every night on a large rock at the temple’s entrance, and over time, its imprint was left behind—a shape still faintly visible today. Through successive dynasties of expansion, Taishan Temple gradually took shape. In the Ming Dynasty, during the Ji Mao year of the Chongzhen era (1639 AD), it was renamed Zhenjing Nunnery; then in the 59th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1794 AD), it reverted to its original name, Taishan Temple. In recent years, the site has been restored and expanded with new attractions such as the Laicui Pavilion, front hall wing rooms, Guanyin Hall, Miaoyun Pavilion, Gonde Pavilion, Mountain Gate Archway, Mountain-Encircling Corridor, Bamboo Pavilion, Sutra-Burning Stone Pagoda, and a 15-meter-tall outdoor statue of Amitabha Buddha. The temple has gained increasing popularity and fame across the region.

　　   The Three Wonders of Taishan revolve around Taishan Temple as the centerpiece of the scenic area, characterized by its unique mountain, steep cliffs, refreshing breezes, and beautiful scenery—summarized as the three wonders: First, atop the solitary mountain peak lies a well whose water remains abundant and never dries up even in droughts. Crystal clear, sweet, and refreshing, it can supply hundreds of people with drinking water and is referred to by locals as the “Immortal Well.” Second, the area boasts uniquely spectacular scenery. Surrounded on three sides by cliffs, Taishan Mountain is steep and precipitous. Inside the mountain, there are ten scenic spots including Miao Yun Qing Feng (Graceful Clouds and Fresh Breezes), Lai Cui Wang Yue (Approaching Greenery and Moon Gazing), Bu Yun Yuan Tiao (Walking on Clouds and Gazing into the Distance), Shu Men Ting Tao (Listening to Waves at the Tree Gate), Fu Hu Huai Gu (Recalling the Past with the Tiger-Tamer), Xuan Jing Shen Ping (Mysterious Mirror and Divine Screen), Xian Jing Yu Lu (Immortal Well and Jade Dew), Tian Chi Guan Yu (Viewing Fish in the Heavenly Pool), Jing Shui Long Ya (Tranquil Water and Dragon Cliff), and Huan Lang Zhong Gu (Bell Drum Sounds along the Encircling Corridor). Outside the mountain, there are eight additional attractions: Huashan Stone Sword, Three Stone Blue Pools, Qingxiu Ancient Camphor Trees, Hanging Rock Imperial Censor, Tiger Hill Whispering Winds, He Yang Reflecting Radiance, Seven Peaks Sunset Glow, and Mei Tea Blue Waves. Third, the environment is serene, elegant, and pleasant in all seasons. The area surrounding the temple is rich with ancient and famous trees, and from afar, one can enjoy the pine waves on the mountains, with landscapes veiled in clouds and mist—like stepping into a heavenly realm, lifting the spirits and refreshing the mind.