Xiangshan Scenic Area
Nestled within the captivating city of Guilin, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, lies the Xiangshan Scenic Area – a veritable treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural significance. Spanning an impressive 118,800 square meters, this diversified international premium tourist destination seamlessly blends lush mountains, crystal-clear waters, unique caves, and breathtaking rock formations, creating a truly mesmerizing experience for visitors.
A Storied Past, a Timeless CharmThe Xiangshan Scenic Area boasts a rich history that dates back to the early years of the Qian Dao era during the Song Dynasty. It was during this time that the renowned poet Zhang Xiaoxiang, who served as the Military Governor and Consolation Commissioner of Guangnan West Circuit in Guilin, held a banquet at a pavilion near the Water Moon Cave, renaming it the "Chaoyang Pavilion" and the cave itself as the "Chaoyang Cave." Though the local people of Guilin did not widely accept the new name, the original "Shuiyue Cave" moniker was eventually restored in the ninth year of the Qian Dao era of the Southern Song Dynasty, a name that has endured for over 800 years.In 1986, the Xiangshan Scenic Area was officially established, centering around the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill and encompassing a wealth of captivating attractions, including Shuiyue Cave, Elephant Eye Rock, Puxian Pagoda, Yunfeng Temple, and the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Revolutionary Site Museum.
A Tapestry of Accolades and RecognitionsThe Xiangshan Scenic Area has garnered numerous accolades and recognitions over the years, solidifying its status as a premier tourist destination. In 2003, it was listed as a "World Tourism Organization Recommended Tourist Destination," and in 2005, it was selected as the top natural wonder among China's five most beautiful peak forests in the "China's Most Beautiful" campaign by China National Geography. More recently, in 2017, the Liangjiang Si Hu • Xiangshan Scenic Area in Guilin was designated as a national 5A-level tourist attraction, the highest rating for tourist sites in China.
Exploring the Jewels of XiangshanThe Xiangshan Scenic Area is a veritable treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders, each with its own unique charm and captivating story. At the heart of this enchanting landscape stands the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, originally known as Li Mountain, which sits at the confluence of the Taohua River and the Li River. Its distinctive shape, resembling an elephant drinking water with its trunk, has earned it the status of a city emblem and a "Chinese symbol" among foreign tourists.Venture deeper into the scenic area, and you'll discover the mesmerizing Shuiyue Cave, located at the eastern end of Xiangshan Mountain. This circular cave, with openings on two sides, is a true marvel of nature, standing 12 meters high, 9.5 meters wide, and 17 meters long, resembling a grand arched gateway. The rippling river water within the cave creates a captivating illusion of a full moon floating on the water, earning it the poetic name "Water Moon Cave." Adorned with an impressive 3,065 characters of Tang and Song Dynasty stone carvings, including the famous lines by Tang Dynasty poet Han Yu, Shuiyue Cave holds the Guinness World Record for the smallest cave in the world with the most ancient stone carvings.Atop the Elephant Trunk Hill stands the majestic Puxian Pagoda, a Ming Dynasty structure that has stood tall for over 400 years. From afar, it appears to be the hilt of a sword embedded in the elephant's back or an elegant ancient vase, a testament to the architectural prowess of its builders. The pagoda's northern side features a carved image of the Bodhisattva Puxian, the guardian of wisdom and morality, whose mount is the six-tusked white elephant.Nearby, on the southern slope of Elephant Trunk Hill, the Yunfeng Temple is home to a remarkable Ming Dynasty statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, holding a child. This colorful cliff-side statue is the only one of its kind in Guilin, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions.
A Tapestry of Natural and Cultural WondersThe Xiangshan Scenic Area is a captivating fusion of natural beauty and cultural significance, where ancient legends, timeless poetry, and architectural marvels converge to create a truly enchanting experience. From the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill to the mesmerizing Shuiyue Cave and the majestic Puxian Pagoda, each element of this scenic wonder tells a story, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the timeless allure of Guilin's most celebrated landmark.