Bai Gejian

Bai Gejian

Dayi Mountain boasts many ancient caves and deep ravines, hiding beautiful stories and legends that are both fascinating and astonishing, becoming inspiration for writers throughout history. Among them is an ancient site called "Bai Gejian," the origin of which is widely circulated among the folk. It tells the story of an “unlikely bond between different species,” which is very interesting, becoming a much-told tale that has endured through time.

Bai Gejian is located on the western peak of Dayi Mountain. According to the Qing Dynasty historical text Quyang Jilue, “The central peak of Dayi Mountain stretches from south to north, appearing like a screen when viewed from the west; Bai Gejian lies atop a towering cliff, its steep walls making it difficult to climb.” It is a rare and unique scenic spot, also referred to locally as Lao Gejian. In fact, it has nothing to do with pigeons. Mr. Shi Shuming, after multiple investigations, wrote in his article “Dayi Mountain”: “In ancient times, this area was teeming with seagulls, darkening the skies. Due to the steep and remote terrain, no one has ever lived on this mountainside since ancient times. With lush vegetation and abundant insect life, it was an ideal habitat for seagulls. The ancients called seagulls 'pigeons,' hence the name.” Since seagulls have gray and white plumage, historical records refer to it as Bai Gejian, which is essentially consistent with the legend.

Bai Gejian is not particularly deep or wide, but it is quite challenging to climb, fraught with danger. Some say, “To climb Bai Gejian, you must not look back,” because the cliffs are sheer, and looking down while ascending can make one’s heart race and legs weaken. It is best to go with two or three companions.

From Lao Longjian, cross over the mountain to Haichuan Stone Lawn, then follow the ancient path along the western slope to climb up. Not far ahead, you will see Bai Gejian. Few people come here; the area is overgrown with thorny bushes and rugged to navigate, but the scenery is unique. Caves and ravines connect, with strange rocks jutting out proudly, sparking great curiosity—you simply must explore further. There are ravines above ravines, caves within caves, steps outside caves, and peculiar cliffs atop the steps, full of endless mystery. Deep within a steep cave, there is a narrow entrance just big enough for one person to pass through. Beyond the ravine lies the Ascension Platform, where playful stones take on lifelike shapes, making it a perfect place for spiritual cultivation.

Here, there is an interesting folk legend about an unlikely bond between different species. Long ago, the eastern side of Dayi Mountain was close to the sea, and by the shore lived a young fisherman. He loved seagulls very much and often played with them. Whenever he shouted toward the sea, “Seagulls, come here!” his winged friends would flock to him from the sky to keep him company. One day, his father said, “Son, I hear the seagulls enjoy playing with you. Why not catch a few for me to play with and enjoy?” Although unhappy, the young fisherman could not disobey his father and reluctantly withdrew, feeling quite conflicted. That night, unable to sleep, he dreamed of a group of women suddenly appearing. The leader, a beautiful maiden in white, said to him, “We have always appreciated your kindness. Many hunters have tried to catch us in nets, but you stopped them, saving us, so we come to play with you every day. But today, your father harbors ill intentions—he wants to catch us all, cook us, and eat us, putting you in a difficult position. We have no choice but to move away. If you miss us, you can find us at Bai Gejian on Dayi Mountain to the west.” With that, they vanished. (From Song Dynasty’s Wu Zimu’s Mengliang Lu)

The young fisherman was deeply upset. The next day, he went to the shore, only to find the seagulls he had played with daily dancing in the sky but refusing to land. They flew overhead in formation, chirped a few times, and then headed west. After that, the fisherman felt the sea and sky were vast and empty, and his heart grew heavy with melancholy. He set out alone to find Dayi Mountain’s Lao Gejian, where he was once again reunited with the seagulls. He made his home in a solitary cave on the cliff and spent his days watching the seagulls dance from a stone platform by the ravine. It is said that the fisherman later attained enlightenment and ascended to immortality. Thus, later generations called his solitary cave the Immortal’s Cave and the stone platform the Ascension Platform.

It is said that Lu Guimeng, a literary figure of the Tang Dynasty from Wu County, Jiangsu, heard of this wonder at Bai Gejian on Dayi Mountain and came to visit. He left behind a poem: “Apart from conversing with autumn waters, where else can wild gulls forget worldly schemes?” In the poem, the word “schemes” implies that if one is free of guile, even different species will be drawn to them; but if one harbors hidden motives, those beings will stay away. By the end of the Song Dynasty, the phonologist Liu Zhifang even used the word “forget schemes” from the poem as the title for a musical composition, creating a lyrical piece. (From the book Shenqi Mipu)

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