The Crown of Southern Yunnan: A Millennium of Culture and Three Religions at Tonghai Xiushan Park

The "Crown of Southern Yunnan"

1.Located in the southern part of Tonghai: County, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, Xiushan Park (Mount Xiu) stands as a testament to the region's profound cultural depth. Historically known as the "First Famous Mountain in Southern Yunnan" (Xiujia Nandian) and a "Kingdom of Plaques and Couplets," Xiushan is not merely a natural landscape but a living museum of history. The mountain rises to an altitude of 2,060 meters. Its history of development dates back to the Western Han Dynasty, flourishing during the Tang and Song Dynasties, and reaching its peak during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Unlike the remote wilderness, Xiushan is a cultural mountain deeply integrated with the history of the Tonghai basin, representing the harmonious blend of Central Plains culture and the local frontier spirit.

A Sanctuary of Three Religions

2.One of the most unique features of: Xiushan is the coexistence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism on a single mountain. The park hosts a massive complex of ancient architecture, primarily from the Ming and Qing dynasties. As you wander through the forest paths, you will encounter Buddhist temples like Yongjin Temple (Yongjin Si), Taoist monasteries like Yuhuang Pavilion (Yuhuang Ge), and Confucian shrines. This rare cultural phenomenon reflects the inclusive nature of Yunnan's history, where different faiths found a shared spiritual home amidst the lush vegetation. The architecture is densely packed yet harmoniously arranged, creating a landscape described as "temples hidden in the forest, and forest wrapped around the mountain."

A Library of Calligraphy and Ancient Trees

3.Xiushan is renowned for its "Four Ancient Extremes": ancient inscribed tablets, ancient couplets, ancient architecture, and ancient trees. The mountain is adorned with a vast collection of plaques and couplets left by literati and scholars over centuries, earning it the nickname "Mountain of Plaques and Sea of Couplets." Walking here feels like entering an open-air library of Chinese literature and calligraphy. Furthermore, the park is a botanical treasure trove featuring trees that span dynasties: Song Dynasty Cypresses, Yuan Dynasty Firs, Ming Dynasty Camellias, and Qing Dynasty Magnolias. These living artifacts stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time, adding a sense of vitality and historical weight to the serene environment.

Exquisite Gardens and Temples

The park is divided into several scenic areas, each with its own charm. Yongjin Temple, the oldest and largest temple on the mountain, features towering ancient trees and a layout that commands a view of the city below. Puguang Temple offers a natural, rustic charm often compared to a "Peach Blossom Spring." Qingliang Platform (Refreshing Terrace) is a masterpiece of garden architecture, using corridors, rockeries, and flowers to create a "garden within a mountain," famous for its intricate design and serene atmosphere. Yuhuang Pavilion, the center of Taoism on the mountain, displays majestic architecture and holds significant religious importance. Whether you are admiring the intricate wood carvings or gazing out at the Tonghai basin and Qilu Lake, Xiushan offers a profound aesthetic experience.