Daqing Mountain

Daqing Mountain

Daqing Mountain is the rooftop of western Liaoning, with an elevation of 1,223.8 meters. It stretches 3.5 kilometers from north to south and spans 10 kilometers from east to west across two townships (Hezhangzi Township and Xinkailing Township). The majestic Daqing Mountain is located 39.5 kilometers south of Jianchang County, belonging to the Yanshan Mountain range extension and the Songling Mountain range. The mountain features steep and rugged cliffs on its eastern, western, and northern sides, while its southern slope is gentle and sloping. The Heyang Highway and the Chaoqing County Road lead directly to the mountain’s base, providing convenient access. Amidst the towering green peaks, slender birch trees, upright mountain elms, and swaying poplars and willows create a lush, dense shade, transporting visitors into an emerald world. Hidden among the foliage and blooming wildflowers such as lilies, lilacs, and mountain chrysanthemums fill the hillsides with fragrant blooms, enhancing the mountain’s charm, mystique, and beauty. At the foot of the mountain flows a weakly alkaline, strontium-rich spring water — one of the sources of the Daling River — which nourishes the hardworking and simple people of western Liaoning.

Daqing Mountain, a place of breathtaking beauty. It embodies the rugged spirit of northern mountainous regions as well as the delicate charm of southern water towns. It boasts both majestic and spectacular peaks and waters, and vast, mysterious primeval forests. The scenery of Daqing Mountain is beautiful in all seasons, each season a poem, a painting, and an ideal destination for travelers. In spring, the mountain ridges, cliffs, and dense forests are draped in colorful brocades: vibrant mountain flowers, varying shades of green leaves, and drifting clouds and mist intertwine to compose a beautiful and moving symphony. In summer, the area is shaded by lush greenery, with cicadas chirping in the tranquil woods, resembling elegant ink-wash paintings hanging in the sky, or a peerless beauty untouched by artificial carving or embellishment — every mountain, waterway, blade of grass, and tree is naturally formed, nurtured by time, and shaped by nature’s artistry. In autumn, the valleys and peaks are swept by a surging red tide and covered by endless crimson clouds. The maple leaves blaze like fire, flags, and banners. The red foliage of Daqing Mountain exudes passion, vigor, heroism, and grandeur. In winter, snowflakes drift across the land, bringing peace and tranquility; clouds condense on tree branches, glistening crystal clear; silver waterfalls cease their flow, and the green seas transform into icy worlds. Towering snow-capped peaks shine brilliantly under the blue sky. The mountains and trees are draped in white, waterfalls and frozen streams are pristine and spotless. This grand beauty, though merely a casual stroke by nature, is enough to make even the most skilled painters in the world feel ashamed. No matter how far you look, the endless snowy mountains stretch on; no matter how much passion you pour out, you can never fully sing the winter splendor of these peaks.

As the poem goes: Lofty green mountains guard western Liaoning, a blessed land with immortal traces. The Three Pure Ones discuss Tao beneath the revered ancestor; a legendary sacred site of Taoism. Verdant trees nurture celestial herbs, winter grass and summer ice remain eternal mysteries. Unique peaks, stones, and trees crown the heights, drawing visitors in all seasons.

