Hutoushan Mountain and Ancient Building Complex in Yunlong County, Dali
Location
The Hutoushan Mountain Ancient Building Complex (虎头山古建筑群) is located in the southern part of Shimen Town (石门镇), Yunlong County (云龙县). This complex primarily features Taoist (道教) architecture, harmoniously integrating natural and cultural landscapes. It attracts numerous visitors during festivals and is recognized as an important scenic tourist area. In 1987, it was designated a cultural heritage site in Yunlong County.
Scenic Features
Hutoushan Mountain (虎头山), rising majestically with its steep cliffs, offers breathtaking views. It hosts various temples, including Laojun Temple (老君殿), Hutou Temple (虎头寺), Wangmu Temple (王母寺), and Zhangxian Shrine (张仙祠), alongside numerous caves, stone observations, and carvings. It is considered the second significant Taoist mountain in the Dali region. Recently, new constructions like Longchi (龙池), Huquan (虎泉), and various pavilions have transformed Hutoushan into a recreational destination, with interconnected pathways and picturesque water features.
The mountain’s name derives from a prominent rock formation at its peak that resembles a tiger’s head. According to the “Inscription of Hutou Mountain” (《虎山碑记》), the temple complex began with a mountain deity temple, with further constructions during the Daoguang era (道光) of the Qing Dynasty (清朝), including Laojun Temple and Caishen Temple (财神殿). The complex has faced destruction and restoration over the years, with significant renovations completed by the Guangxu era (光绪) in 1906.
Architectural Highlights
Hutoushan is adorned with ancient architectural wonders, mainly Taoist temples, including:
- Zhangxian Shrine (张仙祠): Comprising a front hall and a main hall, featuring a statue of Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰).
- Caishen Hall (财神殿) and Maitreya Hall (弥勒殿): Both built above Zhangxian Shrine, dedicated to the God of Wealth and Maitreya Buddha.
- Sangu Palace (三宫殿) and Guanyin Hall (观音殿): Located above Caishen Hall and Maitreya Hall, featuring poetry inscribed by Yang Mingyang (杨名扬) from the Qing Dynasty on the walls.
Hutou Temple, also known as Sanqing Hall (三清殿), is situated above the Sangu Palace and consists of two courtyards. The area features winding stone corridors, bridges, and inscriptions on rock walls, creating a cleverly laid-out architectural ensemble.
Cultural Significance
The area surrounding Hutoushan has long been celebrated as a scenic spot. As noted in the “Inscription of Hutou Mountain”:
“层峦耸翠，高临碧汉之间；飞阁流丹，杰出青云之表。” “Layers of green peaks rise high above the blue rivers; flying pavilions of red glimmer, standing out against the azure sky.”
In recent years, the mountain has been enhanced with new pavilions and stone steps that create a harmonious relationship between the landscape and the structures, showcasing an intricate cultural depth with couplets displayed at stone arches and pavilions.
How to Get There
- By Bus: Take a bus from Xingsheng Passenger Station (兴盛客运站) in Xiaguan to Yunlong County. The earliest bus departs at 7:30 AM, with services every 40 minutes, costing 35 yuan. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, with the last bus at 4:40 PM. After reaching Yunlong, you can take a minivan to Hutoushan.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the area.
- Preparation: Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the mountain trails and steps.
- Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of the cultural and religious significance of the sites.
- Photography: Capture the stunning views and intricate architecture, but be respectful of the sacred areas.
