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Xianshan Mountain is located in Xianshan Village, Hudong Sub-district, Shihe District, Xinyang City, Henan Province, 10 kilometers from the city center. It stands 600 meters above sea level, with over 90% of its area covered by forest. Xianshan Mountain is also known as Xianyin Mountain. The "Xian" refers to Zhou Pan of the Han Dynasty. Zhou Pan, courtesy name Bojian, was a member of the Ancheng clan of the Later Han Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor He, he was appointed as a vassal. Later, he was exiled to Yangxia and became a governor. Missing his mother, Zhou Pan resigned and returned home, where he lived in seclusion. Hence the name Xianyin Mountain.
In 1747 (the 12th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty), Zhang Yue, the magistrate of Xinyang, was inspired by the beauty of Xinyang's scenery and wrote eight poems: "Pine Wind in Xianling", "Moonlight on the Xihe River", "Morning Glow at Shenta", "Evening Glow at Kuilou", "Longtan Waterfall", "Clouds Spraying from Leizhao", "Clear Snow on Guishan" and "Ancient Ferry at Changtai".
From then on, the scenery depicted in these eight poems became known as the "Eight Scenic Spots of Xinyang," and for over 200 years, the people of Xinyang have relished and cherished them. The full poem, "Pine Wind on Xianling," reads: "Where the sages of old hid themselves, the mountains and sandalwood trees are tranquil and secluded. Pine trees thicken in the mist, and the wind stirs the greenery, making it seem as if it were flowing. There are many precious temples in the Buddhist world, and I enjoy sitting in the autumn forest. I wonder if this is Penglai, and I'm making a wonderful trip to Shennan."
The subtropical monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The entire Xianling Mountain is covered in pine trees, commonly known as flat-top pines. Their trunks are not straight, but rather twisted and distorted, creating a myriad of shapes and forms. The gentle breeze and the roar of waves are a delightful sight. During the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, Zhang Zhuo, the prefect of Southern Ruguang Province, visited Xianling Mountain and personally inscribed the four characters "Xianling Pine Wind" on a stone tablet at the foot of the eastern ridge of Xianling Mountain. Xianling Mountain boasts numerous scenic spots and historical sites, including Xianyin Temple, Xianyin Cave, Lujian, Biru Spring, Xianren Bed, and Zhangren Stone.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
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Xianshan is a historic mountain in Xinyang, Henan, known for its cultural and religious significance, ancient temples, and natural beauty. It has been a site for Buddhist and Taoist practices for centuries and is a key natural attraction in the region.
The entrance fee is around 40–60 CNY per person, usually purchased on-site. Some online ticketing options may be available via local travel platforms.
Booking in advance is not required on normal days but recommended during weekends or public holidays.
3–5 hours are recommended to hike main trails and visit key scenic spots and temples.
Guided tours are occasionally available in Chinese. English guides or audio guides are limited and may require prior arrangement.
Night visits are generally not permitted. Special tours may be offered during seasonal festivals.
Less crowded on weekdays and outside national holidays. Weekends can be busier, especially during spring and autumn.
Mountain trails can be steep and uneven. Elderly and children should exercise caution. Accessibility for wheelchairs is limited.
Cash is accepted; mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay are widely accepted at entrance and stalls.
Local eateries at the base provide regional Henan cuisine, snacks, and tea houses. Limited cafes are available.
Vegetarian food is commonly available in temple-affiliated eateries; vegan and halal options are limited.
Hotels and guesthouses in Xinyang city center and near the mountain entrance provide convenient access, ranging from budget to mid-range.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, religious charms, calligraphy scrolls, and mountain-themed keepsakes.
