Introduction
Canh Dieu Mountain, also known as Ngoc My Nhan Mountain, was ranked a National Scenic Relic in 1962. Like Ky Lan Mountain and Non Nuoc Mountain, Canh Dieu Mountain is considered one of the “Four Great Mountains of Ninh Binh.” But the fate of this mountain is not as lucky as that of other mountains. The relics and poems carved on the cliffs were destroyed during the war. Despite that, some temples and caves here are still very old. Tourists can visit the mountains, visit temples, and listen to legendary stories here. Or join Ninh Binh Private Car to learn about the places on Canh Dieu Mountain.
Geographical Location of Canh Dieu Mountain
Ngoc My Nhan Mountain is located east of Hoa Lu city in Van Giang ward, Ninh Binh province. The mountain is located near the Day River and only about 1km from Non Nuoc Mountain. So visitors can easily visit both mountains on the same day.
The mountain’s location also facilitates transportation, near Ninh Binh Railway Station and Ninh Binh Bus Station. So, after arriving, tourists can visit this place quickly. Or you can also get ready for your next destination.
The Historical Story Behind the Canh Dieu Mountain Name
According to folk tales of Thanh Ca Temple, the mountain was named Canh Dieu because it is related to Cao Bien. He was a general and a magician of ancient China during the Tang Dynasty.
He was sent to Vietnam to rule and often used a paper kite to search for the Dragon Vein to destroy. While passing through the land of Ninh Binh, a Taoist transformed by the god Thien Ton used a bow and arrow to shoot him down. Cao Bien was shot and seriously injured; the kite fell on this mountain, so it was named Canh Dieu Mountain.
The mountain is also called Ngoc My Nhan because, looking from a distance of about 3 – 5km, visitors will see a dark green mountain range shaped like a girl with loose hair and a naked body lying in the field. And the legend of Tien Son Temple, where the fairy turned to stone, is worshiped, also has an anecdote about the fairy who, because she was attached to the beauty of this world and did not want to return to heaven, turned into a mountain.
Monuments On The Canh Dieu Mountain
At the foot of the mountain are two clusters of important cultural and historical relics: Thanh Ca Temple and Tien Son Temple.
Thanh Ca Temple
Located at the southern foot of Canh Dieu mountain are the relics of Thanh Ca temple, which worship the god Thien Ton. The god is associated with the history of the formation of Canh Dieu Mountain and is worshiped by the people of this region. If Thien Ton Cave is where God Thien Ton practices magic, Canh Dieu Mountain is where God often appears to help people. The temple is next to a lake that locals call the dead-end river.
Than Thien Ton is one of Hoa Lu Tu Tran and is the god guarding the east of Ninh Binh. God is a prince born to the queen in a dream of swallowing the sun, and then she became pregnant on March 3, 625. Growing up, he was stronger than anyone else, and he went to Dung Duong Mountain in Hoa Lu to practice for 42 years.
The temple has a simple design, with a red-tiled roof and a soaring curved tail with meticulously carved images of dragons and phoenixes. The temple grounds have many stone statues with figures such as horses and qilin.
Tien Son Temple
Tien Son Temple is located at the foot of the northwest mountain of Ngoc My Nhan Mountain. Due to her lingering love for the world, the fairy goddess’s temple turned to stone and became Jade Beauty Mountain. It is on the same campus as Canh Dieu Pagoda and Tam Phu Mother Temple. To enter this relic, you must go to Lane 1, Hoang Dieu Street, instead of from Nguyen Cong Tru Street to Thanh Ca Temple.
Attractions Near Canh Dieu Mountain
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Located about 10 kilometers from Canh Dieu Mountain, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is the top tourist destination in Ninh Binh. It can be said that this is the main face of Ninh Binh tourism. Visitors can row a boat on the gentle river, admiring the scenery. Especially during the ripe rice seasons in Ninh Binh, Trang An will be covered with the yellow color of rice, creating a beautiful scene.
Before coming here, visitors should refer to the information on the Trang An Departure Boat Ticket.
Ninh Binh Walking Street
The mountain is close to the city center, so visitors can explore Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh Walking Street is less than 3km from the mountain in Hoa Lu Old Town. In the evening, visitors can visit the street to admire the Ninh Binh Nightlife. Here you can buy handmade products or enjoy traditional dishes.
Mua Cave
The location is also relatively nearby, Mua Cave, only about 8km away. Here, visitors can challenge themselves with 486 stone steps leading to the top of the Ngoa Long mountain. When reaching the top of the mountain, visitors will see the panoramic view of Trang An, Ninh Binh. In addition, the top of the mountain is also the most beautiful place for visitors to take photos.
Conclusion
Although Canh Dieu Mountain is no longer a famous destination, it still has many historical and cultural values. Visitors can visit this place to learn about folk tales and mysterious legends about the mountain. In addition, visitors can also visit the temples at the foot of the mountain to admire their historical value. This place will be built and remodeled to become a tourist destination. We hope that this will be a beautiful destination in the future. Ninh Binh Private Car wishes you a wonderful tour in Canh Dieu Mountain and Ninh Binh, Vietnam.