E’lu Park
The park is located on Xi Mountain in the western part of Chuxiong City, Yunnan Province. The verdant E’lu Mountain winds its way through the landscape with gentle peaks and serene valleys, offering picturesque and pleasant scenery. The main sightseeing area is situated in the central part of the mountain, with a winding road encircling the mountain, making the journey both accessible and scenic. Xi Mountain serves as a natural protective barrier for Chuxiong City, adding both beauty and security to the region.
E’lu Park is situated at an altitude of 1,772–1,947 meters, covering a total area of 3,304 mu (approximately 2.2 square kilometers), with a forest coverage rate of 85%. The forested area spans 2,700 mu, predominantly consisting of mixed forests dominated by coniferous trees. The park stretches from Lingxiu Lake in the south to Sanjiatang Aqueduct in the north, and from the Canal in the east to Baishachong in the west, measuring approximately 6 kilometers from north to south and 1 kilometer in width from east to west.
Main Attractions
Lotus Pavilion and Xinglong Temple
Located beneath the striking and majestic Ancient Mountain Pavilion, this structure covers an area of 179 square meters. As you pass through the main entrance and turn left along the path leading to Xiling Palace, a winding trail takes you into the depths of the lush mountain forest. Here, thanks to the efforts of local Buddhist leaders who raised funds for its relocation, Xinglong Temple, originally situated in Lezhi Stele Village south of the city, was reconstructed at this site.
Mountain Gate
At the forefront of E’lu Mountain stands a magnificent and resplendent ancient-style gate, constructed in the form of a traditional Chinese memorial archway. Passing through the gate, visitors are greeted by a unique courtyard, where a spiral flower trellis forms a stunning centerpiece. The courtyard is filled with a vibrant array of exotic flowers and plants, radiating charm and beauty. Visitors can sit in the adjacent corridor to enjoy the view of the lush vegetation and colorful blossoms. Beyond the courtyard lies a lotus pond, where lotus flowers sway gracefully over shimmering waters that reflect the verdant silhouette of E’lu Mountain, creating a breathtaking scene. Intersecting with the pond are newly constructed curved bridges and water pavilions, which, despite their modern origins, retain a traditional aesthetic.
Today, a newly built Ancient Mountain Pavilion rises majestically at the top of the mountain that facing the lotus pavilion. Visitors climbing the pavilion can enjoy a panoramic view of Longchuan River winding like a ribbon around Chuxiong, capturing both the city’s new streets and old markets in a single glance. Descending from the pavilion and passing through the plum blossom-filled Yuyuan Garden, with its fragrant flowers and lush greenery, then enters the heart of E’lu Mountain.
Xiling Palace
Xiling Palace is one of the best-preserved ancient structures in E’lu Park. The palace enshrines Granny Ta’ao, a Yi woman deeply revered by the local community. The site once housed a statue of Yi leader Bao Hei Gong, depicting him with a cloth-wrapped head, wearing a sheepskin jacket, and holding a long smoking pipe. The statue captured the essence of Yi ethnic life with rich cultural detail.
In recent years, the government has allocated funds to renovate Xiling Palace, reviving its historic charm. Additionally, the palace houses the Guocheng Hall, built in memory of Guocheng, a prominent painter from the late Qing dynasty.
Open-Air Theater
The open-air theater frequently hosts performances of traditional Yunnan opera and flower lantern shows, performed mostly by amateur actors, offering visitors an authentic taste of local culture.
Piaobai’ao
Piaobai’ao features a sweet spring that flows ceaselessly throughout the year. Each morning, local residents gather here to fetch water for brewing tea, showcasing the simple and charming lifestyle of Deer City’s inhabitants.
The combination of rich natural landscapes and cultural landmarks makes E’lu Park a unique destination for visitors seeking both tranquility and cultural exploration.