Geographical location: Zhaoshan is located at the junction of Xiangtan and Changsha, 20 kilometers away from the city. It stands abruptly on the east bank of the Xiangjiang River and is the north gate of Xiangtan City. The main road to the front mountain is a granite paved path with more than 700 steps, which spirals from the river bank to the Zhaoshan Zen Temple on the top of the mountain.
What to see in the scenic spot: The Zen temple was built in the Tang Dynasty. There are Xuan Palace, Yuhuang Pavilion, Guanyin Hall, Guan Sheng Temple, etc. in the temple. During temple fairs, pilgrims from all directions gather, and the mountain temple is filled with light smoke. The sound of the bells is endless, just like the Yao Palace. There is a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree on the left and right back sides of the mountain temple. The tree is more than 30 meters high, with lush branches and leaves, blocking out the sun. It is said that there was once a golden bell on the tree that "flew" from India, which chimed without striking. Later, diagonally across from Zhaoshan Mountain was Baishi Port, which was known as "Snow on the River and Sky at Dusk". The harbor is dotted with crystal clear white rocks. At dusk, it looks like it is covered with a layer of snowflakes. At sunset, from Zhaoshan, you can see the sailboats moored in the harbor. You can see the blood-red sunset reflected on the white sails, creating a vast and desolate scene. Behind the front slope of the back mountain, between the houses, are patches of peach trees. In the season of continuous spring rain, the mountains are full of red peach blossoms, which are blown by the wind and rain, and their petals are scattered all over the ground. The Xiang River passes through Zhaoshan Mountain to the north. There is a spinning spring at the foot of the west mountain, which is unfathomable. "This unfathomable swirling spring is called Zhaotan. A few hundred meters southward from the foot of the mountain along the river bank, there is a natural cave, known as the "Dragon Cave." In autumn and winter, when the water falls, the entrance of the cave is exposed, and you can enter the cave to explore.
Strange legends: The cave is deep and winding. It is said that the evil dragon in this area harmed the people in the past, and was captured by the god of heaven, General Yang Si, and locked up here. It is said that in the dead of night, the painful moans of the evil dragon can still be heard in Zhaoshan, so "it grows up." The ancient poem "Zhaotan originally had no bottom, but there was an old dragon singing late at night" has been passed down. Now Zhaoshan is covered with new green and the temples have been restored. It is a favorite tourist attraction for people in Changsha, Xiangtan, Zhuzhou and other places. On sunny days, groups of tourists climb Zhaoshan together. The green mountains reflect the figures of tourists, and they look full of life. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can see the Xiangjiang River rolling through the foot of the mountain, with rippling blue waves and white sails. The white sand on the island is silvery, like a giant ship breaking through the waves.