Western Mountains - Eight Great Sights Badachu

The monk Haiyou supposedly lived for forty years during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) in this cave on the peak of Cuiweishan; its name is taken from the pearl-shaped stones at the entrance to the cave.

Northwest of the Temple of Great Compassion is the Hall of the Dragon King (Longwang Tang) where, according to legend, the ''dragon king'' lived. The building, also called The Monastery of the Dragon Spring (Longuan An) dates from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

Further to the north, between the Cuiweishan, Lishishan and the Pingboshan mountains, is the little Monastery of the Three Mountains, the origins of which are unknown. There is a fine view from the pavilion in the temple grounds.

The Temple of Eternal Peace (Chang'an Si) on the Cuiweishan was erected in 1504. In the first hall is a bronze statue of Guan Yu who was a general at the time of the three empires (220-280); the second hall is dedicated to Shakyamuni.

A further hall is dedicated to the Goddess Niangniang who is believed to fulfill the wish for children.

Next is the Temple of Great Compassion (Dabei Si) dating from 1550. Particularly worth seeing are the eighteen Luohan figures, attributed to the famous sculptor Liu Yuan.

The Temple of the Cult of Buddha (Zhengguo Si), dating from the Tang period (618-907), is situated on the mountain opposite; Lushishan. It was later renovated several times. In the first courtyard is a 2m/6ft high bronze bell from 1470.

In the north of the site is the Mimo Yan rock which is shaped like a lion's mouth. Next to this is the Lushi Cave (Lushi Dong), where the monk Lushi is said to have lived during the Tang period (618-907).

The next and largest of the eight temples is the Temple of the Fragrant World (Xiangjie Si) originating from the Tang period (618-907) when it was called Pingpo Si. It was modernized in 1678 by Emperor Kangxi, and again in 1748 by Emperor Qianlong. At that time an imperial residence and a library for Buddhist manuscripts were founded here. In the main hall, which is flanked by the bell and drum towers, can be seen statues of Buddhas past, present and future.