The Boundless Immortal Realm — Cuo’e Valley

Cuo’e Valley lies on the northern side of Daqing Mountain and is named after the Holy Mother Cave of Cuo’e Mountain. Legend has it that this was the meeting place where the Primordial Heavenly King and the Grand Pure Mother connected through spiritual union, giving rise to the origin of the term “entering the bridal chamber.” At the end of the valley, the Holy Mother Cave enshrines statues of the “Primordial Heavenly King,” the “Grand Pure Mother,” and other deities. The Grand Pure Mother is the ancestral mother of all immortals, while the Primordial Heavenly King is the ancestral father. Before the formation of heaven, earth, sun, and moon, there was a primordial being known as the “Primordial Heavenly King” — the Primordial True Man — who wandered through the chaotic void. After four cosmic cycles, the Primordial True Man grew weary of the chaotic world, so he took up an axe, sword, and staff to split the chaos apart. Holding up the sky with his head and supporting the earth with his feet, he grew continuously taller, pushing heaven and earth further apart. When he reached a height of 36,000 zhang, his body transformed into Jade Capital Mountain, his hands into the Five-Finger Mountains, and his divine axe into the Daqing Mountain range. After another two cosmic cycles, a woman emerged from the congealed blood in the rocks, later known as the Grand Pure Maiden. She could speak at birth, was born with extraordinary beauty, and was a spirit formed from the essence of chaos, declaring herself the Grand Pure Mother. The Primordial Heavenly King met the Grand Pure Mother at Cuo’e Mountain, and they fell in love at first sight. Their union caused a sudden transformation in heaven and earth, and their cosmic union gave birth to all things. The two returned to Jade Capital Mountain in the Great Luo Heaven Realm to procreate, giving birth to the Queen Mother of the West and the Eastern King (the Sun God, Fuso Emperor). The Primordial Heavenly King’s birthday is October 16, and the Grand Pure Mother’s is March 23. They are the two most senior deities in Taoism. The Holy Mother Cave on Cuo’e Mountain has enshrined the Grand Pure Mother since the Qing Dynasty and is an important Taoist site around Daqing Mountain, known for its flourishing incense and remarkable efficacy. During the Anti-Japanese War, the cave sheltered wounded Eighth Route Army soldiers. The solemn, sacred, and kind-faced statues were destroyed in the war. To this day, the valley still holds the burial mounds of “immortalized Taoists.” The Primordial Heavenly King and the Grand Pure Mother bless the local people with abundant food, favorable weather, disaster relief, and safety. People from the surrounding hundred-mile radius come here — students seeking academic success, officials hoping for promotion, the sick in search of healing, and childless couples wishing for offspring — to don ceremonial robes, offer incense, and pray for the Holy Mother’s blessings. On the western side of the cave, the daughter of the Primordial Heavenly King and the Grand Pure Mother — the Queen Mother of the West — and her husband — the Jade Emperor — are enshrined. On the eastern mountaintop sits their son — the Eastern King (the Sun God, Fuso Emperor). The “Mountain God” resides within the giant rock known as “The Golden Toad Shedding Its Shell.” The “Erlang God” stands guard before the Holy Mother Cave, wearing a helmet, armor, with his left hand on his hip and right arm gripping the Trident Blade. The “Heavenly Hound” proudly stands atop the mountain. The 1.5-kilometer-long valley features perilous peaks, heavenly paths, murmuring streams, lush plants, uniquely shaped rocks, and mythical beasts playing across the mountains — a true Boundless Immortal Realm.

This Grand Pure Mother watches over the local people, blessing them with abundant harvests, favorable weather, and protection from disasters. People from the surrounding hundred-mile radius come to pray for academic success, promotion, healing, or offspring — all with proven efficacy. The Mother of Humanity, a compassionate and nurturing figure, not only created mankind but also seeks to save it.

