Lotus Peak of Mount Wuyi

　　Lotus Peak, one of the Thirty-Six Famous Peaks of the Mount Wuyi Scenic Area, is situated in the northwest of the scenic region. Its name conveys the image of a lotus blossoming in full beauty, with the vast mountain scenery being both pristine and captivating. The peaks embody tender emotions, while the playful sounds of streams accompany the lush green flows, lingering as if reluctant to leave. This couplet depicts the beauty of the surrounding landscape and succinctly summarizes the natural scenery of Lotus Peak.

　　With an elevation of 536 meters, Lotus Peak is not particularly high, but it rises abruptly and stands imposingly, with sheer red cliffs and towering ridges. The winding mountain paths add to its length, and the perilous journey subtly tests the devotion of those who seek enlightenment. On the steep cliffs, there are many natural rock formations that seem like masterpieces of nature—faint outlines of ancient sacred animals such as monkeys, oxen, sheep, turtles, deer, snakes, and frogs can be seen, each taking on unique shapes. As the old saying goes, “Deep mountains hide ancient temples,” and indeed, within a cave at the summit of this very mountain lies a unique ancient temple—Miaolian Temple—becoming its most distinctive feature.

　　Miaolian Temple

　　The uniqueness of Miaolian Temple lies in the fact that it is a typical cliffside (hanging) temple. Built within a natural crevice in the rock face, aside from the temple entrance, the inner hall is carved directly into the rock fissure, without using a single brick, tile, or supporting pillar. Stretching over 30 meters in length, it houses the Mahavira Hall, the Guanyin Hall, and the Koubing Hall (the Koubing Hall commemorates the ancient Buddhist monk Koubing, the most renowned high monk in the history of Mount Wuyi). The eaves and brackets under the temple’s platforms are intricately carved, all adorned with lotus motifs. A cliffside temple of such scale is extremely rare in China, making Miaolian Temple a major highlight of Lotus Peak.

　　

　　Source: Fujian Provincial Tourism Development Commission