The Symphony of Mount Emei: Qingyin Pavilion and the Legend of the Twin Dragons

The "Mountain Garden" of Emei

1.Located in the middle section of the Mount: Emei Scenic Area in Leshan City, Sichuan Province, Qingyin Pavilion (Qingyin Ge) is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and poetic temples on the mountain. Situated at an altitude of approximately 710 meters, it sits on a natural platform where the Black Dragon River (Heilong Jiang) and the White Dragon River (Bailong Jiang) converge. Unlike the grand, high-altitude temples at the Golden Summit, Qingyin Pavilion is renowned for its exquisite garden-like setting, often described as "a landscape within a landscape." Built originally in the Tang Dynasty (713-741 AD) and initially named "Woyun Pavilion" (Lying Cloud Pavilion), it was renamed Qingyin Pavilion during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty. The name "Qingyin" (Clear Sound) is derived from the Jin Dynasty poet Zuo Si's verse, "Why need silk and bamboo instruments? The clear mountain water naturally possesses a pure tone." Today, it is a National 4A Tourist Attraction and a key component of the Mount Emei World Heritage site, celebrated for its unique blend of Buddhist architecture and the symphony of nature.

The Spectacle of "Double Bridges Clear Sound"

2.The most iconic feature of Qingyin: Pavilion is the "Double Bridges Clear Sound" (Shuangqiao Qingyin), one of the ten famous scenes of Mount Emei. The temple is built on a high ridge between the two rushing rivers. Below the pavilion, the Black Dragon River and the White Dragon River rush from their respective valleys and meet at a massive rock shaped like an ox's heart, known as the Ox Heart Stone (Niuxin Shi). Spanning across these two rivers are two arched stone bridges—the Laifeng Bridge (Phoenix Arrival Bridge) and the Guifeng Bridge (Phoenix Return Bridge). The architectural layout resembles the wings of a phoenix, while the central pavilion forms the body. The visual contrast between the dark waters of the Black Dragon River (colored by the vegetation and terrain) and the frothy white waters of the White Dragon River creates a stunning natural spectacle resembling a "Black and White Snake" meeting. The sound of the water crashing against the Ox Heart Stone echoes through the valley, creating a natural melody that has captivated poets and travelers for centuries.

The Legend of the "Harp Frog" and Emperor Kangxi

Qingyin Pavilion is not just a visual treat but an auditory one. It is famous as a "Natural Music Hall." Legend has it that a Tang Dynasty monk transformed a stubborn stone into a frog, and the sound of the water hitting the rock sounds like a melodious harp or a frog's croak, known as the "Qinwa Stone" (Harp Frog Stone). In the rainy season, the sound is like a grand orchestral performance, while in the dry season, it resembles delicate silk and bamboo music. This unique "soundscape" attracted the attention of Emperor Kangxi, who, during his visit, was so moved by the natural harmony that he personally inscribed the plaque "Qingyin Ge" (Clear Sound Pavilion), which still hangs high above the temple entrance today, adding a touch of royal grandeur to this serene hideaway.

Gateway to the Grand Canyon

Beyond its own beauty, Qingyin Pavilion serves as the strategic gateway to the middle section of Mount Emei. From here, visitors can venture further into the Ecological Monkey Zone, where wild Tibetan macaques roam freely. It is also the starting point for the hike towards the dramatic Yixiantian (A Thread of Sky), a narrow limestone gorge where the sky is reduced to a thin slit above towering cliffs. The area surrounding Qingyin Pavilion is rich in negative oxygen ions, making it a premier "natural oxygen bar." The lush vegetation, ancient nanmu trees, and the constant mist from the waterfalls create a cool, refreshing microclimate that is perfect for summer escapades. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking the "Zen of Sound" or a photographer chasing the interplay of water and traditional architecture, Qingyin Pavilion offers a profound experience of peace and natural wonder.