Sixth Patriarch Zen Buddhist Cultural Tourism Area

　　The Sixth Patriarch Zen Buddhist Cultural Tourism Area is made up of three components: Sixth Patriarch Rock, Sixth Patriarch Ridge, and Sixth Patriarch Zen Monastery. It is situated in Lengkeng Town, Huaiji County. Sixth Patriarch Rock earned its name because the famous Tang Dynasty monk, the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, took refuge here in a cave for ten years during the Longshuo era (circa 662 AD) while escaping persecution. The cave is formed by three massive natural granite rocks. The upper rock extends more than three meters from west to east. Viewed from below, it is flat as a whetstone, resembling the head of a giant lion when seen from the side, or a sheltering eave up close. On either side are natural granite walls. The cave is 6.7 meters high and 9.7 meters wide. At the entrance is a flat area surrounded by semi-natural, semi-man-made granite protective walls. On the left wall of the cave entrance are three bold regular-script characters reading “Sixth Patriarch Rock.” On the left wall is also a cliff carving, 1.40 meters long and 0.62 meters high. It is an impromptu poem inscribed by Jiang Hang, a successful candidate in the imperial examinations from Dongguan during the Qing Dynasty, who served as county magistrate of Huaiji in the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign (1906 AD) and visited the site the following year. One line reads: “Tapping the cliffs and precipices to reach the heavenly palace, compassion saving the world—Buddhism and Confucianism share the same heart. How could the place where he cultivated himself for ten years be left to the dust and trials of time?” Inside the cave are preserved stone pillars, stone benches, stone platforms, and a stone incense burner. A thin stream of water continuously drips from the cave ceiling into the stone incense burner. The water is crystal-clear and cold as ice. More remarkably, the water level in the burner remains consistently one centimeter from the rim, never overflowing. In front of the cave grow peach trees, planted in some forgotten year. They bloom and bear fruit every year, but the peaches have no pits and cannot be transplanted elsewhere. Locals call them “immortal peaches.”

　　Sixth Patriarch Rock is the place where the eminent Tang Dynasty monk, the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, lived in seclusion for over ten years on Shang’ai Ridge. The area boasts beautiful mountains, clear waters, and lush forests, offering uniquely scenic views. The cave chamber remains cool in summer and warm in winter, exuding an autumnal mist all year round—truly a blessed land where the Buddha once resided.

　　According to the Huaiji County Annals: “Sixth Patriarch Rock—in the Shenlong era of the Tang Dynasty, the Fifth Patriarch passed on his robe and bowl to Huineng, urgently instructing him to flee quickly for fear of assassination. He thus hid in the stone chamber on Shang’ai Ridge. The Transmission of the Lamp Records states that he ‘halted at Huai when reaching Huai.’ This rock was his place of meditation. Even today, when drought strikes, local villagers pray for rain here, and their prayers are often answered.” The mountain is not very high—climbing from the foot to the cave takes about 30 minutes. The path is neither a sheer cliff nor a stream-crossing trail, but a winding mountain trail that gradually ascends. Though not towering, the climb is quite strenuous. Some visitors say the path up Sixth Patriarch Ridge is a true test of perseverance, as well as a journey to learn from Huineng’s fearless spirit and determination in overcoming hardship to achieve success.

　　At the halfway point up Sixth Patriarch Ridge, where the forest is densest, the concentration of negative ions is highest. Taking a short rest here and breathing in the fresh air is especially beneficial to health, leaving one feeling revitalized. On the western side of the mountain is also a mountain stream. Its waters flow down from the mountaintop like a heavenly river, hence locals call it “Heavenly Stream.” The water is crisp and refreshing. According to locals, they often drink it, and on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month each year, many collect it to take home for treating skin conditions. Towering trees line both sides of the stream, creating stunning scenery—especially in spring and summer when trumpet flowers, honeysuckle, and roses entwine the trees. The fragrance is rich, and the mist drifting through the valley adds to the beauty. At the summit lies Sixth Patriarch Rock—the place where Huineng lived in seclusion. The rock formation consists of three massive natural granite stones. The uppermost extends over three meters from west to east, forming a large overhang that resembles a turtle from afar. On the stone chamber wall are three large characters carved as “Sixth Patriarch Rock,” engraved by local hunters in honor of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng after he left the mountain. They remain well-preserved. Inside the cave are stone benches, a stone table, and a relatively intact incense burner. Outside the cave is the pounding mortar Huineng used. On the left cave wall is a cliff carving, 140 cm long and 62 cm high, inscribed with a poem by Jiang Hang, who served as Huaiji County Magistrate in the 33rd year of the Guangxu reign (1907 AD), composed during his visit to pay homage to the Sixth Patriarch. From the cave terrace, visitors can enjoy even more breathtaking and unique views: distant rivers resemble jade belts drifting across the land, village houses look like chess pieces on a board, and fields of crops spread out like colorful carpets. Especially at night, the lights of homes twinkle like stars. At sunset, Sixth Patriarch Ridge appears like a benevolent seated Buddha, with the sunlight on the mountain’s back glowing like a divine halo. In recent years, numerous celebrities, experts, Taoists, Buddhists, and notable figures from around the world have visited Sixth Patriarch Rock and the Zen Monastery, leaving behind inscriptions and poems.