Wuquan Mountain Temples

Wuquan Mountain lies on the southern edge of Lanzhou's Chengguan District in Gansu province, China, where the slopes climb steeply above the city. Its name, meaning Five Springs, comes from a legend that the Han dynasty general Huo Qubing, camped here in 121 BCE during the campaign against the Xiongnu, struck the ground with his whip and released springs that watered his army. The mountain's temples developed over the following centuries, with many buildings dating from the Ming dynasty and later restorations in the Qing. Chongqing Temple is the best known of the group and holds a large bronze bell cast in 1202 during the Jin dynasty, commonly cited as weighing about five tonnes. The complex also includes the Qianfo Pavilion, the Ganlu spring and temple courtyards dedicated to Buddhist figures, Taoist deities and local protective spirits. Instead of a single axial plan, the buildings follow the mountain's contours, with halls stepped up the slope and linked by covered corridors and stone stairways. Wooden construction predominates, with painted beams and carved eaves, and several pavilions open onto lookouts above the city. The mountain suffered damage in the twentieth century and has been repaired repeatedly, so some halls are recent reconstructions on older foundations, while others retain earlier timbers. The complex is organised as a park, with garden paths, teahouses and exhibition rooms displaying bronzes, steles and temple relics. Wuquan Mountain also draws residents who climb it for exercise, and holiday seasons bring crowds for temple fairs. A full circuit of the main temples takes several hours at an unhurried pace. Descriptions in English are limited, so visitors benefit from reading about the sites beforehand or hiring a local guide. The upper levels offer broad views over the Yellow River valley and the urban core.