Flying Phoenix Tower at Qinglongshan
There is a majestic pavilion called 'Feifeng Lou' (Flying Phoenix Tower) at the summit of Qinglongshan Forest Park in Xianfeng County, Hubei Province, and locals often call it Vantage Tower. Feifeng Lou is a traditional Chinese-style building with intricate carvings and elaborate decorations, its upturned eaves exuding an air of grandeur.
On February 5th, 2019, the first day of Chinese New Year according to the traditional lunar calendar, we visited Xianfeng Qinglongshan Vantage Tower.
Qinglongshan is one of the eight scenic spots of Xianfeng County, located southeast of the county seat. Legend has it that when Nüwa repaired the sky, a dragon accidentally leaped out of the furnace and landed on this auspicious site. Thus, the dragon and 'Feifeng' (Flying Phoenix) became companions, protecting humanity and benefiting the local people. Vantage Tower is built at the flying phoenix head on Qinglongshan, and from Vantage Tower, one can see the entire Xianfeng County.
It is said that Qinglongshan also serves as a weather vane for Xianfeng County. The old saying goes: 'When the dragon puffs up the smoke, the white tiger puffs up the clear air.' To bring rain to thousands of homes, it often gathers mist on one ridge. As long as there is mist on Qinglongshan, rain will arrive immediately.
We climbed the winding mountain road, ascending step by step along the mountain path, with countless visitors returning along the same path. When we reached Vantage Tower, we saw a bustling crowd of men, women, and elderly people, coming and going, with people sweating profusely. Some even mobilized their entire families for a chance to appreciate the splendor of Vantage Tower.
Along the Qinglongshan ridge, a wooden boardwalk hangs precariously on the steep mountain face, resembling a flowing silk ribbon, adding a touch of softness to the layered peaks. We followed the 'two horizontal and four vertical' hiking trail, built along the contours of the mountain, ascending step by step, listening to the wind and the rustling of the trees, and experiencing a shift in our state of mind brought by nature.
From Vantage Tower, we could see the azure blue, reflecting the unique flavor of Xianfeng County. Turning back to look at the path we came from, we were immersed in the lush green scenery.
As we explored deeper into the park, we felt the clouds rolling and swirling, inspiring endless thoughts… Touching the handrail of the wooden boardwalk, we had a bird's-eye view of Xianfeng County, and we felt the fresh, natural beauty that came with it.
The surroundings were varied and dense, with golden sunlight falling on the treetops, creating dancing shadows and scattered light, the bluish-grey of the mountain combined with the unique crimson of the buildings, creating a vibrant and colorful painting.
Qinglongshan boasts greenness and tranquility, it's a great place for citizens to exercise and relax, it's a natural oxygen bar for citizens, it's a corner of the city amidst the towering buildings, it's a forest park in the county seat!
On the winding hiking trail, in the ancient and charming leisure pavilion, time slows down, and tired thoughts relax. Let's respect the relationship between man and nature, respect every mountain and every tree, let the lush vitality of Qinglongshan enhance the city and let the prosperity and flourishing of Xianfeng County be beautiful in the hearts of the citizens, blessing the citizens of Xianfeng County!
