Lingfeng Mountain

　　Lingfeng Rock, also known as Lingfeng Mountain and formerly called Mafeng Rock, is an isolated limestone hill that rises abruptly from the ground. It is situated on the north bank of the river, east of Bafu Town, within the Hezhou Square in Hezhou. The mountain covers an area of about 1,200 square meters and stands approximately 100 meters high. With its steep and precipitous cliffs, it presents a strikingly upright and elegant appearance. Wild trees cling to the rocks, lending it a rustic and natural charm. Inside the mountain are peculiar caves and magnificent rock formations, with interconnected caverns linked to underground rivers. Stalactites hang from the cave ceilings, and ancient fossils as well as cliff inscriptions by notable figures can be found within. One cave on the mountain’s northern foothill is about 8 meters high, 5 meters wide, and extends to an unfathomable depth, capable of holding hundreds of people. In ancient times, a local man named Wang Zanbin inscribed the three characters “Lingfeng Rock” on the stone wall at the cave entrance—these characters remain clear and vivid to this day. In front of the cave lies a flat platform, beneath which is a level open area now shaded by lush green trees. A winding stone stairway has been carved into the southern slope, complete with iron railings, allowing visitors to climb all the way to the summit. At the top of the mountain lies a settlement site dating back to the Neolithic Age. On the front peak of the mountain stands a flat-roofed pavilion, while the rear peak is home to a watchtower.

　　When viewing Lingfeng Mountain at night, the twinkling streetlights can be seen from the summit. Climbing to the top offers panoramic views: the river rushing below, bridges spanning across, and the entire urban landscape spread out before you. The mountain features unusual rocks and mysterious caves, with passageways that extend in all directions. The ceilings are hung with stalactites, and the caves connect to underground rivers. Ancient fossils can be found inside, along with cliff inscriptions left by historical figures. On the northern side of the mountain’s base is another cave, roughly 8 meters high, 5 meters wide, and of unfathomable depth, which can accommodate hundreds of people. An ancient local resident, Wang Zanbin, once inscribed the three characters “Lingfeng Rock” on the cave’s stone entrance wall, and these inscriptions remain clearly visible. Originally, there was a viewing platform combined with a stage in front of the mountain. The plaque above the platform bore the three characters “Lingfeng Platform,” and the couplet “Be the first to worry about the nation’s troubles and the last to enjoy its comforts” was inscribed by Li Jishen, former Vice Chairman of the Central People’s Government of China. Unfortunately, both the platform and the inscriptions no longer exist. The Qiu Shan Bell Corridor, located to the west of Lingfeng Mountain, displays 18 ancient bronze and iron bells dating from before the Ming Dynasty. Among them is the Qianheng Temple Bronze Bell, cast in the fourth year of the Dabao era of the Southern Han Dynasty (961 AD). It weighs 750 kilograms, stands 1.33 meters tall, and has a diameter of 0.83 meters. The top and back of the bell are adorned with two dragon-shaped handles. The bell is exquisitely crafted, with a flared mouth, ornate patterns, several raised string designs, and four decorative zheng (striking knobs). The body of the bell bears 1,288 engraved characters detailing its casting date, dimensions, weight, and the names of officials, artisans, and monks involved in its production. Having endured for a thousand years, the inscriptions remain legible, offering a glimpse into the political, economic, cultural, religious, and technological development of the time. This artifact holds significant historical and artistic value. During the Qianlong reign (1736–1795) of the Qing Dynasty, this ancient bronze bell was housed in Qianheng Temple in Meigui Village, Guiling Township. In the 19th year of the Republic of China (1930), it was moved to San Cheng Temple in Hejie. Because its sound could be heard up to 20 li away when struck at dawn, it became known as the “San Cheng Morning Bell” and was listed as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Old He County. In 1963, it was relocated to its current location, and a specially built bell pavilion was erected to house it. In the same year, the bell was designated as a key cultural relic under autonomous region-level protection.