Scenic Overlook at Xiangyan

　　Introduction     On the south gate of the drum tower in the city center of Zhongwei, there is a plaque inscribed with the words “Facing Majestic Xiangyan,” referring to Xiangshan Mountain located in the southern part of Zhongwei. During the Ming Dynasty, the Xiangshan area was part of the fiefdom of the 16th son of Zhu Yuanzhang, Prince Qing, and during the Qing Dynasty, it came under the administration of Zhongwei County.

　　    Xiangshan features undulating mountain ridges that stretch continuously. Its main peak rises 2,361 meters above sea level, towering majestically above the surrounding hills, presenting a grand and imposing sight. At the top of the main peak lies a natural flat platform where, in ancient times, the “Xiangyan Temple” was built. Later, as more people came to burn incense and worship Buddha, the temple’s name gradually became known among worshippers and locals as “Xiangshan Temple.”

　　    The Xiangshan Temple has been renovated many times and has grown quite large, making for a spectacular sight. Looking around the temple, one sees overlapping mountains and peaks all lying below, truly evoking the feeling of “When I shall climb to the very top, I’ll look down upon all the other peaks.” Gazing northward, one can take in the vast desert, the Yellow River winding like a ribbon, villages scattered like stars, and roads crisscrossing in every direction — a view that inspires awe and fills visitors with a sense of joy and openness. The Qing Dynasty poet Song Ji wrote in his poem “Climbing and Viewing Xiangyan”: “An ancient temple stands tall in this frontier town; I could spend the whole day here and not wish to leave. Gazing down at river and mountain, my vision expands — I feel as if I were standing atop the Rain Flower Terrace.”

　　 Zhongwei, Ningxia