Mountain climbing for blessings — the fivefold fortune

Climbing to the summit of Daqing Mountain — Wanfu Peak (Peak of Myriad Blessings) — to pray is a custom passed down from Taoist priests and local residents during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. People hope to ascend Wanfu Peak to attain the fivefold fortune for happiness and good fortune. The path from Dankeng Ridge to Wanfu Peak is an ancient pilgrimage route from those eras. Starting with a stretch of undulating (blessing-seeking) mountain road from Dankeng Ridge, climbers begin their ascent to the peak. From afar, the mountains appear layered and majestic; up close, the summit resembles a giant bat soaring at the foot of Daqing Mountain. The flat head of the bat is the first blessed spot of Daqing Mountain — Ping’an Peak (“Peace is Blessing”) — where people come to pray for safety and smooth sailing. Opposite the hillside, a winding, galloping dragon is seen with its tail coiled around the ridge, known as “Dragon Coiling Mountain.” A jade rabbit sits atop the mountain, forming a feng shui treasure spot locals call “Snake Coiling Rabbit.” Across the ridge lies a cliff shaped like a square coin — Gold Coin Rock — the second blessed spot of Daqing Mountain — “Wealth is Blessing.” Visitors pray here for prosperity and wealth. To the south of the ridge extend a pair of conjoined divine turtles. Standing atop each turtle’s head gives one the feeling of “standing alone atop the first-place turtle,” also called “Twin Turtles Carrying the Dragon.” Further along Dragon Coiling Mountain, Gold Coin Rock is embedded in “Longevity Peach Mountain,” resembling a naturally carved bonsai — the third blessed spot — “Gold Coin Longevity Peach Mountain,” or “Longevity is Blessing.” People come here to pray for long life and health. After walking along a “zigzag path,” also called “Crane Flight Road,” resembling a crane perched beside a three-tiered cliff, symbolizing a winding path of official success, the path ends at Dragon Horn Peak. Here, two routes are available: one goes straight ahead to “Leap the Dragon Gate,” and the other winds south along Dragon Horn Peak to the Eight Great Caves of Snail Mountain for prayer. The two routes converge at Rooster Mountain before ascending to the top. Heading south across “Flying Dragon Ridge,” one sees the undulating dragon’s back adorned with immortals displaying their magical powers — a scene called “Eight Immortals Riding the Dragon.” After climbing over a gravel-strewn Golden Stone Beach, heading north reveals sights such as “Pangu’s Divine Sword,” “Medicine King Gathering Herbs,” and “Snail Praying for Blessings.” The eight caves under the tail of Snail Mountain, called the “Eight Great Caves,” served as a Taoist sanctuary during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is said that Zhou Lao Dao, the presiding priest here during the Qing Dynasty, was nearly 100 years old yet remained spry, with an eagle accompanying him daily for practice. Zhou Lao Dao held numerous blessing ceremonies at the mountain’s summit, attracting countless devotees, leaving behind ritual incense burners and bluestone tiles. After the priest became immortal, the eagle transformed into a crane and flew away with him. In front of Snail Mountain lies a square “Treasure Cave,” said to hold relics left by Taoist masters throughout history, waiting for a destined finder. The Eight Great Caves have enshrined the Three Pure Ones, Medicine King, Black Fox Immortal, and others since the Ming and Qing Dynasties — highly efficacious deities protecting the region with favorable weather and peace. The other ascending path passes through “Dragon Gate Cave,” offers a view of Wanfu Spring, and the two routes converge at Rooster Mountain — a scene called “Rooster’s Crow,” the fourth blessed spot — “Achievement is Blessing.” Climbing onto the rooster’s back gives a sensation of soaring through the air. Visitors pray here for success and accomplishment. Walking along a stretch of “Happiness Road,” one presses on to the summit of Daqing Mountain — Wanfu Peak — connecting heaven and earth, the fifth blessed spot — “A Good Beginning and End,” where one attains the fivefold fortune. Pray and make wishes, worship the Primordial Heavenly King, gaze eastward at the Bohai Sea, and watch the blessing-filled mountains and seas surge forward, with endless waves of fortune. You can fully immerse yourself in the blessings of Daqing Mountain. Daqing Mountain is truly the Blessed Mountain of western Liaoning, the Blessed Mountain of the Northeast, the Blessed Mountain of China. Watching the sunrise from the summit of Daqing Mountain has a unique charm. When the morning sun rises from the Bohai Sea, the sky turns crimson, the peaks glow brilliantly, creating an extraordinarily magnificent scene. The mountain mists change by the moment, with verdant peaks emerging and disappearing above the sea of clouds, as if entering a fairyland. After taking in the summit views, descend along the eastern foothills of Daqing Mountain, following the long, steep “Eighteen Bends of the Mountain Road.” See “Pangu’s Divine Staff,” and hear the story of “Erlang Carrying the Mountains”: Legend says that one day, Erlang God, accompanied by the Heavenly Hound, descended to patrol the mortal realm. Passing by Daqing Mountain, he spotted two spiritually rich mountains and wanted to carry them back to heaven as rockeries for the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother. Just as he lifted the mountains with his Trident Blade, a decree came from heaven, assigning him to guard Cuo’e Valley of Daqing Mountain. Before leaving, Erlang instructed the Heavenly Hound to watch over the mountains until his return. But Erlang was gone for thousands of years, constantly thinking of those two spiritual mountains. The Heavenly Hound, waiting tirelessly atop the mountain, eventually lay down and called out, “Have you forgotten? Have you forgotten?” For thousands of years, it has remained there, waiting for Erlang’s return — hence the origin of a dog’s “woof woof.” Since then, Erlang God and the Heavenly Hound have stood watch on opposite sides of Daqing Mountain, separated by peaks.

Crossing a gravel slope and passing through a birch forest, one encounters the unique natural geological wonder “Winter Grass, Summer Ice,” where five-foot icicles persist in summer, freezing at the touch of water. In winter, green grass thrives and red leaves linger — a miraculous climatic and geological phenomenon.

Climbing Daqing Mountain means following the “Blessing-Seeking Ancient Road.” You’ll taste wild mountain delicacies, hear Taoist teachings, witness geological wonders, and thus enjoy culinary, auditory, and visual feasts. Even the sweat and toil of reaching the summit is a blessing… even enduring hardship is a blessing. After visiting Daqing Mountain, you will truly have attained the fivefold fortune, making you a blessed and fortunate person.

Kitchen God Palace, Tooth God Peak, Everjoy Spring

Spirit Snake Valley

Traveling south along the Heyang Highway, you’ll arrive at a place locals call Spirit Snake Valley. The stone snake at the southern gate of the valley and the divine turtle at the northern gate are the two generals — Turtle and Snake — under the command of the Xuanwu Emperor atop the “Little Wudang Mountain.” Passing “Tooth God Peak,” the valley also features a pot-shaped small valley — “Kitchen God Palace.” At the bottom of the pot stands a 2-meter-high Kitchen God Altar, with a 50-centimeter-diameter, 40-centimeter-deep Everjoy Spring. It never dries up in drought nor overflows in flood. Outside the palace are stone buns and cakes used in Kitchen God worship. Stone statues standing between two mountains depict the Kitchen God “reporting good news in heaven and safeguarding peace on earth” and “the Kitchen God riding a fish into heaven,” offering blessings to worshippers. A cave at the foot of Pagoda Mountain enshrines the Kitchen God. Locals come here every year on the 23rd of December (Lunar Calendar) to worship the Kitchen God, praying for disaster relief, safety, and health. Further up, a steep cliff houses a cave called “Heavenly Palace,” where the Queen Mother of the West and the Jade Emperor are enshrined — also the place where the Kitchen God reports annually. At the mountain’s base stands a statue depicting the Xuanwu Emperor disciplining the Turtle and Snake Generals. In the valley lies “Nezha Drilling Troops,” guarding the Northern Heavenly Gate.

