Su Xian Ling, located 2 kilometers northeast of Chenzhou City, was originally named Niu Pi Mountain and is not particularly high. It is said that in ancient times, a man named Su Dan ascended to immortality here, making it a scenic spot that integrates mythological tales, beautiful scenery, and historical sites, and is known as the ‘Eighteenth Blessed Land under Heaven.’ It is also a common destination for Chenzhou residents for daily mountain climbing, fitness, and weekend leisure.
From the base to the summit of Su Xian Ling, there are several points of interest including Peach Blossom Residence, White Deer Cave, San Jue Stele, Jingxing Observatory, Chen Xiang Stone, and Su Xian Temple. Peach Blossom Residence serves as the starting point for tourists climbing the mountain, facing the Peach Blossom Stream and surrounded by bamboo forests, creating a very elegant environment.
White Deer Cave is situated above Peach Blossom Residence, and it is said that a white deer nursed the young Su Dan here. Climbing up the stone steps from White Deer Cave, after approximately 100 meters, you will arrive at the Stele Pavilion, which houses a natural stone wall about 4 meters high with the ‘San Jue Stele.’ The ‘San Jue’ refers to the poem ‘Treading on the Grass’ by Qin Guan, the postscript written by the great literary figure Su Shi for the poem, and the calligraphy by Mi Fu.
From the San Jue Stele to Su Xian Temple, it is necessary to climb about 2 kilometers of mountain trails. The trails are lined with dense pine and cypress trees, and the scenery along the way is also very good. The mountain path is not steep, making it very suitable for general tourists for mountain climbing and fitness.
Su Xian Temple stands at the peak of Su Xian Ling and is a temple from the Song Dynasty, grand and solemn, and is the main attraction of Su Xian Ling. The temple’s incense is quite popular, and there are some additional fee-based activities here. The two side halls at the northeast corner of Su Xian Temple were the place where General Zhang Xueliang was imprisoned at the time, now known as: ‘Qu Jiang Shi.’
Su Xian Ling
Su Xian Ling, located 2 kilometers northeast of Chenzhou City, was originally named Niu Pi Mountain [...]
