In Nanhai District, Foshan City, there stands a mountain known as the "Beacon of Pearl River Civilization". It is Xiqiao Mountain, one of Guangdong's four famous mountains.

The name "Xiqiao" is derived from the act of collecting firewood. Legend has it that in ancient times, people referred to the Luofu Mountain in the east as Dongqiao, and the mountain in the west as Xiqiao. Thus, the name Xiqiao Mountain came into existence.

Xiqiao Mountain

In 1960, the renowned archaeologist Jia Lanpo and others discovered prehistoric human activity sites in Xiqiao Mountain, characterized by microlith and double-shouldered stone implements. After expert analysis and verification, it was confirmed that the mountain was the largest stone tool manufacturing site in South China from the prehistoric period.

The Xiqiao Mountain culture, marked by the presence of shouldered stone implements, paved the way for the Pearl River Civilization, thus earning this ancient mountain the reputation of being the "Beacon of Pearl River Civilization."

Double-shouldered stone implements

Shiyanyan Archaeological Site

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became an important tea producer for Guangzhou, with its renowned Kuding tea (a kind of bitter-tasting Chinese tea) and Baiyun tea (a kind of Chinese green tea). At the foot of the mountain lies a long tea trade street, which serves as a hub for tea sales. Therefore, Xiqiao Mountain is also known as the "Tea Mountain." To this day, the mountain still preserves seven ancient villages with distinct Lingnan characteristics.

Today, the dormant volcanic crater of Xiqiao Mountain has transformed into two clear and green lakes, coexisting with 72 lush peaks. Peach blossoms, tea flowers, osmanthus flowers, and azaleas fill the mountain with fragrant blooms throughout the four seasons.

A green lake in Xiqiao Mountain

Waterfalls

Photo | Nanfang Plus