Li Na’s Villa in Tianmenshan National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie

Historical Background

In 1996, Tianmenshan National Forest Park (张家界天门山国家森林公园) was bought by the Beijing Honglvlan Film and Advertising Center for a 50-year operating right. In 1997, its founder Du Yu (杜禹) invited the famous Chinese singer Li Na (李娜) to Tianmenshan (天门山) and asked her to sing the song “Tianmenshan” (天门山), specially written for her. During her stay at Tianmenshan, Li Na developed an interest in Buddhism and later traveled to the United States to study Buddhist teachings. The small cabin built for Li Na was originally named “Li Na’s Cabin” (李娜小屋). Later, the rights to operate the Tianmenshan Scenic Area were transferred to Tianjin Ningfa Group, and the cabin was rebuilt and renamed “Li Na’s Villa” (李娜别墅), becoming a high-end leisure venue in the scenic area.

Li Na’s Retreat and Spiritual Journey

Li Na, a renowned singer who once made a significant impact on the music industry with her powerful rendition of “Qinghai-Tibet Plateau” (青藏高原), visited Tianmenshan (天门山) in May 1997, during the peak of her career. She was so impressed by the beautiful mountains, clear waters, and the simplicity of the locals that she decided to retreat to Tianmenshan, adopting a low-profile lifestyle. She designed and spent a considerable amount of money building a wooden cabin, and even moved her household registration to Zhangjiajie (张家界). The cabin was originally named “Li Na’s Cabin” (李娜小屋). After Li Na’s retreat, the cabin was rebuilt and renamed “Li Na’s Villa” (李娜别墅).

Tianmenshan (天门山) – A Historical and Religious Landmark

Tianmenshan (天门山) is a famous religious mountain known both in China and internationally, and is one of the first mountains in Zhangjiajie (张家界) to be recorded in history. The saying “Dàyōng yǒu zuò Tiānmén Shān, lí tiānnǐ zhǐ yǒu sān chǐ sān” (大庸有座天门山，离天只有三尺三) refers to this mountain. Many historical figures from Chinese history, including Chisongzi (赤松子), Guiguzi (鬼谷子), Qu Yuan (屈原), Zhang Liang (张良), Ma Yuan (马援), Li Zicheng (李自成), have left their mark on Tianmenshan (天门山). During the Three Kingdoms period, the King of Wu personally bestowed the name “Tianmenshan” (天门山), further increasing its fame. The Tianmenshan Temple (天门山寺) is known for its long-lasting bell tolls and flourishing incense offerings.

In the roaring mountain winds and surrounded by seas of clouds, Li Na first experienced the simplicity and kindness of the people of Tianmenshan, while also witnessing the grandeur and mystery of the mountain.

Li Na’s Decision to Relocate and Build a Home

After spending some time in Tianmenshan (天门山), Li Na made two important decisions with reason and courage: first, she officially moved her household registration from Zhengzhou (郑州) to Yongding District (永定区), Zhangjiajie (张家界); second, she chose a site in Tianmenshan to build a house, deciding to live there permanently.

Winter Scenery at Li Na’s Villa (李娜别墅)

Li Na once discussed the four stages of human existence: the first is the basic needs of clothing, food, shelter, and transportation; the second is career, fame, reputation, and position; the third is civilization, art, and philosophy; and the fourth is religion. Only when a person enters the fourth stage does life begin to shine. Could this have been the initial spark for Li Na’s spiritual journey? She was deeply moved when she heard Buddhist chants sung by monks and nuns, experiencing the profound, distant, mysterious, and solemn qualities of Buddhist scriptures set to music. Her interest in Buddhism seemed to stem from a challenge she perceived in the Chinese music scene’s inability to break into the international stage. She chose solitude and seclusion, once saying, “The peak of art must be climbed from solitude.”

Later, Li Na took the monastic vows at Mount Wutai (五台山) in Shanxi (山西), adopting the Buddhist name Shi Changsheng (释昌圣), and then traveled to the United States to continue her studies in Buddhism.

Discovering Li Na’s Villa: A Journey of Beauty and Challenge!

🌄 Explore Tianmenshan (天门山)

When visiting Tianmenshan (天门山) in Zhangjiajie (张家界), in addition to its magnificent natural scenery, a mysterious spot, Li Na’s Villa (李娜别墅), awaits your discovery. However, while enjoying the villa’s beauty, be prepared for some unique challenges!

🚡 Cable Car Ride

You will first take the scenic cable car to Yunmeng Xian Ding (云梦仙顶), enjoying breathtaking views along the way. After reaching the top, a short walk is required to reach the villa area.

🏡 Inside Li Na’s Villa

At Li Na’s Villa (李娜别墅), you will experience a strong artistic atmosphere and unique villa design. However, the surrounding environment may present some challenges. Some visitors have reported the presence of small flying insects and bees in the vicinity. While they are not a major issue, it’s best to prepare accordingly!

📸 Other Scenic Spots

Apart from the villa, you can also enjoy other scenic spots in Tianmenshan (天门山), such as climbing the 999 steps to Tianmen Cave (天门洞) for a thrilling challenge, or taking the escalator to the mountain top for stunning panoramic views.

In summary, a visit to Li Na’s Villa (李娜别墅) in Tianmenshan (天门山) offers a unique experience. While immersing yourself in the beauty of the scenery, be prepared for the challenges that come with it. Start your adventure in Tianmenshan (天门山) and unlock the secrets of Li Na’s Villa!