China attractions - The Five Springs Mountain Park (Wuquan shan gongyuan)  contains many temples and pavilions, mostly of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) origin, as well as tea-houses, art-exhibition halls and pools. Of these, the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) Jingang Palace (Jingan gong) and Temple of Reverent Solemnity (Chongqing si) are the best. The first contains a magnificent 16ft bronze Buddha cast in 1370 AD, while the latter houses an ancient bronze bell, 10ft high and weighing 5 tons, that dates back to 1202 AD. The best time to come here would have to be during the summer months, when the temperature is almost always a few degrees cooler than the city. If action is your thing, there is an annual Temple Fair every year around mid-May (8th April by the traditional Chinese calendar). Locals celebrate with general festivity and a pretty flower exhibition. During the Spring Festival (Chun jie), the Chinese traditional New Year (near the start of February), a Lantern Festival takes place in the park.

There is a legend that Han Emperor Wudi sent General Huoqubing to defend his northern border which was under attack by Xiongnu in 120 BC. When the troops approached the Gaolan Hill with all soldiers thirsty and tired, they found that there was no water. General Huo was desperate to find the water himself, and when he whipped upon a stone with rage, five pure springs gushed out. Alternatively, another legend has it that this General stabbed his sword into the ground after finding no water for his horses or himself. The five springs erupted from here and are still flowing today. The highest one is called "Amrita Spring". Legend has it that anyone who drinks the water will become eternal. Another interesting spring is called "Moziquan (Spring of Son)". It rumored that at the bottom of this 10m deep cave are screes and tiles. People who retrieve the screes would get a son. Most of the buildings have been destroyed in warfare over the centuries, and there only remains the Hall of Adamantine, which was built in 1372. Inside there is enshrined a bronze statue of Adamantine, 5.3m in height.

The park along with it's neighbor Lanshan Park, is a pretty area of mountain scenery, artificial temples and winding paths. These two spots will take up a good day and are a worthy rest away from the bustle of the strip of city that can be seen from below. The park is named after the five springs that can be found at the foot of the mountain. A climb to the summit (by chairlift) offers a panoramic view of the whole city.

Opening hours: 06:00 - 18:00 daily.

How to get there: From the railway station, first take trolley Bus #31 or 34 and get off at Wuquan Shan, the fourth stop (alternatively Bus #8 terminates here from Jiuquan lu). Walk west to Wuquan Lu. Turn left and walk about 750m to the ticket office of Wuquan Park.