Langshan Scenic Area

　　 Langshan Scenic Area is one of the six famous scenic areas in Jiangsu Province. It is situated on the north bank of the Yangtze River, six kilometers south of Nantong City, and consists of five small mountains: Junshan, Jianshan, Langshan, Ma’anshan, and Huangnishan. The five mountains stretch along the river from east to west, covering a winding distance of 4.5 kilometers, with a total area of 98.43 hectares. Rising prominently from the vast river and coastal plain, the mountains stand majestically along the riverbank, featuring beautiful landscapes. In front of the mountains, the mighty Yangtze River flows eastward, while behind them lie expansive flatlands. The harmonious blend of mountain and water views presents a naturally bright and splendid scene, making it a gem of the northern Jiangsu plains.

　　 Langshan Mountain, standing at an elevation of 107 meters and covering an area of 18 hectares, gets its name from its wolf-like shape. Legend also has it that white wolves once roamed the mountain, hence it is also called White Wolf Mountain. To the east of Langshan lies Jianshan, whose ridge juts out sharply like a blade, and whose sloping foothills resemble a lying long sword—thus the name Jianshan (Sword Mountain). It now enshrines the Bodhisattva Manjushri. Junshan, to the north, is said to have been a military encampment for Emperor Qin Shi Huang, which explains its name. The Putuo Branch Temple on Junshan houses the world’s largest jadeite statue of Guanyin. To the west of Langshan are Ma’anshan and Huangnishan, named after their shapes and colors, respectively.

　　 The five mountains boast unique scenery and abundant historical and cultural relics. There are 43 existing ancient structures including temples, pagodas, terraces, and gates, 23 inscribed stone carvings, 8 notable tombs, 13 caves, 7 springs, wells, ponds, and caverns, 1 ancient road, 1 ancient street, and over 300 ancient and famous trees. Among the five, Langshan is the most towering and elegant, and is recognized as one of China’s Eight Lesser Famous Buddhist Mountains. Since the construction of temples and monasteries during the Zongzhang era of the Tang Dynasty, successive dynasties have contributed to its development, forming a complex of temple gardens spread across the mountain. Amid the lush green slopes and undulating peaks, dozens of scenic spots and picturesque architectural complexes are scattered, such as Faru Hall, Kuizhu Mountain House, Biyun Bantian Pavilion, Cuijing Tower, Daguan Platform, Kuixing Tower, and Zhiyun Pagoda.