Renhuang Mountain Scenic Area

　　Renhuang Mountain is situated in the Taihu Resort area to the north of Huzhou city. The mountain resembles a giant phoenix with emerald-green plumage, soaring majestically. It was originally named "Phoenix Mountain." During the reign of Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty, the monk Wenzhi built the "Renwang Temple" on Phoenix Mountain. The mountain then took on the name of the temple and became known as "Renwang Mountain," a title marked with religious and cultural significance.

　　Due to its geographical advantages, Renwang Mountain has now become integrated into Huzhou’s new urban district. It serves not only as the city’s green lung but also as one of its iconic landmarks close to home. Historically, Renwang Mountain is also connected to Qin Shi Huang. When the First Emperor visited the area, he feared that the local nursery rhyme “A Son of Heaven will rise from Bird Mountain” might come true and jeopardize his rule. He ordered his prime minister to cut through the middle of the mountain, creating a river.

　　The Renhuang Mountain Scenic Area primarily encompasses the Renhuang Mountain massif, along with the surrounding water network and plain areas to the south (planning boundaries: east to Bronze North Road, south to Ma’er Port, west to Zhaowan Village and Yangbai Line, north to Greentown Yiyuan). The total park area is approximately 325 hectares (including 250 hectares of mountainous land, accounting for 77%, and 75 hectares of flatland, making up 23%), with the main peak of the mountain reaching an elevation of about 211 meters. The planned total construction area is around 60,000 square meters.

　　The Renhuang Mountain Scenic Area has been planned with a rational use of its terrain and landscapes, forming an organizational structure described as “one core, one loop, two zones, two axes, and multiple areas.” The “one core” refers to the cultural heart—the Renhuang Flying Clouds scenic area, which emphasizes cultural expression. The “one loop” is the leisure loop—a scenic drive encircling the foot of Renhuang Mountain. The “two zones” are the mountain forest zone and the plain zone. The “two axes” consist of a north-south landscape control axis formed by the southern entrance, Renwang Temple, and Renhuang Pavilion, and an east-west landscape control axis formed by the eastern entrance, Renhuang Pavilion, and the mountain ridge line. The “multiple areas” refer to various functional zones located along both sides of the leisure landscape drive.

　　The park’s landscape can be summarized as: one pavilion (Renhuang Pavilion), one temple (Renwang Temple), one street (Folk Culture Street), one garden (Cultural Creative Garden), ten major scenic spots (Renhuang Morning Light, Renfan Evening Bell, Phoenix Terrace Flying Clouds, Distant View of the Calm Lake, Phoenix Listening to Springs, Mountain-Water Melody, Riverside Floral Display, Fragrant Snowy Plum Blossoms, Maple Grove in Full Bloom, and Serene Bamboo and Rock Grove), ten featured plant areas (Plum Slope, Osmanthus Rain, Cherry Blossom Grove, Lotus Pond Moonlight, Bamboo Grove Breeze, Azalea Stream, Maple Forest Glow, Camellia Path, Mulberry Garden, and Wild Rice Field), as well as twelve international clubhouses.

　　Today, Renhuang Mountain serves as Huzhou’s natural oxygen bar, attracting many visitors who come to hike and exercise. There are two main routes up the mountain: one is a stone stairway that allows hikers to ascend from the base and enjoy the charm of mountain paths; the other is a circular route that lets visitors drive around the mountain while taking in the scenery. At the mountain’s base, there are shops selling local Huzhou specialties and facilities for barbecues. At the summit stands Renhuang Pavilion, where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Huzhou. The Renhuang Mountain scenic area is still under ongoing development.