Introduction
Ky Lan Mountain is one of the Four Great Mountains of Ninh Binh, located on an island in the middle of Ky Lan Lake. Even though it is not a big mountain, it is still a famous mountain with important meanings for the locals. This place is associated with ancient legends about the Qilin. The mountain is considered the green pearl of Ninh Binh and is a famous attraction for domestic and foreign tourists. So, what interesting stories are there here? Let’s explore interesting things around this mountain with Ninh Binh Private Car.
Ky Lan Mountain – The Green Pearl of Ninh Binh
Overview of Ky Lan Mountain
Ky Lan Mountain is located in Hoa Lu City, Tan Thanh Ward, next to National Highway 1 and Trang An Avenue. Qilin Mountain was named so because the mountain’s shape resembles the head of Qilin in Asian culture. The mountain is over 50 meters high, and the northern side of the mountain is hollow, forming a jaw of Qilin. Around the mountain, lush green trees grow, making people think of Qilin’s mane and beard, so the mountain was named Ky Lan Mountain.
In addition, the mountain also records the clearest signs of marine transgression events. The ridges of ocean waves printed on the land appear clearly, allowing the identification of multiple stages of marine transgression. Especially in the middle of the ocean waves, sediments containing animal bones and sea mollusk shells appear. This extremely important data allows for determining age, marine transgression, and marine regression.
The Best Time to Visit Ky Lan Mountain
The best time of the year to visit Ky Lan Mountain is the early spring days from January to March of the lunar calendar. This is when the weather is favorable; the climate is cool, not too sunny or hot, and suitable for outdoor activities.
At this time, Ky Lan Lake is calm, has a gentle wind, and shines like gold in the sunlight. The scene is peaceful and calm, like a watercolor painting, making visitors lost and fascinated. In addition, because in front of Ky Lan Mountain is an ancient Delonix regia, the sky will become bright on summer days.
If you can’t come here in spring, summer is also not a bad choice. Besides Ky Lan Lake, there are many trees and shade, so the weather becomes much more pleasant.
Explore Ky Lan Mountain
Walk on the Stone Bridge Leading to Pearl Island
To be able to enter the island and visit Ky Lan Mountain, visitors need to cross one of two stone bridges connecting the mainland to the island. The first bridge connecting the island and the mainland was made of stone and had no railings on either side of the bridge. The bridge was also very small. So tourists passing by here must be careful not to fall into the lake.
The bridge is designed with graceful curves that are suitable for those who like to take photos. However, this bridge is not too safe for children, so children need adult supervision when going to the island via this bridge.
The government has built another bridge for public safety with a wider design and railings on both sides. Families traveling with children should go to the island via this bridge. This will help limit unnecessary risks.
Visit Ba Quan Chua Temple
As soon as you set foot on Ky Lan Mountain, the first place you see is the temple of the Princess of Commandery. According to ancient legend, here was once the residence of a qilin. It was very ferocious, often harassing and eating people. So, to stop it, the princess of commandery had to sacrifice herself to become his wife so that everything would be peaceful.
The people were grateful to her, so they established a temple on the island to express their gratitude. To this day, local residents still regularly visit the temple to clean and worship.
Visit the Ancient Pagoda
Following the road with hundreds of stone steps will lead visitors to the ancient Ky Lan Pagoda. Although it is called a pagoda, it looks like an ancient small shrine, not as big as the temple at the foot of the mountain. Although small, visitors can also come here to pray for good things.
At the temple door, a bronze medal is hanging from one of Qilin’s heads. Legend has it that whoever reaches the top of Ky Lan Mountain, sincerely rings a bell, lights incense sticks, and prays to Buddha will receive whatever they wish. Every New Year’s Eve, people and tourists go to Ky Lan Pagoda to ask for peace and fortune for themselves and their families.
Admire the Beautiful Scenery of Phong Phong Cac
From the ancient pagoda, continue a little further, and visitors will come to Nghenh Phong Cac (Wind Embracing Pavilion). This small house is built from wood and has an octagonal design. It was built at the highest point of Ky Lan Mountain to catch the wind.
When you come here, you can see the panoramic view of Ninh Binh city. Looking closely, you will see bustling neighborhoods and modern, spacious houses. Looking far away, you can see the limestone mountains surrounding Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
Visiting the Caves
Although Ky Lan Mountain has a small area and is not too prominent compared to other mountains in Ninh Binh, there are five caves inside. Visitors can follow the available paths to visit the caves here. They are Toi Cave, Sang Cave, Ngang Cave, Trung Cave, and Den Cave.
Places to Visit Near Ky Lan Mountain
Visit Ninh Binh Walking Street
At night, the street leading to Ky Lan Mountain will become Ninh Binh Walking Street. This street seems to glow at night with light from the stalls, and people are bustling here. Visitors can visit this neighborhood and go to stalls to enjoy traditional dishes. You can also buy souvenirs from traditional craft villages.
Visit the Bac Pagoda (Ky Lan Stupa) and the Tu An Stupa
Right near the mountain and at the top of the lake, visitors can see two stupas built parallel to each other on the lake. Especially at night, this place becomes bright with golden lights emanating from the temple. Thanks to that, it contributes to making Ninh Binh’s Nightlife lively and attracts more travelers to Ninh Binh.
Conclusion
With such a beautiful location, Ky Lan Mountain has become a top destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Although Ky Lan Mountain is small, it contains spiritual elements such as temples, pagodas, caves, and a pavilion. Here, visitors can see the panoramic view of Ninh Binh from as far as their eyes can see. In addition, visitors will easily get great photos next to the stone bridge or at Nghenh Phong Cac. Ky Lan Mountain is definitely a destination that tourists should visit every time they come to Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh Private Car hopes you will have a more wonderful experience visiting Ky Lan Mountain.