Songyun Mountain National Forest Park

Songyun Mountain National Forest Park. (Photo provided by the Organizing Committee of the 5th Hunan Tourism Development Conference) 

Songyun Mountain, known as "Songlin Mountain" in ancient times, enjoys the reputation of being the "No. 1 Mountain in Western Hunan." With its undulating terrain, verdant peaks, and ancient pines that seem to touch the sky, the mountain resembles a fairyland amidst the clouds. Its unique pristine natural landscape is celebrated far and wide, featuring dense peaks, precipitous rocks, deep valleys, secluded ravines, lucid waters, lush hills, and a landscape shrouded in mist and clouds.

Every April, cherry blossoms burst into bloom, blanketing the mountains and valleys. This pink "floral wonderland," set against the backdrop of mist, warm sunshine, and blue sky, resembles a magnificent oil painting. As the spring breeze blows, a delicate fragrance wafts through the air; the petals tremble and fall—one, two, three—landing on your hair, dropping into your hands, bringing a gentle greeting of spring.

The mountain is home to numerous ancient temples. Daxing Zen Temple, first built in the Northern Song Dynasty, boasts a history of over a thousand years. Walking among the lush, overlapping peaks, the rhythmic thudding of the wooden fish drum comes out from the red walls and blue-tiled roofs of the temple, echoing through the steep valleys along with the murmur of clear springs. From the foot of the mountain upward, Yaowang Temple, Zizhulin (Bamboo Grove), Daxingchan Temple, Huayan Pavilion, and Miaoyin Temple stand in sequence—half amidst the hustle and bustle of the mortal world, half in secluded monastic retreat. Amid the sea of clouds and mist, one hears the morning bells and evening drums; among ancient trees and hanging vines, one admires the brilliant mountain flowers. To see a bodhi tree in a leaf and a world in a flower—this place has become a sacred site for meditation and enlightenment. 

Chinese source: People's Daily