Wuquan Mountain Park

Introducing Wuquan Mountain Park
Wuquan Mountain Park is a renowned tourist attraction with its oldest buildings dating back over 700 years. Wuquan Mountain Park is situated in the northwest part of Gaolan Mountain in Lanzhou. The park, covering an extensive 267,000 square meters, has been a popular destination since it opened to the public in 1955. Famous for its Five Springs and historic Buddhist architecture, it provides a journey through history.

Wuquan Mountain Park Fast Facts
• AKA: Five Springs Mountain Park
• Chinese Name: Wu Quan Shan Gong Yuan 五泉山公园
• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Buddhism
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 18:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: No.103 Wuquan South Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu Province

History of the Wuquan Mountain Park
According to legend, during the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), General Huo Qubing, while on a campaign against a minority tribe, arrived at the foot of Gaolan Mountain. His troops were parched and exhausted, with no water in sight. In a moment of both strength and desperation, General Huo struck the ground five times with his horsewhip. Miraculously, five springs emerged, providing water for his soldiers. These springs, later named Ganlu, Juyue, Mozi, Meng, and Hui, led to the mountain being called Wuquan Mountain, or “Five Springs Mountain.”

What to Expect at the Wuquan Mountain Park
Wuquan Mountain offers three distinct routes for exploration: the western, middle, and eastern paths. Each route showcases pavilions, lengthy plank roads, springs, and waterfalls, each with its own layout and distinctive attractions. Below are some of the most renowned tourist spots along these routes. Get ready to dive in and explore!

Ganlu Spring
“Ganlu,” meaning “sweet dew” or “timely rain,” reflects the ancient Chinese belief in rain as a blessing from the agricultural deity. Emperors once prayed for rainfall at mountaintop altars, considering it a sweet and timely gift for a bountiful harvest. True to its name, Ganlu Spring offers visitors refreshingly sweet water and a serene escape, embodying the tranquility and prosperity associated with its namesake.

Juyue Spring
Known for its clear and cool waters, Juyue Spring is celebrated for resembling the beauty of a moonlit night, creating a picturesque and mesmerizing setting for visitors. Its name, meaning “to hold the moon,” signifies this unique charm.

Mozi Spring
Local folklore claims that drinking from Mozi Spring can influence the gender of an unborn child. This belief stems from the spring’s proximity to Dizang Temple, where a Buddha statue is venerated for matters of childbirth. This connection between the spring and the temple makes the site spiritually significant for expectant parents seeking specific genders for their children, highlighting the region’s unique blend of nature and religion.

Meng Spring
Meng Spring is located on the east side of the park. It is believed that water from this spring enhances the flavor of Meng Tea, which is produced on Mountain Meng in Sichuan Province. When brewed with this water, the tea’s flavor is said to be extraordinary, offering a unique and delightful taste experience for tea enthusiasts.

Hui Spring
Hui Spring, with its tranquil ambiance and clear waters, has long been treasured for offering a serene escape amidst lush greenery. Its name, meaning “benefiting someone,” reflects its historical significance in meeting local water supply needs. While its flow has decreased over time, it still holds a special place for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion, located not far from the park’s entrance gate, is renowned for its unique architectural structure that resembles the shape of a butterfly. Though its east and west gates no longer stand, their inscriptions once highlighted the transition from worldly bustle to serene escape and back again. The pavilion offers a transient sanctuary, providing a momentary escape from the demands of life before rejoining the world’s bustling stage.

Wanyuan Hall
Wanyuan Hall is an important cultural and historical landmark with three distinct levels. The first level, called “Wanglai Hall,” was traditionally used for scholarly discussions and lectures by Lanzhou’s Confucian intellectuals. The second level, known as “Siyuan Tower,” is dedicated to four esteemed philosophers from the Song (960-1279) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties: Zhou Dunyi, Shao Yong, Cheng Yi, and Zhu Xi. The third level honors the four sages of Confucianism: Fuxi, King Wen of Zhou, the Duke of Zhou, and Confucius. This multi-tiered structure reflects the region’s deep reverence for Confucian thought and tradition.

Taihao Palace
Taihao Palace, situated on the western side of Wanyuan Hall, serves as a place for people to worship ancient and local sages of the region. The main deities honored here are Fuxi, Nüwa, and the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan, known as the Three Ancient Sages. Together, they symbolize the foundational principles of Chinese civilization, including harmony with nature, the importance of familial and social bonds, and the pursuit of wisdom and virtue. Their worship at Taihao Palace underscores the enduring reverence for tradition, culture, and the spiritual interconnectedness between humanity and the cosmos.

Sanjiao Cave
Sanjiao Cave, situated at the highest point of Wuquan Mountain Park, offers a panoramic view of Lanzhou and its bustling streets below. This notable scenic spot enshrines statues of Confucius from Confucianism, Shakyamuni from Buddhism, and Laozi from Daoism. The cave reflects the harmonious coexistence of China’s three major philosophies, providing visitors with a unique insight into the region’s cultural and spiritual legacy.

How to Get to Wuquan Mountain Park
• By Bus: Take bus 8 to Wuquan Mountain Station.

Additional Travel Advice on Wuquan Mountain Park
• There is a zoo near the park.
• Please wear body lotion, lip balm and hand cream as it is always dry in Lanzhou.
• On April 8th in lunar calendar when it is the birthday of Buddha Sakyamuni, Bathing Buddha Festival and ritual activities are held in the park.