Shanyang Canglong Mountain Forest Park

　　   Canglong Mountain is situated to the north of Shanyang County, standing at an altitude of 1,225 meters and covering a total area of 1,551 hectares, with a forest coverage of 62%. The Canglong Mountain Forest Park boasts beautiful scenery and unique landscapes, featuring several cultural sites such as the Tang-era Fengyang Ancient Pagoda, Yuwang Palace, Bodhi Temple, and Hunyuan Cave. It earned its name due to its winding, dragon-like ridges, lush vegetation, and verdant pines and cypresses. Surrounded by water on three sides and stretching from east to west, the dragon’s head is marked by the ancient “Fengyang Pagoda” of the Tang Dynasty, which stands like a dragon horn, while the dragon’s nose resonates with the bell chimes from the Buddhist holy site “Bodhi Temple,” resembling a dragon’s roar. The vivid sights and sounds of Canglong Mountain form the foremost of the renowned “Eight Scenic Views of Shanyang”—“The Fengyang Picture.”

　　   Climbing Canglong Mountain offers a panoramic view of the county town, a southern gaze toward Cuiping Mountain, a northern look at Lianhua Mountain, and east-west views of sunrise and sunset. The mountain inspires deep thought and tranquility, and has now been developed into a forest park, serving as a popular spot for locals to relax and exercise in the mornings and evenings.

　　   At the head of Canglong Mountain in the northwest corner of Shanyang County stands a grand and rustic ancient pagoda from the Tang Dynasty—this is the Fengyang Pagoda. Originally built in the third year of the Yonghui era of the Tang Dynasty (652 AD), it is said to have originally had nine stories. However, a demonic wild boar from the Nüzitanyan (now Baipiguan in Baita Township, Zhen’an County) under Tuer’ya was causing harm, which the celestial beings noticed. They relocated three stories of the Fengyang Pagoda to Tuer’ya to suppress the demon, leaving the pagoda with only six stories and a damaged top. Remnants of the pagoda tip can indeed still be found at Tuer’ya. The Fengyang Pagoda is 21 meters tall, with a base circumference of 15.26 meters, featuring a hexagonal shape and an olive-like form, with a hollow middle section. It is of the dense-eave style, with the lowest story being the tallest and the spacing between higher stories shorter. Each level is adorned with different brick carvings, depicting either animals or flowers, all vivid and expressive. The bottom level has an arched gate, while other levels feature alternating arched doorways. The entire pagoda is constructed from red clay bricks using unique craftsmanship. The Fengyang Pagoda proudly stands at the confluence of the County River and the Prefecture River, facing YunTai Mountain, Cuiping Mountain, and Lianhua Mountain across the water. Climbing the pagoda provides a full view of the ancient town of Shanyang, with scenery spanning 20 kilometers all visible, hence its reputation as the “Pagoda that is the Fengyang Picture.” Historical records state, “When the Fengyang County was established, the Fengyang Pagoda was built, serving as the symbol of the county.” This is the earliest ancient structure in Shanyang County and also one of the more intact ancient pagodas in Shangluo City. It is listed in the “Shaanxi Scenic Spots and Historic Sites” and the “Shaanxi Provincial Key Cultural Relics Distribution Map.”

　　   The Fengyang Pagoda is the iconic structure of Shanyang County. Built during the Tang Dynasty, it stands 21 meters tall with seven levels, a hexagonal shape, and a hollow center. It follows the dense-eave architectural style, featuring a rigorous structure, unique design, and a delicate yet steep form, offering high aesthetic value.

　　   Due to road construction and residential development, the pagoda’s base is now suspended on three sides. Currently, the base covers less than 80 square meters, with the northeast side being less than 3 meters wide. Additionally, Canglong Mountain features typical red sandstone landforms with relatively soft rock that is prone to weathering, leading to soil erosion and partial exposure of the pagoda’s northern foundation. Observations from multiple angles indicate that the pagoda has tilted northeastward, and if not controlled, this tilt will worsen.

　　   The current Fengyang Pagoda has neither an entrance gate nor dedicated management, nor are there any lightning protection facilities installed. On one hand, long-term exposure has led to the weathering and falling of some bricks; on the other hand, unrestricted visitor access has resulted in graffiti on the pagoda, rocks thrown at eaves and archways, and even the deliberate removal of bricks, causing cavities and structural looseness, posing a serious threat to the pagoda’s longevity.

　　   Scenic Area Address: 4 kilometers northwest of Shanyang County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province

　　   Transportation: A few minutes by car or on foot from Shanyang County