Phoenix Over the Plateau: The Timeless Charm of Xining's South Mountain Park

The Guardian Peak of Xining

1.Perched on the southern ridges of: Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, Nanshan Park (South Mountain Park) is a premier urban sanctuary that blends profound history with panoramic natural beauty. Known historically as Phoenix Mountain (Fenghuang Shan), this landmark serves as a cultural anchor for the city, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling metropolis below. The park is most famous for housing the Phoenix Platform, one of the celebrated "Eight Ancient Scenes of Xining," where visitors can witness the ethereal beauty of the plateau landscape.

A Legacy of Ming Dynasty Architecture

At the heart of the park lies a magnificent architectural complex centered around the Guandi Temple. Originally constructed in the 8th year of the Yongle reign during the Ming Dynasty (1410 AD), it stands as one of the best-preserved examples of Ming-era architecture in the region. The temple’s intricate designs and sturdy structures reflect the historical craftsmanship of the Hehuang valley. Though some ancient structures like the Peacock Tower have been lost to time, the remaining halls and pavilions continue to resonate with a sense of spiritual solemnity and historical weight.

Legend of the Phoenix

The mountain is steeped in local lore, with legends suggesting that a phoenix once descended upon its peaks during the Zhuo Liang period. This auspicious event gave rise to the name Phoenix Mountain and the construction of the Phoenix Pavilion. Inside the pavilion, a horizontal plaque inscribed with the words "Hehuang Yin Feng" (The Phoenix Attracted to Hehuang) commemorates this myth. For centuries, the "Phoenix Terrace in Cloud and Mist" has been a favorite subject for poets, who have written of the clouds drifting lazily around the high-flying birds and the crescent moon hanging over the peak.

The Best View of the Summer Capital

As Xining is recognized as the "Summer Capital of China" for its cool climate, Nanshan Park provides the ultimate vantage point to appreciate the city’s geography. From the summit, visitors can look down upon the entire Xining valley, observing the intersection of modern skyscrapers and the ancient traces of the Silk Road. The park is particularly stunning at dusk when the city lights begin to flicker against the backdrop of the rugged plateau, making it a sanctuary for photographers and those seeking to understand the soul of this highland gateway.