Point : Shihtoushan (Lion’s Head Mountain |
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Shihtoushan is a popular scared land for Buddhism. In the earlier years, it was one of the twelve most scenic spots in Taiwan. Temples, monasteries and shrines set in natural shallow caves on the slopes of the mountain, dot the entire area. Among some of the more popular temples is the Kaison Temple where the Ta-chang sutra carved during the Japanese era is kept. Yuankuan Temple is on the highest ground and the oldest temple here. Others are Haihui Nunnery, Linghsia Cave, Chinkang (Gold) Temple, Wanfou (10 thousand Buddha) Temple etc. Two trails lead up to the mountain; one starts from the Nanchuan Shihtou and the other from Lioken Bridge at Hsinchu Town, Shihwui (Lion Tail). The formal is gentle while the later is more rugged and steep.
Shihtoushan is located at the boundary between Nanchuan Village in Miaoli County and Ermei Village of Hsinchu County. Its highest peak measures 492 meters and is located at the southwest part of Shihtou Mountain Range. The mountain resembles that of a reclining lion. The scenery here is breathtaking and serene. This area and Fokuanshan in Kaohsiong are the two of the most popular and biggest Buddhism scared lands in Taiwan.
Shihtoushan is covered with dense forest amid some majestic rock face. In 1892, attracted by its scenic beauty, a Touyuan rich businessman named Zhui Pu-ja built a modest temple in the Shihyuan Cave in pursue of spiritual fulfillment. Since then, more temples are added along the mountain slopes and today, this area has become the an important sacred Buddhism ground.
Along the way from the entrance at Suilien (Water Curtain) Cave to Shihtoushan, there are numerous temples amid dense woodland. The sound of the drum at dawn breaking the serenity of the forestland arouses a certain spiritual uplifting among worshippers and visitors alike.
Most of the temples here are built with natural rocks and partially shaded by the surrounding dense woodland. The most attractive area is at the southern part of Shihtoushan where majestic and grandiose temples stood firmly along mountain slopes and caves crossing both the Miaoli County and Hsinchu County territories. On the Miaoli territories, there are the Chuan Hua Hall, Pu Tien Kung, Chaishan Temple and Shihtou Rock. On the Hsinchu side are the Moon Viewing Pavilion, Yuan Kuang Temple, Hai Hui Temple, Linghsia Cave, Chinkang Temple, Wanfou Temple and Yuanyin Temple.
Chuan Hua Hall has the most majestic structure and the longest history among all the temples here. The Wanya (Seeing the moon) Pavilion is at the highest point of the mountain trails, right at the boundary between Hsinchu and Miaoli. A 10 minutes climb westward from the pavilion takes you to the peak of the Shihtoushan. Northward, you will reach the back mountain of Hsinchu. Here, you will see the oldest Yuan Kuang Temple, formally called Shihyentung (Lion’s Cliff Cave) . Suilien Cave’s biggest temple has a small waterfall where water cascades down with a roar and looking like Pearl Curtain.
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By car :
From Toufen Highway Interchange, exit to No 124 County Route passing Shanchu Lake, No 3 Provincial Route, Shanwan,
and then change to No 124A County Route to Kantinlio and finally, Shihtoushan.
By bus :
From Hsinchu, Chunan or Toufen, take the Miaoli Express Bus bound for Nanchuan and alight at Shihtouyu or Chianhuatan. |
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