Xianshan Lake Scenic Spot – Home of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

Xianshan Lake Scenic Spot (仙山湖), located in Changxing County, Zhejiang Province, is a picturesque area consisting of Xianshan Mountain and Xianhu Lake. Xianshan Mountain, revered as the ancestral home of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, holds a unique and significant place in Buddhism. Although the mountain is relatively modest in height at 162 meters, its shape is reminiscent of Japan’s Mount Fuji. Spanning an area of about ten square kilometers, the mountain is lush with greenery and exudes a mystical aura. One of the most captivating stories about Xianshan involves a prince from the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla who became a monk here after a court upheaval in the early Tang Dynasty, eventually becoming Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. This legend adds to the mountain’s allure, and local lore suggests that “Xianshan existed before Jiuhua,” implying that the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva of Jiuhua Mountain originated from Xianshan.

Xianhu Lake is the largest wetland in northern Zhejiang, covering an area of approximately 10 square kilometers. A long causeway runs east to west across the lake, dividing it into northern and southern sections. The willows along the causeway resemble the famous Su Causeway in Hangzhou’s West Lake. The lake’s waters are clear and inviting, with gentle slopes and expansive, shallow banks. Below the lake lies a mysterious ancient river channel and the submerged ancient village named “Venus,” which corresponds to an astronomical phenomenon. The natural environment of Xianhu Lake is superb, hosting flocks of egrets and other rare water birds that either float on the lake’s surface or stand in its shallows. Even the rare swan has found a home here. The lake’s submerged forest is a rare sight, often referred to as the “Amazon of the East.”

Xianshan Lake Scenic Spot offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. One can take a boat ride to appreciate the scenic beauty of the lake and mountains. For those seeking adventure, activities like parasailing and traditional Chinese dry boat sailing are available. In the evening, visitors can enjoy a bonfire and a delicious barbecue dinner.

The scenic spot includes several notable attractions such as Xianhe Du, a crane crossing point; Hebo Garden, a lotus garden; Xianliu Bay; Yan Yu Beach; Xianyu Pond; Xian Causeway; Xiansheng Temple; Bai Lu Island, an egret habitat; and Fenghuang Island, named after the mythical phoenix. These attractions provide diverse experiences for tourists, combining natural beauty with cultural and historical significance.

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

Xianshan Lake Scenic Spot is located in Si’an Town, Changxing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, near the intersection of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces. Visitors can take a high-speed train to Changxing Station (长兴站), then transfer to a bus bound for Si’an. The bus ride to Xianshan Lake takes about 45 minutes.