Introduction and Guide to Shunchang Hezhang Rock

Shunchang Hezhang Rock Scenic Area Overview: Scenic Area Introduction - Location: Situated at Xidalong, Shuangxi Town, Shunchang County, Fujian Province, at the confluence of the Futunxi and Jinxi rivers, approximately 2.5 kilometers from the county town. - Name Origin: Named for its mountain shape resembling hands clasped in prayer, symbolizing "clasped hands representing a single heart." - Historical Background: Temples existed here as early as the Tang Dynasty under Empress Wu Zetian. During the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the temples were abandoned and revived multiple times. By the mid-Qing Dynasty, it was designated as one of the Ten Scenic Spots of the County Suburbs. In 2003, Abbot Benyuan initiated the excavation of caves, and from 2013 to 2023, the area was developed to meet 4A-level scenic spot standards. - Main Attractions: 1. The "First Grotto of Jiangnan" cave system, spanning 173 meters, includes a front hall, main hall, rear passage, chanting hall, and meditation caves, with both front and rear entrances. The large cave contains smaller caves, with plans to carve over 10,000 Buddha statues. 2. Xi'an Temple, originally named Xifeng Temple, was first built in the second year of the Yuande era (1298) of the Yuan Dynasty, covering more than 110 acres with a construction area exceeding 10,000 square meters. 3. The Ten Thousand Buddha Cliff, featuring 10,000 carved "Buddha" characters. Travel Guide - Admission: Free. - Opening Hours: Open all day. - Transportation: For self-driving, navigate directly to "Hezhang Rock Grottoes." For public transport, first reach Yanping Station in Nanping, then take a bus from Yanping Bus Station to Shunchang Bus Station, and finally a 20-minute taxi ride to the destination. - Accommodation: Options include hotels or homestays in Shunchang County town, such as Shunchang Garden Hotel and Shunchang Tianfu Business Hotel, or riverside homestays along the Futunxi. - Cuisine: Try local specialties like Shunchang stuffed eggs, Yuankeng white rice cake with glutinous rice filling, and rice jelly cakes. - Itinerary: Start by visiting the Ten Thousand Buddha Grottoes to admire the exquisite Buddha carvings and unique cave architecture. Then proceed to Xi'an Temple to experience the historical ambiance and Buddhist culture. Finally, ascend to the Hezhang Rock main peak viewing platform for a panoramic view of the county town and surrounding landscape.