Lanzhou
Five Spring Mountain
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This park, bustling with
visitors and activities, is Lanzhou's biggest. Inside
the park are five springs, hence the name. They are~weet
Dew, Moon-Scoping, Child-Seek-ing, Benefit-Giving, and
Meng Spring. According to legend, these five springs
were found by Huo Qubing, a famous general of the Han
Dynasty. It is said that when he passed through this
area leading troops into battle, they were thirsty,
so he wielded his whip and the five springs emerged.
These springs, small as they are , have never dried
up since then. In addition to these five springs, some
other little brooks emanate from the mountain slope
and run down the hillsides. The water, clear and sweet,
produces a rare scene in the dry loess plateau.
In the park, many richly ornamented old pavilions, mansions
and temples with carved beams and painted rafters such
as Qianfu Hall, Wenchang Palace, Banyue Pavilion stand
together with modern mechanical carnival facilities
such as a merry-go-round, bumper and racing cars, and
overhead pedal cabs. Together they make the park interesting
and attractive to all ages. Various recreational activities
are held in the park including flower shows, colored
lantern displays, painting and calligraphy exhibits
and acrobatics and magic performances. Among the cultural
relics, is the Tainhe Iron Bell of the Jin Dynasty (Cast
in 1202 A. D. ). Weighing up to 5, 000 kg, it is three
meters high and two meters in diameter. On its surface
are cast these words:" At the sound of this bell,
angels delight while devils take fright; destroy hell,
help the needy and relieve the distressed". Considering
the technological conditions of 700 years ago, it was
by no means easy to cast such a big and complicated
iron bell. Another famous relic is the Bronze Buddha
of the Ming Dynasty (sculpted in 1370 A. D. ). It is
more than five meters tall with a circumference of 2.65
meters. Beautifully formed the Buddha's face smiles
with kindness and mercy:it is an impressive work of
art. On the main gate of the park, there is an inscription,"Its
a pleasure to visit this famous mountain", written
by Shu Tong, a famous calligrapher.
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