Laifeng Mountain National Forest Park covers for 1656.2 hectares. Because of its unique natural and cultural landscape, it is called as a "green pearl" inlaid in the city. The main scenic area of the park is a shield-shaped volcanic cone, which looks like an elephant. The park has the lush vegetation with a wide variety of species. The forest coverage rate reaches nearly 90%. The highest altitude is 1,912 meters and the lowest is 1,640 meters. There are more than 300 species of wild birds and more than 50 species of beasts in the park.
Features of Laifeng Mountain
Located in the south of Tengchong, Laifeng Mountain is regarded as the symbol of Tengchong. Though it is not very high, it is more beautiful than any other mountain in the area. According to the legend, a phoenix once had been in the mountain, hence the name.
According to the research, Laifeng Mountain formed about 900,000 years ago when the volcanoes erupted here. It is one of the oldest volcanoes in Tengchong. When the sun shines after the rain, the mountain is shrouded in mist and clouds. Laifeng Mountain is also famous for its mist and clouds especially after rains. It is reputed as one of the twelve most attractive scenic spots in Tengchong.
The gate of the park is carved from the volcanic rock, simple and dignified. Circle up from the dirt road on the right side of the gate, there is a small bridge. Cross the bridge and climb 160 steps up, you will see the gate of Laifeng Temple.
Laifeng Temple is the most famous Buddhist temple in Tengchong. It was originally built in the Tang Dynasty. It was originally named as Longfeng Temple and later renamed as Laifeng Temple in the Ming Dynasty. It was destroyed by war and rebuilt in 1887 during the Qing Dynasty. Laifeng Temple has an elegant architectural style, exquisite gardens and solemn Buddha statues in the Daxiong Hall. The Jade Buddha Hall has a white jade reclining Buddha and eighteen arhat statues donated by an overseas Chinese in Myanmar. On the left side of the Daxiong Hall, there is the Shakyamuni Buddha Hall, which enshrines a white jade Buddha Shakyamuni.
Entering the gate, passing through the small garden, you will reach the Daxiong Hall and the Jade Buddha Hall. There are some gardens on both sides of the main hall, with pools, curved corridors, and pavilions on the left. Some exhibitions of historical relics and ethnic customs are on display here.