Guanyin Mountain Scenic Area, Guanyin Lake Introduction
Guanyin Mountain, located at the junction of Renwu and Dashe, was formerly known as "Cui Ping Rock." With an elevation of only 177 meters, it is one of the top ten famous mountains in the Kaohsiung area and is listed as a minor mountain with code 075. Its main peak resembles the seated figure of Guanyin, surrounded by other peaks, thus earning its name. It is a popular destination for fitness, outdoor activities, and religious pilgrimages, attracting many visitors on holidays. The Guanyin Mountain area is vast and mainly consists of iron-rich siltstone, which is soft and suitable for barefoot walking, also known as Barefoot Park. Additionally, it features the famous "Eight Scenic Spots of Guanyin," including Cui Ping Sunset, Golden Bell Spiritual Terrace, Shigu Shaking Mountain, Ancient Tree Immortal's Footprint, Shibi Initial Bloom, Guanyin Ascending to Heaven, Lotus Pond Night Moon, and Tiandong Morning Dawn, each showcasing unique scenery. There are numerous hiking trails on Guanyin Mountain. For first-time visitors, it is recommended to plan a popular hiking route, which allows parking at the Guanyin Mountain No. 7 Public Parking Lot. The ascent to the main peak starts from the "Fengyi Temple" trailhead located behind the parking lot. Although the stone steps are steep and require effort to climb, the stunning views along the way make it worthwhile, providing opportunities to rest while enjoying the scenic surroundings. Upon reaching the highest point of Guanyin Mountain, visitors can see the wartime tunnel—"Tiandong"—excavated during the Japanese colonial period, a part of the Eight Scenic Spots of Guanyin known as "Tiandong Morning Dawn." The nearby Guanyin Pavilion is often where many hikers stop to rest and enjoy tea, and visitors can take photos on the viewing platform at the "Triangulation Point," where the North Peak and Middle Peak of Guanyin Mountain are visible. This route is the quickest way to reach the summit of Guanyin Mountain. Descending leads to the "Environmental Park," which is spacious and flat, also equipped with public restrooms. As one continues downhill, various vendors can be found, perfect for tasting natural aiyu jelly, a refreshing treat for the summer heat. The "Dajue Temple" weekend market is also a great place to shop. This route is the shortest hiking path to Guanyin Mountain, approximately 2.5 kilometers long, which can be completed in about an hour at a leisurely pace. Guanyin Lake, located to the south of Guanyin Mountain, was originally named "Governor's Pond." The calm and clear waters and the rich ecological environment attract many migratory birds to inhabit the area. The 30-hectare Guanyin Lake consists of inner and outer lakes and serves the purposes of irrigation, water storage, and flood control. The serene landscape of mountains and water is a must-visit hidden gem after hiking the trails of Guanyin Mountain. The Eight Scenic Spots of Guanyin: 1. Cui Ping Sunset - At the foot of Guanyin Mountain, there is a giant rock surrounded by mountains on three sides, creating a wind-sheltering and energy-gathering environment. It is said that Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, seeing this beautiful site, named it "Cui Ping Rock." The sunset view known as "Cui Ping Sunset" refers to this scenic spot, which is particularly stunning at twilight. The eighth scene added in 48th year of the Republic of China includes this view. 2. Golden Bell Spiritual Terrace - Located 30 meters southeast from the starting point of Xuefu Road, this area has been partially cut away due to road widening. Following the steps from the roadside leads to an ancient pavilion featuring a historical couplet that narrates the legendary story of the Cui Ping Rock Temple. 3. Shigu Shaking Mountain - Found on the southern side of Dajue Temple, this spot was once the site of mountain springs during the 1940s. It was transformed into an artificial waterfall after the demolition of pavilions in the 1990s. 4. Ancient Tree Immortal's Footprint - This ancient banyan tree once grew on Shigu, offering a vast canopy for several people to rest. However, it gradually declined in health from the 1960s onward and was eventually replaced by a new banyan tree in the 1980s. 5. Shibi Initial Bloom - Located beside an ancient well along the north section of the mountain path, this stone formation rises like a stalagmite, reaching about 30 meters in height, resembling a pen with its tip appearing black under the moonlight. 6. Guanyin Ascending to Heaven - This peak, known as Zhouzi Kengwei, is the main peak of Guanyin Mountain, resembling Guanyin in a seated position and offering views that extend from Anping to Fangbitou. The peak has been flattened three times for various developments during different periods. 7. Lotus Pond Night Moon - To the north of the Guanyin Ascending to Heaven is the Kezi Pond, which can irrigate 43 hectares, though it has shrunk over time. Southward lies the Dabu Pond, which has been divided into several smaller ponds. 8. Tiandong Morning Dawn - Near the end of World War II, the Japanese dug a wartime tunnel about 100 meters long in Zhouzi Kengwei, offering a view of the layered mountains in the dawn light from along the ridge.
