Guanyin Mountain Scenic Area, Guanyin Lake Introduction
Guanyin Mountain, located at the intersection of Renwu and Dashe, was originally named "Cui Ping Rock" and stands at a height of only 177 meters. It is one of the top ten famous mountains in Kaohsiung and is listed as number 075 in the Minor Hundred Mountains. The main peak resembles the Guanyin statue seated in meditation, surrounded by other peaks, giving it its name. It is an excellent choice for public fitness, hiking, and religious pilgrimage, attracting many visitors during holidays. The Guanyin Mountain area is vast, dominated by fine sandstone rich in iron, which is soft and suitable for barefoot walking, hence it's also known as Barefoot Park. Additionally, there are the famous "Eight Scenic Spots of Guanyin," including Cui Ping Sunset, Golden Bell Spirit Platform, Stone Drum Shaking the Mountain, Immortal Traces of Old Trees, Stone Brush Beginning to Bloom, Guanyin Ascending to the Sky, Lotus Pond Night Moon, and Heaven Cave Morning Dawn, each offering unique scenic beauty. There are numerous hiking trails on Guanyin Mountain; if it's your first time hiking, it is recommended to plan a popular trail route. You can park at the Guanyin Mountain Public Parking Lot No. 7 and start your ascent from the "Fengyi Palace" entrance behind the parking lot. Although the stone steps can be steep and challenging, the views improve as you ascend, allowing for rest breaks to enjoy the surrounding scenery. Reaching the highest point of Guanyin Mountain, you will encounter the wartime tunnel excavated during the Japanese colonial period, known as "Heaven Cave," which is one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Guanyin." The nearby Guanyin Pavilion is a common resting place for many hikers, where you can take photos at the viewing platform and the "triangulation point," with views of the North Peak and Middle Peak of Guanyin Mountain. This route is the fastest way to reach the summit. Descending towards "Environmental Park," the park is flat and spacious, featuring public restrooms, where you can find some vendors to relax and enjoy natural aiyu jelly, perfect for cooling off. The holiday market at "Dajue Temple" offers a chance for shopping. This route is the shortest hiking trail on Guanyin Mountain, approximately 2.5 kilometers long, which can be completed in about one hour at a leisurely pace. Guanyin Lake is located on the southern side of Guanyin Mountain, originally named Governor's Pond. Its calm and clear waters, along with a good ecological environment, attract numerous migratory birds. The 30-hectare Guanyin Lake is divided into inner and outer lakes, serving roles in irrigation, water storage, and flood prevention. The serene landscape is a must-visit secret spot after completing the Guanyin Mountain hiking trail. Eight Scenic Spots of Guanyin: 1. Cui Ping Sunset: At the foot of Guanyin Mountain, there stands a massive rock surrounded by mountains on three sides, which gathers winds and energy. It is said that Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty saw the beauty of the scenery here and named it "Cui Ping Rock." The scenery referred to as "Cui Ping Sunset" is a highlight, where one can experience the beauty of the sunset after a hike up the mountain. 2. Golden Bell Spirit Platform: Located 30 meters southeast of the start of Xuefu Road, it has been partially removed due to road widening. Steps lead to an ancient pavilion with a couplet describing the legendary story of the Cui Ping Rock Temple. 3. Stone Drum Shaking the Mountain: Located outside the south wall of Dajue Temple, where three pavilions stand. In the 1940s, there was a mountain spring that flowed. It has since been transformed into an artificial waterfall. It is said that when the temple bell rang in ancient times, the echo from the stone drum would resonate through the mountains. 4. Immortal Traces of Old Trees: A banyan tree once grew on the stone drum, providing ample shade for dozens of people to rest. This banyan, due to the absence of water in the 1970s and subsequent pest damage, has since withered. The current banyan seen today was newly planted in the 1980s. 5. Stone Brush Beginning to Bloom: Located next to Ganyuan ancient well along the northern part of the mountain path. It resembles a stone stalagmite, about 30 meters tall, with the end resembling the brush hairs. Under the moonlight, the brush stem reflects the moon, creating a unique sight. 6. Guanyin Ascending to the Sky: The peak known as Zhouzai Kengwei is the main peak of Guanyin Mountain, resembling Guanyin in meditation, with views extending from Anping to Fengbitou. This mountain has undergone three flattening sessions, first during the Japanese era to build a fortress. 7. Lotus Pond Night Moon: Located in front of Guanyin Ascending to the Sky, north of Kecai Pond, which used to irrigate forty-three acres but has since diminished. To the south is Daji, which has been divided into multiple small ponds. 8. Heaven Cave Morning Dawn: Towards the end of World War II, the Japanese excavated a wartime tunnel of about 100 meters in length at Zhouzai Kengwei, sloping downwards, providing views of layers of mountains in morning light.
