The Pavilion of Three Religions: Lushan Mountain and the Panorama of Qionghai Lake

The "Frog Mountain" by the Lake

1.Located in the southeast of Xichang: City, the capital of the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, Lushan Mountain (Lushan) rises majestically beside the shimmering Qionghai Lake. Known anciently as "Frog Mountain" due to its shape, it stands at an altitude of 2,317 meters, creating a stunning vertical landscape with the lake below. Together, they form the famous scenic poetry of "Songfeng Shuiyue"—the pine breeze of Lushan, the waters of Qionghai, the wind of the Anning River, and the moon of Xichang. As a National 4A Tourist Attraction, Lushan is celebrated as a "Sichuan Southern Scenic Spot" and a natural oxygen bar, offering a cool retreat in summer and a warm haven in winter due to Xichang's "Little Spring City" climate.

A Sanctuary of Three Religions

2.The most unique cultural feature of: Lushan is the harmonious coexistence of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism on a single mountain, a rare phenomenon in Chinese religious history often attributed to the remote location and inclusive policies dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The mountain is dotted with a complex of ancient buildings that rise layer by layer along the slope. There are more than ten ancient temples and temples, including Guangfu Temple (the largest and oldest, dating back to the Tang Dynasty), Sanjiao Convent (Three Religions Nunnery), Wenchang Palace, Qingyang Palace, and Yuhuang Palace (Jade Emperor Palace). These structures house deities from different faiths—the Buddha, Laozi, and Confucius—who have shared the incense and worship of pilgrims for over a millennium without conflict, reflecting a profound cultural tolerance.

The Millennium Cypress and Cultural Heritage

Among the temples, Guangfu Temple is the crown jewel. It houses the legendary "Nine-Dragon Han Cypress" (Jiulong Hanbai), a withered but still standing ancient tree said to be planted during the Han Dynasty. Its twisted branches resemble nine dragons coiling together, earning it the title of "King of Trees in Bashu." Although the tree is no longer alive, it has been preserved and remains a symbol of the mountain's longevity. Lushan is also home to the Liangshan Yi Slave Society Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the history of the Yi people's slave society. It provides a deep dive into the social structure, customs, and transition of the Yi nationality from a slave system to modern times, adding a heavy layer of historical significance to the scenic beauty.

Nature and Wildlife

Lushan is a haven for biodiversity. The mountain is covered with lush forests, including pines and cypresses, which create the signature "Pine Wind" sound when the wind blows. It is also famous for its spirited inhabitants—hundreds of wild macaques (monkeys). These playful, and sometimes mischievous, creatures roam freely along the mountain paths, often interacting with visitors. Reaching the top of the mountain rewards hikers with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Qionghai Lake and Xichang City, a view described as seeing a "Jade Disc" (the lake) embedded in the landscape. For a thrilling descent, visitors can take the Glideway (Mbui slide), one of the longest trough-style slides in Southwest China, which winds down the mountain forest like a dragon.