The famous Chinese classical myth "The White Snake Floods the Jinshan Temple" is a household name. It seems that it is from "The Water Floods the Jinshan Temple" that we can understand Jinshan and Zhenjiang. Taking advantage of the wonderful time of spring, I went to "ride a donkey up Jinshan Mountain" with a few friends to visit this beautiful tourist attraction in my country.
Jinshan Park is located in the northwest of Zhenjiang City, three kilometers away from the city center. According to legend, Fahai, an eminent monk from the Tang Dynasty, traveled here to repair the temple. He cut through thorns in the mountains every day and dug up gold one day. Named "Golden Mountain". I heard the legend of Jinshan along the way. It turns out that the famous Jinshan has such an origin. Looking at the bright spring flowers and green wild grass all around, we walked thoughtfully while taking steps.
At the gate of Jinshan Temple, I looked up at the plaque of "Jiangtian Zen Temple" inscribed by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty when he came to Jinshan with his mother to pray, and my heart was full of excitement. Generally, the mountain gate of temples opens towards the south, but the mountain gate of Jinshan Temple faces due west, which is quite unique. I heard from the elders around me that in ancient times, Jinshan was an island standing in the middle of the Yangtze River. "Thousands of rivers flow eastward, and one island is neutral." It is famous for "Zuran Tianli Town in the middle of the river, spanning two hundred states in the southeast", and is called "a hibiscus in the heart of the river". When visitors look through the Xishan Gate, they can see the vast river rushing down, which is in line with the poetic meaning of "the river goes east and the mountains come west". I guess this is where the architect's originality lies.
Entering the Tianwang Hall through the mountain gate, you will see Maitreya Buddha enshrined inside, which is the well-known Laughing Buddha. There are also four Vajra sculptures on both sides, commonly known as the Four Heavenly Kings. They are tall and lifelike, with powerful shapes, and are intended to guard the mountain gate. There is a couplet next to Maitreya Buddha, which says: A big belly can accommodate many things in the world; it is filled with joy and laughs away the worries of the world in the past and present. This is such a cheerful, open-minded and otherworldly state! As I read it over and over again, I felt a sense of peace far away from the hustle and bustle.
If Jinshan Temple gives people a simple and indifferent beauty, then it is a kind of appreciation to go to Xizhao Pavilion and see the well-preserved seven imperial steles left by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty when he visited Jinshan in the south. Enjoy history and reminisce about classics. Because of their great value, these stone tablets have attracted countless literati, experts and scholars, historical researchers, and calligraphers to discuss and study them. Most of the content recorded on the stone tablet is Emperor Qianlong's evaluation of the scenery of Jinshan during his six trips to the south of the Yangtze River.
Climbing up the mountain from Sunset Pavilion, there is Guanyin Pavilion in the middle of the south, which is connected with Langjia Terrace, Miaogao Terrace, Cishou Pagoda and Fahai Cave. The majestic and heroic appearance will amaze tourists. Langjiatai is located in the southeast of Jinshan Mountain. It is built against the mountain with rocks. It is said that Su Dongpo was entrusted by his old friend Foyin to write the "Lengjia Sutra" here in his later years, so it is also called Shujing Tower. We climbed from the foot of the mountain to Langjiatai, passing by the three-story pavilion. This place is quite magical. Every time we enter a floor, there is no upper place. Once the door is opened, there are steps to climb. It is so circuitous and well-proportioned that it feels like you are in a strange maze, and then there is the wonder of "a village with dark flowers and bright flowers". Climbing to the top floor, you will see a couplet written by Wang Wentai of the Qing Dynasty: The sea in front of the window can open your eyes, and the Lengjia on the stage can enlighten your heart. Stand on the promenade on the top of the platform and look up into the distance. Under the blue sky, you can have a panoramic view of the majestic river and the beautiful scenery.
When visiting Jinshan Forest Park, in addition to feeling the endless natural breath of spring, you can also appreciate a piece of history and read a story, which is always unforgettable.