Mount Tieshi

Mount Tieshi

Tieshi Mountain is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Tieshi Mountain Scenic Area is located in Tianshifu Town in the eastern part of Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, 33 kilometers from the county seat, Xiaoshi. As one of the famous mountains in eastern Liaoning, Tieshi Mountain is the birthplace of Taoism in Northeast China. Its highest peak stands at an elevation of 912.9 meters, featuring steep terrain, layered peaks, a majestic presence, and beautiful scenery. The mountain is divided into five peaks: the central Yuan Shi Peak (Primordial Summit), the eastern Yu Huang Peak (Jade Emperor Summit), the southern Ling Bao Peak (Spiritual Treasure Summit), the western Tai Shang Peak (Supreme Summit), and the northern Zhen Wu Peak (True Martial Summit). When viewed from the east, south, or north, three of the peaks are visible, resembling a giant iron fork. Their arrangement symbolizes harmony bestowed by heaven and the significance of "three threes making nine," hence the name "Nine-Peaked Iron Fork Mountain." Later, when Taoist practitioners settled on the mountain and referred to it as a "Sha" (a place of spiritual practice), it was renamed "Nine-Peaked Iron Sha Mountain."

In addition to the five main peaks, Tieshi Mountain also features Xianglu Peak (Incense Burner Peak), Shizi Peak (Lion Peak), Nan Tianmen (South Heavenly Gate), Bei Tianmen (North Heavenly Gate), Qingyang Zijin Ridge (Azure-Gold Ridge), Yaochi (Jade Lake), and more. Towering into the clouds, the mountain rises and falls with undulating ridges, its striking peaks and ancient, robust pines creating a majestic landscape. Shizi Peak stands facing each other on either side, while Xianglu Peak is often enshrouded in mist. When rain approaches, swirling vapor descends from the sky like white gauze, draping over the peaks — the sight of “nine peaks wreathed in mist” is truly spectacular. The mountain is also home to many caves, the most renowned being the Babao Yun Guang Dong (Eight Treasures Cloud Light Cave). This cave is located on the southern side of the mountain, shaped like the Chinese character “八” (eight). The cave entrance is 5 meters high, the interior reaches 9 meters, the end is 7 meters high, and the cave stretches approximately 30 meters in length. Inside are stone carvings including a stone tiger, stone dragon, stone deity of longevity, stone toad, stone wooden fish, stone immortal’s bed, stone wind-calming pearl, and stone lotus basin — collectively known as the “Eight Treasures.” At the center top of the cave entrance are inscribed ten large characters: “Jiǔ Dǐng Tiě Chà Shān Bā Bǎo Yún Guāng Dòng” (Nine-Peaked Iron Sha Mountain Eight Treasures Cloud Light Cave). Above and to the side of the Cloud Light Cave is the Tianqiao Cave (Heavenly Bridge Cave). Higher up from the Cloud Light Cave are the Qiankun Cave, Linglong Cave, and Wo Hu Cave (Crouching Tiger Cave). Near the Linglong Cave on the cliff face is a seated statue of Guo Shouzhen, the founding patriarch of Taoism in Northeast China. Below the statue lies a clear spring-fed well that never runs dry. Stone inscriptions can be found all over Tieshi Mountain. The cliff carving “Yǔ Tiān Tóng Shòu” (Living as Long as Heaven) measures 8 meters high and 5 meters wide, with about 800 characters inscribed, written by Bai Yongzhen from Liaoyang. On Tai Shang Peak are carvings such as “Zhí Shàng Qīng Tiān” (Straight Up to the Blue Sky) and “Qian Kun Zhèng Qì” (Heaven-Earth Righteous Qi), all displaying powerful brushwork that inspires awe.

The Tieshi Mountain Scenic Area is a notable tourist destination within Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, effectively blending natural and cultural landscapes with distinctive features. The tourism resources and strengths of Tieshi Mountain include:

1. Rich in Taoist cultural characteristics, with a long history and deep heritage, numerous historical relics, and an exceptionally prominent cultural advantage.

2. A wealth of various types of historical and cultural heritage, especially cliff inscriptions that hold high research and artistic value — these are unique within Benxi Manchu Autonomous County.

3. Outstanding natural landscapes of mountain terrain and biodiversity, primarily characterized by steep mountainsides, ideal for reaching summits and enjoying scenic views.

Nine-Peaked Iron Sha Mountain has a long and storied history. It is widely believed that the Long-Eyebrowed Immortal Li attained enlightenment here. Guo Shouzhen, the founder of the Longmen Sect of Taoism in Northeast China, became a monk here in the third year of the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty (1630), establishing the Longmen Sect in the region. The mountain is the subject of many legendary tales. The stone bed inside the “Babao Yun Guang Dong” is said to be where the Long-Eyebrowed Immortal Li raised his disciple Yang Jinbao. The wind-calming pearl, a round stone suspended in the cave, is believed to have been borrowed by King Wu of Zhou from the Long-Eyebrowed Immortal Li during his campaign against King Zhou of Shang, helping to break the magical Wind Howl Formation. The Tianqiao Cave on the cliff is said to be the spot where the Long-Eyebrowed Immortal Li ascended to immortality. Tieshi Mountain is also a national forest park, with a forest area of 599 hectares and a forest coverage rate of 95%. The Tieshi Mountain Scenic Area has been included in the “Dictionary of Famous Scenic Spots in China,” gaining fame both domestically and abroad. It attracts countless visitors every year, especially during traditional festivals when visitor numbers exceed ten thousand. It is currently a national AA-level tourist attraction.

Contact number: 024-46150106