Jiangshan Fugai Mountain

Jiangshan Fugai Mountain

Jiangshan Fugai Mountain is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Fugai Mountain, also known as Wugai Mountain or Gaixian Mountain, is a national AAAA-level scenic area. It is located 9 kilometers south of Nianbadu. Situated at the junction of the Xianxia Ridge and Wuyi Mountain ranges, it straddles two provinces. The main peak stands at an elevation of 1,250 meters, spans over 30 kilometers in circumference, and covers an area of 590 hectares.

The main peak of Fugai Mountain is entirely made up of granite, with layers of boulders stacked to form cliffs dozens of meters high. The mountain features rugged terrain and spectacular rock formations resembling multi-storied pavilions. Some rocks are piled into peaks, while others jut out like towering pillars. Some resemble dragons or snakes, spirits or ghosts, birds or beasts—displaying a myriad of shapes. Large rocks on the mountain often appear in clusters of three or five, or two rocks balancing one atop the other, with numerous stone crevices and ancient stone-lined tunnels. These caves connect to one another through winding passages, forming an underground maze that feels like weaving through the belly of a serpent.

In July of the third year of the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty (1630), Xu Hongzu spent three days exploring the mountain. The *Travel Diaries of Xu Xiake* noted: “Another ten li later, I had a meal in Nianbadu. To its southeast lies Fugai Mountain, spanning Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces, within the territories of Qu, Chu, Xin, and Ning prefectures. Majestically standing between Xianxia and Li Ridges, it towers above all nearby peaks. Feng Ridge lies to its west, Bi Ridge to its east, and Li Ridge forms its southern backdrop. Bizarre rocks seem to grasp the clouds, while flying splashes of rosy clouds slice through emerald hues. Each time I passed by Xiaogan (Ridge), crossing Li Ridge northward, I would gaze at its splendid presence from afar, always feeling a deep sense of wonder. After my meal, I could not suppress my excitement, and thus set off to explore!”

Fugai Mountain boasts scenic spots such as the Immortal Altar, Plowing-the-Sky Rock, Blue Lion Peak, Chessboard Rock, White Flower Cliff, Winter Melon Rock, Triple-Tiered Rock, and Stone Dragon Cave. Legend has it that there were once 36 large and small temples and monasteries here. A poem by Qing dynasty’s Wang Wei titled *Gazing at Fugai Mountain* reads: “Where are the thirty-six temples now? I long to seek the old feathers of Liangshan.” Today, surviving temples such as Die Shi Temple, Lishan Temple, Dayun Temple, and Baohua Temple still attract fervent worshippers.