Nanshan Mountain in Guigang

　　The Nanshan Scenic Area is a regional-level scenic spot situated on the southern bank of the Yujiang River in the urban area of Guigang City, approximately 3 kilometers from the city center, and is accessible by direct city bus. It is a natural karst stone mountain that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and Buddhist significance in one attraction.

　　Construction of the temple began in the second year of the Duan'gong era of the Song Dynasty (989 AD) on Lion Head Mountain, utilizing the mountain terrain and caves. Since Lion Head Mountain is also known as Nanshan, the temple came to be called Nanshan Temple. In 997 AD, Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty ascended the throne and, following the tradition of “bestowing the calligraphy of Emperor Taizong to famous mountains across the land,” included Nanshan in Guizhou (now Nanshan in Guigang). The following year, he bestowed 220 scrolls of Emperor Taizong’s calligraphy, for which Nanshan Temple built an Imperial Calligraphy Pavilion to house them. In 1034 AD, during the Jingyou era of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, the emperor personally inscribed the plaque “Jingyou Chan Temple” and granted it to Nanshan Temple. Hence, the temple is also known as “Jingyou Chan Temple,” becoming a renowned temple in Lingnan and a blessed site for the spread of Buddhism. By the Yuan Dynasty, Emperor Wenzong of Yuan personally inscribed the three characters “Nanshan Temple” and bestowed them upon the monks. The current plaque “Nanshan Temple” at the temple entrance is the original handwriting of Emperor Wenzong of Yuan, and there is also an “Imperial Calligraphy Stele” erected within the temple. The Nanshan Scenic Area is formed by 24 peaks enclosing the space, covering an area of over 1,300 acres. The park features both natural and artificial lakes, often referred to as having “cloud and water scenery.” It also houses the Southeastern Guangxi Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery and statues of martyrs, making it a regional-level patriotic education base. The stone carvings of Nanshan and the iron bell from the Song Dynasty are listed as regional-level key cultural relics under protection. The Jade Pool Bodhi Tree, stone Buddha statues, Song Dynasty iron bell, and cliff carvings are collectively known as the “Three Treasures and One Rarity” of Nanshan. Within the temple, you can find: a group of stone Buddha statues, a Song Dynasty iron bell, imperial calligraphy stone steles, the Flowing Rice Cave, Guanyin Rock, the Carp Dripping Water feature, and the former site of Ge Hong’s alchemy furnace. On the mountain, there are the Following Clouds Pavilion, Pine Fragrance Pavilion, and Wind and Rain Pavilion. In front of the temple are the Bodhi Tree, the Heart of the Pond Pavilion, and the Merit Pavilion. The scenic area also hosts the second-largest zoo in Guangxi, featuring over 50 kinds of rare and precious animals such as lions and tigers, as well as a variety of large amusement facilities including a pirate ship and a Ferris wheel.