Xuanwu Emperor is one of the revered deities in Taoism, the god of the north, war, and water. He symbolizes the interaction of yin and yang that gives birth to all things, as well as longevity and immortality. Legend says that when the Xuanwu Emperor arrived at Little Wudang Mountain, he took off his shoes and socks and meditated day and night without eating or drinking. His belly and intestines, suffering from hunger, complained and argued incessantly. Enraged, the Xuanwu Emperor grabbed his organs and threw them into the bushes. There, listening day and night to the Xuanwu Emperor’s chants, the organs absorbed the teachings and spiritual power, gaining the ability to speak, fly, run, travel between heaven and sea, and transform limitlessly. One day, the intestines rolled into the Xuanwu Emperor’s sock, tumbled three times, and turned into a large, scaly snake. The belly covered itself with the Xuanwu Emperor’s shoe, tumbled three times, and became a giant turtle. Since then, the Xuanwu Emperor has gone barefoot. The turtle and snake descended the mountain, first eating villagers’ livestock and eventually humans. By then, the Xuanwu Emperor had become a deity. Seeing their mischief, he rode a cloud, drew his sword, and struck the turtle’s shell several times — leaving the turtle with its iconic pattern. The snake coiled around the Xuanwu Emperor, who struck again, toppling five pillars that pressed the snake flat. The pillars turned into ropes binding the snake’s neck ever tighter. The snake’s neck became slender as a result. Looking back, the turtle and snake saw the Xuanwu Emperor’s foot pressing down on them, his hand choking the snake. They begged for mercy. Realizing they were transformed from his own organs and were powerful fighters, the Xuanwu Emperor accepted them as his mounts, naming them the Turtle and Snake Generals. Since then, the Xuanwu Emperor rides them as he patrols the heavens, punishing evil and promoting good, protecting the people from disaster and misfortune.

Taiji Immortal Realm — Little Three Pure Mountains

Exiting Spirit Snake Valley and entering Damiao Valley in Hezhangzi Township, stand on the Taiji Stone and look eastward to marvel at nature’s craftsmanship. Atop the mountain, three naturally formed Danxia landform statues embody the Three Pure Ones — the Primordial Celestial Venerable, the Moral Celestial Venerable, and the Spiritual Treasure Celestial Venerable — in meditative poses, as if debating something. The master of the three deities, the Primordial Ancestor Hongjun, sits atop the peak, with his disciples playing at his feet and sides. This place is called Little Three Pure Mountains, the Taiji Wonderland. People come here to pray for blessings in times of need, and their prayers are always answered. Standing at the mountain’s skylight, one can view the entire Daqing Mountain range, reminiscent of the Primordial Heavenly King wielding his divine axe to create heaven and earth. Clusters of stone pillars resemble a forest, placing visitors within a stone forest. A heart-shaped boulder cradles two mandarin ducks — a symbol of love and Tao within the heart. The spark of fire from Suirenshi drilling wood for fire remains preserved in this magical valley. At the mountain’s base, the Primordial Beast awaits the call of the Primordial Ancestor.

Little Three Pure Mountains

Taiji Stone

The scenery of Daqing Mountain is beautiful in all seasons, a painting in every quarter. In spring, blooming mountain flowers, varied green foliage, drifting clouds, and wispy mists interweave to compose a beautiful and touching symphony. In summer, the area is shaded by dense greenery, with cicadas singing in the tranquil woods, like elegant ink-wash paintings in the sky or a peerless beauty untouched by human artifice. In autumn, the valleys and peaks are swept by a passionate red tide. The leaves of the five-pointed maple and oak trees blaze like fire and banners. In winter, snow blankets the land in serenity; clouds cling to branches, glistening crystalline; silver waterfalls fall still, and the green seas turn into icy worlds. Towering snow-capped peaks shine brilliantly under the blue sky. The scenery of Daqing Mountain displays passion, vigor, heroism, and grandeur. With its forest landscapes as the main feature, majestic peaks as the framework, a cool paradise as the setting, and Taoist sanctuaries running throughout, interspersed with cultural relics, Daqing Mountain forms a uniquely scenic Blessed Mountain of China.