Xian Gu Peak

Weihai, this beautiful city, seems like a masterpiece of nature, a natural scroll drawn with meticulous care that features both seascapes and landscapes. Within this painting, Xian Gu Peak Scenic Area undoubtedly adds a brilliant touch, like a dazzling pearl nestled between green mountains and blue waters. Xian Gu Peak Scenic Area is located in the suburbs of Weihai, only five kilometers from the city center. It is easily accessible by bus, and the view from the top is quite good. It is a national 4A scenic area that combines mythological legends with natural beauty, making it very suitable for photography of landscapes and cultural heritage. According to 'Taiping Qinghua', Xian Gu's surname was Li, her name was Qiong Xian, and she was from southern Guangdong. She wandered from a young age and later followed her sworn brother Wang Yuan to study the Tao at Mount Lao. After completing her studies, she moved to Gu Yu Mountain in the southeast of Mouzhou, where she was conferred the title of a true immortal, also known as Xian Gu. The 'Xian Gu Temple' on the mountain top was first built in the fourth year of the Song Dynasty's Jingde era (1007). Upon entering the scenic area, 'Wanshou Square' is the first sight, with its iconic 'Number One Jade Longevity Star' in the center (4.2 meters high, weighing 66 tons), surrounded by 'God of Wealth Temple', 'Wenchang Pavilion', and 'Medicine King Hall'. Further ahead is 'Yu Fu Square', with a musical fountain in the center that hosts daily performances. To the north of the square is 'Xian Lu Square', flanked by the 'Number One Jade Prosperity Star' (2.4 meters high, weighing 72 tons) and the 'Number One Jade Fortune Star' (2.6 meters high, weighing 72 tons), representing the complete set of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity. Moving forward, there is a stone stairway leading to 'Yu Xian Palace', with over 130 small jade sculptures depicting 'mythological legends' on both sides. Yu Xian Palace is the most majestic and spectacular palace in the scenic area, a three-story antique pavilion, with even the incense burner facing outdoors made of jade. The interior is spacious and splendid, with a central jade statue of Xian Gu flying to the heavens, 8.8 meters high and weighing 300 tons, flanked by four guardian deities representing 'Wind, Harmony, Rain, Order'. Ascending to the 2nd and 3rd floors, the high vantage point offers a better perspective to appreciate the celestial aura of Xian Gu Peak and its benevolent nature. Yu Xian Palace is also the highest point accessible by the scenic area's sightseeing car, and the 'Worship Immortal Road' above can be continued on foot.