Page 8 August 25, 2014 2014 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES AROUND NANJING

XUANWU LAKE

Xuanwu Lake is located in At the end of the Xuanwu district in the central- (1644-1911), the lake was turned northeast part of Nanjing, near into a scenic location. Today, the the and lake is a popular destination Ji Ming Temple. Five islands in because of its clear waters and the lake are connected by arched colorful mountains. bridges. Its main entrance is the Xuanwu Lake Park, once an Xuanwu Gate. imperial garden, is open to pub- The lake has a history of more lic. Within the scenic park are than 1,500 years and its name has pagodas, pavilions, tea hous- changed several times. The city es and restaurants. Entertain- finally settled on the name Xuan- ment options include boating, a QIXIA MOUNTAIN wu because of a folk tale that zoo and an outdoor theater. Key claims a black dragon lives in it. attractions include the Nuo’na Qixia Mountain is located in northeastern Nan- ple is an ancient temple that was built in 489. It is The lake was used by many Tower, Lama Temple, Cenotaph jing. In the Southern Dynasties (420-589), a Qixia regarded as the precursor of Buddhism’s “three theo- dynasties to train naval troops. of Guo Pu and the Rose Gar- cottage was found by travelers on the mountain, thus ries” and one of the “four sections” of Buddhism. Because many military demon- den. Tourists can ride on boats giving the mountain its name. Qixia Mountain has It was originally built during the Southern Dynas- strations have been held there, and ferries on the lake. A visi- several peaks, including Sanmao Peak, with a height ties, and was called Gongde Temple during the Tang the lake is also known by the tor could easily stroll through of 286 meters; Dragon Mountain, which is located to Dynasty (618-907). During the reign of Emperor nickname “Military Rehearsal Xuanwu Lake Park for up to five the northeast; and Tiger Mountain, at the northwest. Xianfeng in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the temple Lake”. hours. Qixia Mountain has many scenic and historical was destroyed in a massive fire. It was then recon- sites. Its Dongfeitian grottoes, which were discovered structed during the reign of Emperor Guangxu. The in 2000, have made it a well-known tourist attrac- main attractions of the temple are the magnificent tion. gate, Tianwang Hall, Pilu Hall, Shecui Pavilion and Located to the west of Qixia Mountain, Qixia Tem- Cangjing Pavilion.

PURPLE MOUNTAIN

Purple Mountain, or Zijin Shan, is locat- ed to the east of Nan- jing. It is 447.1 meters high, with the lowest point at 30 meters. Its peaks are often found enveloped in mysteri- ous purple and gold- en clouds at dawn and dusk, hence its name. It is known as the “lung of Nanjing”, and THE RAIN FLOWER TERRACE for good reason: The massive, forested park The Rain Flower Terrace, one dramatically that the gods rained area boasts fresh and of the most iconic spots in Nan- down flowers like a shower on cool air. jing, is located to the south of the the area, hence the name “Rain More than 200 her- city and occupies an area of 153.7 Flower Terrace”. The scenic loca- itage and scenic tour- hectares. It is rich in historical tion is significant in modern Chi- ist sites are located in monuments as well as natural nese history because it was used or around the moun- scenery. as an execution site of revolution- tain, including three Zijinshan Astronomical Observa- in China, and is still involved in The site got its name during ary martyrs. It has since been national historical sites, nine pro- tory, is one of the most well-known scientific research today. For most, the Southern Dynasties (420- converted into a memorial area. vincial historical sites and 33 pre- institutes. a visit to the observatory will com- 589) because of an old and wise Today, there are solemn as well fectural historical sites. Located in PMO has astronomical instru- plement a hike or ride up or down monk named Yunguang, who as magnificent memorial relics or close to the hillside are about a ments dating back to the Ming Purple Mountain. Once you have preached the doctrines of Bud- that dot the site. Tourists can also dozen national research institutes Dynasty (1368-1644). The modern arrived, it only takes about 30 to dhism at the park. According to find numerous species of plants and universities. observatory began operating in 45 minutes to observe the instru- legend, the monk’s eloquent sto- proliferating the area throughout The well-known Purple Moun- 1934, which marked the beginning ments and enjoy the view from the rytelling moved the heavens so the year. tain Observatory, also known as of modern astronomical research observatory.