Drum Hill is located on the northern bank of the Minjiang River in the eastern suburbs of Fuzhou, Fujian Province.
The name was derived from a huge boulder in the shape of a drum at the top of the hill.
The legend goes that the sound of drums can be heard in the caves of the hill whenever there is a storm. Drum Hill is the best-known scenic spot outside the city proper. There are more than 150 spots of historical interest and scenic beauty on the hill.
Surging Spring Temple (Yongquansi), built more than a thousand years ago, is one of the most famous monasteries of Fujian Province.
To the east of the temple are Source of Spirits Cave (Lingyuandong), the Water Sound Chamber (Tingshuizhai), and White Ape Gorge (Gaiyuanxia), where precipitous stone cliffs are carved with calligraphic inscriptions and Buddhist statues.
To the west of the temple, luxuriant pines and cypresses shade the "eighteen views of Drum Hill" and White Cloud Cave (Baiyundong), and narrow paths Zigzag through the woods.
Ever since the Song Dynasty, Drum Hill has been frequented by writers, high officials, and members of the nobility. Their inscriptions on the stones have proved a Valuable treasure for later generations. Having more stone inscriptions than any other place in the province, Drum Hill is also called the "forest of tablets in Fuzhou."
Add: Jing'an District;
Entry ticket: 10 yuan;
Traffic: Bus No.s 7, 808, 815, 949, 957, and 960;
Tel: 0593-3623041.
(China.org.cn December 23, 2005)
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