Covering an area of 106 square kilometers (about 26193 acres),
Mt. Panshan Scenic Area is located in Jixian County, 110 kilometers
(68.4 miles) away from Tianjin, 88 kilometers (54.7 miles) away
from Beijing. As the name suggests, the scenic area is mainly Mt
Panshan–oriented. Endowed with natural beauty and a historical
heritage, Mt Panshan is known as 'The First Mountain East of
Beijing' and is listed as one of the top fifteen mountains in
China.
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The mountain acquired its present name, early in the Eastern Han
(25-220). Taizong , the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty
(618-907), was prodigal of his praise of its scenery on his chance
visit when he led the army in a campaign. Seventy-two temples,
thirteen pagodas and numerous Xanadus and towers were built on the
mountain in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing Dynasty
(1644-1911). Qianlong, a brilliant and wise Qing Dynasty emperor
was so impressed that he made thirty or so visits and wrote 1366
poems to express his admiration of the area. In the first half of
the twentieth century, the whole resort all fell to ruin due to
hostilities and neglect. It has undergone a process of restoration
since the 1990s and is now regaining its fame.
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It is famous for jade pine trees, strange and astonishing peaks,
clear waters, grotesquely shaped rocks and clusters of ancient
temples. On the mountaintop, numerous pines hide the sky from view
and block out the sunshine. Rugged rocks in a variety of shapes,
some of which resemble a toad, a general or a boa, will greet you
in the middle of the mountain. At its foot, clear water splashes on
the rocks. The mountain consists of five peaks, with the main one,
Guayue (Moon Hanging) Peak. Although Guayue Peak is only 857 meters
(2811.7 feet) above sea level, to the north it is possible to see a
section of the Great Wall while to the west Mt Taihang can be
seen.
From the Wei State during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280)
onwards, emperors enthusiastically commissioned the building of
temples, towers and Xanadus resulting in over 160 such sites. There
are four main temples: Tiancheng Temple (God Proposing Temple),
Yunzhao Temple (Cloud-Hiding Temple), Wanfo Temple (Ten
Thousand-Buddha Temple) and Wansong Temple (Ten Thousand-Pine
Temple). Tiancheng Temple built in the Tang Dynasty, was enlarged
and repaired in the Ming and the Qing dynasties. To the east of
this temple stands the Ancient Dagoba. As the biggest tower in this
mountain, it has thirteen floors. The roof of the Yunzhao Temple
was a golden yellow, a color that normally was only allowed to be
used on imperial buildings. By granting permission for this,
Emperor Qianlong demonstrated his approval and admiration of the
mountain. Wanfo Temple (Ten Thousand-Buddha Temple) has 10,960
small Buddhas statues.
Travel tips:
Admission fee: 30 yuan
Opening hours: 09:00 to 16:50
Recommended time for a Visit: One and a half hours
Bus Route: First take train to Jing Court and then catch the
tourist bus there. The Train runs at 07:30 in the morning and 19:00
in the evening.
(travelchinaguide.com July 25, 2007)
