Jia Valley Sacred Land Scenic Area

Jia Valley Sacred Land Scenic Area

The Jia Valley Sacred Land Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Jia Valley Mountain, with an elevation of 304 meters, is located in Jiashan Township (now Banzhuang Town) of Ganyu District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province. Legend has it that in the 10th year of Duke Ding of Lu during the Spring and Autumn Period (500 BC), Confucius accompanied the Duke of Lu to meet the Marquis of Qi at Jia Valley Mountain, marking one of the major historical events in ancient China.

For over 2,500 years, the relics, stone tablets, and documents left by Jia Valley Mountain still remain. During the Ming Dynasty, memorial structures for Confucius such as the Holy Hall, Shenghua Pavilion, Kuixing Pavilion, and Jia Valley Academy were built here, though many no longer survive intact. Today, ruins of architectural complexes including the Sage Hall, Sacred Temple, Shenghua Pavilion, Kuixing Pavilion, and Jia Valley Academy can be found, covering a construction area of approximately 15,000 square meters.

The valleys of Jia Valley Mountain are deep and lush with trees. The wind whistles through the stone caves, producing bird-like chirping sounds that seem both near and far, forming one of the "Eight Scenic Views of Ganyu" — "Orioles Singing in Jia Valley." The mountain also features attractions such as the Sage Spring, Old Mother’s Cave, Mengliang Rock, Resounding Stone, Traces of Jia Valley, and Nishan’s Scenic Share.

Orioles Singing in Jia Valley

Famous since the Tang and Song dynasties, it was listed as one of the "Eight Scenic Views of Ganyu" after the Ming Dynasty. The "Orioles Singing in Jia Valley" refers to the phenomenon where "the singing does not necessarily come from orioles, but from the sound of wind passing through the narrow cracks in the rocks, mimicking bird calls." When climbing the mountain in spring, the vibrant mountain flowers are refreshing, the pine waves are rolling, and the mountain streams tinkle. At this time, the mountain breeze blowing through the stone caves or rock crevices creates echoing sounds, twisting and turning, as if a flying serpent were swirling and tumbling through the peaks and valleys. Following the sound, however, the orioles cannot be found. This magical phenomenon of sound without birds is due to the unique geographical environment of Jia Valley Mountain. The Orioles Singing in Jia Valley is a marvel found in simplicity, with a uniquely enchanting charm that has lasted for millennia. Countless literati and poets throughout history have visited to explore the ancient site and compete in composing poetry about it.

Nishan’s Scenic Share

On a protruding giant rock on the mountaintop shaped like a crouching tiger, the four large characters “Nishan’s Scenic Share” are engraved. The calligraphy is vigorous and the structure solid. This stone inscription was authored by Wang Cheng, a Qing Dynasty Qianlong-era scholar from Changbai, and inscribed by Zhou Cuiyuan, a local from Ju’anzhou Prefecture in Shandong who served as Tongpan (a government official) in Caozhou. Though covered in moss and the characters somewhat faded, the strokes are bold and dynamic, and the inscription can still be faintly discerned. “Nishan” refers to the Nishan Mountain in Qufu, Shandong, where Confucius was born. Because of the historic meeting between Confucius, representing the Duke of Lu, and the Marquis of Qi, Jia Valley Mountain shares in the beauty of Nishan. These two mountains are linked, making the meaning of the name complete. Thanks to these sacred traces, Jia Valley Mountain has become a fine scenic destination, comparable to other famous mountains and rivers, and stands as a timeless wonder.

Stele for Meeting the Marquis of Qi

A surviving stele stands tall, engraved with eight regular script characters: “The Place Where Confucius, Duke of Lu, Met the Marquis of Qi.” The inscription is dated “the second month of the bingzi year in the Wanli era.” Historical records state that, according to the “Spring and Autumn Annals, Year 10 of Duke Ding”: “In summer, the Duke (Duke Ding of Lu) met the Marquis of Qi at Jia Valley.” The “Zuo Zhuan” states: “The Duke met the Marquis of Qi at Zhqi (the ancient name for Ganyu County), which is actually Jia Valley, with Confucius acting as his advisor.”

Holy Mother’s Cave

This round cave stands high on a cliff, with a spacious and deep interior. The cave entrance faces a sheer cliff to the southwest. Legend has it that in ancient times, a Holy Mother from the South Sea resided here. Devotees often came to worship, praying for disaster relief, safe childbirth, and other blessings, and the cave enjoyed constant incense offerings year-round. Although the divine presence has long faded and the cave is now ruined, many believers still come to burn incense and pray.

Banzhuang Town: Administrative Adjustment in 2013: The former Huan Dun Town and Banzhuang Town were merged to form the new Banzhuang Town. After the merger, not only did the population double to nearly 100,000, but the area also nearly doubled to 175.61 square kilometers. The new Banzhuang Town has become the largest town in Ganyu County by area, governing 44 village committees.

Banzhuang Town is located in the western part of Ganyu County, Lianyungang City, at the junction of two provinces (Jiangsu and Shandong) and three counties (Ganyu, Donghai, and Linshu). The town covers a total area of 175.61 square kilometers, governs 44 administrative villages, and has a population of 100,000. It boasts abundant... Banzhuang Town detailed information++