Hero Mountain Scenic Area

Chixia Pavilion on Wuli Mountain of Hero Mountain Scenic Area [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Hero Mountain Scenic Area enjoys a favorable geographical location next to Jingshi Road in the north, to Hero Mountain Road in the west, to Yuhan Road in the east, and to Qilishan Road in the south. Covering 105 hectares, the scenic area boasts both continuous mountains and open, flat ground. It is one of the well-known attractions in Jinan, Shandong province.

The scenic area, located in the city, has a beautiful natural landscape, where five mountains are scattered: Sili, Ma'an, Wuli, Liuli and Qili mountains. Of these, Ma'an Mountain is the best place for visitors to enjoy an open view, where they can see fascinating scenery in the distance and also a full view of Jinan city below them. Chixia Pavilion is on Wuli Mountain. On its gate is inscribed a couplet describing its beauty and charm. Climbing up to the pavilion on a sunny day, visitors can see as far as the Yellow River Highway Bridge and Queshan Reservoir. The Yingxu Pavilion stands on the eastern side of Ma'an Mountain, and the Zhanying Pavilion is on the western side. The two pavilions are connected by a 200-meter corridor, which is the longest of its kind in Shandong province.

The forest coverage of the scenic area exceeds 90 percent. It is known as the "lung of the city" for its significant role in improving the city's air quality and environment. The scenic area is able to satisfy local residents' needs for leisure and exercise, with the completion of a green passage surrounding the mountain, the building of cultural attractions, entrances and exits, and a bridge linking Liuli and Qili mountains, the improvement of green landscapes, the renovation of the surrounding environment, as well as the construction of supporting facilities.

As well as beautiful natural landscape, the scenic area also has profound culture. Hero Mountain was previously known as Chixia ("red sunglow" in English) Mountain because in ancient times the area was planted with smoke trees whose green leaves turn red every autumn and makes the mountain look like it is covered by red sunglow. Wang Ping, a famous poet in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), built a villa there, known as Chixia Mountain Villa, which was also the origin of the name of Chixia Square.

A 12.26-meter-high statue of Chairman Mao Zedong stands in Chixia Square. It is the largest landmark of its kind in the city. At present, Chixia Square has been a key venue for people to commemorate Chairman Mao. During major festivals every year, people from all walks of life come to Chixia Square to mourn the great leader who freed the Chinese people from suffering. It also serves as the first choice for hosting cultural activities such as reading festivals, orchid exhibitions and revolutionary song performances.

The multifunctional Hero Mountain Scenic Area, integrating traditional education, sightseeing, exercise and entertainment, has become a popular place among residents.