Zhongxiu Mountain Park in Luxi County, Honghe
Overview
Zhongxiu Mountain Park (钟秀山公园) is located in Luxi County (泸西县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). The mountain stands at over 30 meters high, has a circumference of approximately 1,000 meters, and covers an area of about 10,000 square meters. The park features bizarre rock formations and lush greenery throughout the seasons.
Geographic and Climatic Features
Zhongxiu Mountain Park is situated in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, characterized by its limestone mountains, plateaus, valleys, dam areas, and hills. The region has a significant elevation difference, resulting in complex terrain. The area receives abundant rainfall, has ample sunlight, and experiences minimal temperature variation throughout the year, creating a humid climate that primarily belongs to the subtropical highland monsoon type.
Park Features
Zhongxiu Mountain is adorned with ancient trees, gazebos, and unique rock formations. Notable structures within the park include:
- Wangfeng Pavilion (望峰亭)
- Qingfeng Pavilion (清风亭)
- Chunfeng Pavilion (春风阁)
The three pavilions were first established in the 32nd year of the Kangxi era (1693) and were rebuilt in 1993. Other buildings include:
- Panlong Temple (盘龙寺)
- Zhongxiu Tower (钟秀楼)
- Luxi County Library (泸西县立图书馆)
- Memorial for Martyr He Qilong (何起龙烈士墓)
- Gentlemen’s Mansion (绅公馆)
A historical stone tablet titled “Record of the Completion of Zhongxiu Park” (钟秀公园落成记碑) was erected during the Republic of China period (民国二十八年立).
Historical Significance
Although Zhongxiu Mountain is not particularly large (approximately 1 square kilometer), it majestically overlooks the entire city, embodying the essence of good feng shui. Xu Xiake (徐霞客), a noted traveler during the Ming Dynasty, visited the mountain and recorded his thoughts: “The mountain in the middle, south of the city, is Zhongxiu Mountain, which is a single mountain.” (《徐霞客游记》). Since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, numerous temples and pavilions have been built on the mountain, including the ancient Panlong Temple, Chunfeng Pavilion, and artillery platforms. Today, Zhongxiu Tower remains as a prominent structure, complete with flying eaves and tiled roofs.
Standing atop Chunfeng Pavilion provides breathtaking views of Luxi. One can overlook the rivers and mountains, relax in the serene atmosphere, sip tea, listen to cicadas, and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is no surprise that this park is ranked as the top scenic spot in Luxi, famously captured in a poem by Zhang Jiajin from the Ming Dynasty:
“兀坐岗头树影重，挹将爽气廓吟胸；兴来也作披襟想，无那箕帘不逞雄。”
Visiting Information
- Location: Luxi County (泸西县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省)
- Opening Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours a day
- Admission Fee: Free
How to Get There
To reach Zhongxiu Mountain Park:
- By Bus: From Kunming (昆明), take bus routes 1 or 2 to Luxi County People’s Hospital (泸西县人民医院) and walk to the park.
- By Car: Drive from Kunming to Shilin (石林) and then to Luxi. The entire journey takes about 2 hours.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The park can be enjoyed year-round, but visiting during spring and autumn offers the most pleasant weather.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, and snacks for a picnic in the park.
- Nearby Attractions: Consider exploring other scenic spots in Luxi County for a comprehensive experience of the region’s natural beauty.
