Songyun Mountain Scenic Area is located in the core zone of Songyun Mountain National Forest Park in Hunan Province, covering an area of approximately 8,000 mu (about 533 hectares). The area comprises three main sections: Xiongxi Park, the World Buddhist Culture Expo Park, and the Songyun Scenic Forest. The vegetation is dominated by evergreen broadleaf forests, consisting of over 600 plant species from families such as Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Hamamelidaceae, Theaceae, Aquifoliaceae, and Fabaceae. The park is also home to several nationally protected tree species, including the Southern Yew, Ginkgo biloba, and dove tree.
The World Buddhist Culture Expo Park features various attractions such as the Buddha’s Footprint Lake, the Medicine Master Prayer Hall, the Japanese Garden, the Korean Garden, the Medicine Master Altar, the Pilgrimage Pavilion, and the Exotic Cultural Street.
The Songyun Scenic Forest boasts over 1,200 mu (approximately 80 hectares) of various ornamental plants, including cherry blossoms, Magnolia figo, sweet osmanthus, red maple, plum blossoms, and azaleas. These features make Songyun Mountain an ecological landscape that remains lush year-round, with flowering scenery in every season.
Sea of clouds and mist
Songyun Mountain, historically known as “Songlin Mountain,” features majestic peaks and verdant ridges with ancient pines stretching toward the sky, and intertwines with rolling clouds and mist.
Danfeng Pilgrimage
The Daxing Zen Temple rests against the main peak of Songyun Mountain. From Huayan Pavilion, visitors can behold the winding mountain ridges on both sides, resembling two magnificent phoenixes spreading their wings and flying toward the Buddha’s sanctuary.
Songyun Flying Waterfall
During the high-water season, the waterfall plunges hundreds of meters vertically down the rocky mountain ravine, sounding like roaring thunder that can be heard miles away and creating a truly spectacular sight.
Turtle Meditating on Zen
The turtle sits quietly in meditation, listening to the teachings of the old monk and learning the monks’ sutra chanting. Viewing the temple’s incense smoke and dim lamps, it avoids human footsteps in search of spiritual enlightenment. Living a lifetime of solitude guarding the Buddha’s gate, it ultimately attained immortality, with a lifespan exceeding 600 years.
Mother Earth Mountain
Looking afar from the Purple Bamboo Grove, the undulating mountain ridges across resemble a reclining woman.
Autumn scenery of the mountain forest
The scenic area offers visitors an autumnal breeze that refreshes both mind and soul.
Ancient Temple in the deep mountains
Tranquil valleys are shrouded by mists and lingering clouds, and forests stretch far in the distance. The sound of the drum in the temple being beaten every morning gives the mountain a profoundly spiritual ambience.
(Translated by Yang Hong)