Juliang Mountain Scenic Area

Juliang Mountain Scenic Area

To the people of Suining, Juliang Mountain is both a source of pride and regret. They take pride in the fact that it is one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Ancient Pizhou,” a historically renowned mountain. Their regret lies in the fact that it has become an overgrown, barren mountain, with all its historical landscapes completely vanished. The Juliang Mountain Scenic Area is set to be redeveloped, with some of the historical sites to be restored — truly an exciting prospect.

Juliang Mountain was originally known as Yiyang Mountain or Geiyi Mountain, straddling both Pizhou and Suining counties. The mountain features four parallel peaks, with the western peak being the highest. Often shrouded in clouds and mist, it is called “White Cloud Cliff,” also known as “White Cloud Peak.” With an elevation of 213 meters, it is the highest peak in northern Jiangsu, aside from Yuntai Mountain in Lianyungang. The “Eight Scenic Spots” poem compiled by Ji Yunlong, a scholar of the Kangxi era, describes it as follows:

“A solitary peak towers into the sky.” Historical records indicate that Juliang Mountain was once covered in ancient trees that blocked out the sunlight. In ancient times, there was a stronghold at the summit, within which stood the “Temple of Mount Tai.” Over time, the traces of the “Temple of Mount Tai” have long been lost, but the majestic and imposing “Maitreya Temple” that replaced it is still a comforting sight. Juliang Mountain also played an indelible role in history. In 1960, the People’s Liberation Army established a radar station on the main western peak of Juliang Mountain, making significant contributions to intercepting invading enemy aircraft.