Lotus Mountain

Source: en.ezhou.gov.cn   13/04/2021 17:10   

 

  the gate of Lotus Mountain 

 

  Yuanming Pagoda 

  Lotus Mountain, a national 4A-level scenic area, is located on the shore of Yanglan Lake in the southern suburb of Ezhou City of central China's Hubei Province.

  Verdant mountains and clear waters complete this beautiful landscape. With the Lotus Mountain as the main peak, there are nine other mountains, blooming like nine lotus flowers in the water. This is how the mountain’s name originated.

  The Lotus Mountain scenic area is blessed with both the beauty of grandness and elegance. The main tourist resorts are Yuanming Pagoda, Forest of Steles, Liuhe Garden and Jiulong Altar. Yuanming Pagoda is famed as "the first pagoda in the south of the Yangtze River area". Measuring 262 feet tall, it is a white pagoda with golden upturned eaves. Covering an area of three hectares, the Forest of Steles keeps over 10,000 elaborate stele works of all ages and for many countries. As such, it is regarded as a treasure house of culture containing an ocean of wisdom. Liuhe Garden lies in the north slope of Lotus Mountain. It is home to many precious animals such as deer, monkey, tortoise, and golden carp and beaver. The Jiulong Altar can also be seen at the entrance to the scenic area. "Jiulong" means nine dragons. The Altar is composed of nine dragons coiling with each other, among which the biggest two lift a lotus ball. The altar is carved with dragons because the dragon represents the Chinese totem, symbolizing Chinese spirit where constant self-improvement and effort help one to achieve success.