Zhongnan Mountains, also called Taiyi
Mountain, includes Cuihua Mountain, South Wutai Mountain, and Guifeng Mountain,
etc. It stands graciously and straightly in the southwest of Xi'an City, Shaanxi
Province.
Cuihua Mountain lies 30 km away from
Xi'an City, and is known for its odd peaks and strange caves and clean pools as
well as ancient temples. In the second year (109BC) of the Yuanfeng year in the
Western Han Dynasty (206BC-8AD), the Taiyi Palace was constructed at the
mountain pass (Dayu Pass), hence the name Taiyi Mountain. Scenic spots mainly
include the Taiyi Pool, the Wind Cave, the Ice Cave, and the Cuihua Temple, etc.
The Taiyi Pool is a lake between mountains, and is said to be formed by
earthquake in the Tianbao reign of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It is surrounded
by high and steep mountains, and has jade green water and slightly rolling
waves. The Wind Cave, formed by two big granite rocks, lies west of Taiyi
Mountain, and is 15 meters high and 40 meters deep. It feels cool inside thanks
to the flowing air through the cave. To the north of the Wind Cave, there lies
the Ice Cave. Hard ice can be easily found in it even in summer. There is a
Zhengcha Reservoir in the mountain. When water runs down, it presents a
magnificent scene.
The South Wutai Mountain abounds in
medicinal materials, and was referred to as the most mystical and beautiful
scenery of Zhongnan Mountain. There stand five peaks on the mountaintop, namely
Guanyin, Wenshu, Qingliang, Sheshen, and Lingying. The Baoquan Spring is located
half way up the mountain. It tastes as sweet as sugarcane, and is an ideal place
for sampling tea and taking a break. The Dusong (single pine tree) Attic, also
half way up the mountain, gets its name because of the only old pine tree inside
the attic. The Guanyin Terrace, also named Giant Terrace, is situated above the
Dusong Attic.
Guifeng Mountain is commonly known as
Jianshan Mountain, including Zige, Dading, Lingyun and Luohan peaks. It is
gracious and high, with the shape of Guiyu (jade), hence the name. Its main
scenic spot is the Gaoguan Waterfall, which is located on the northern side of
Guifeng Mountain. Having a fall of 20 meters, the waterfall sends thunderous
sounds as water pours down into the deep pond. Huge stones erect above the upper
reaches of the waterfall, which forms a pond. The lower reaches of the waterfall
is more gentle, and a lake as tranquil as a mirror is formed there.