Baozhang Valley

Baozhang Valley

Located east of Xiangu Mountain in Pujiang, formerly known as Lipu Mountain. The valley is flanked by towering cliffs and cloud-kissing rock formations. At the bottom, stones lie nestled among flowing streams, producing a gentle, melodious sound. The spring water here is cool, sweet, and refreshing—sometimes gushing forth like scattered pearls and jade, other times bursting from the ground in surges that bubble and churn. Within Baozhang Valley stands Baozhang Temple. In the 15th year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (641), the Indian monk Master Baozhang, after traveling across much of China, took up residence here. He composed the verse: “Having journeyed through four hundred regions of China, this place alone is truly fit for a Taoist wanderer.” When he neared the end of his life, he claimed to be 1072 years old and was known as the “Thousand-Year Monk.” Surrounded by steep cliffs and fed by a long-flowing stream, the valley is often shrouded in rising mists and clouds, with mountain hues appearing ethereal and mysterious. Wisps of purple air drift through the air, adding to its enigmatic charm. It is a sacred destination for sightseeing and pilgrimage.

Baozhang Valley is located three kilometers north of the county town and consists of two gullies: Shidang and Baozhang. Stretching 3.1 kilometers in total, the valley is bordered by sheer cliffs and endless rock formations. It features springs, rocks, caves, and temples, creating a picturesque landscape. Its “Baozhang Cold Spring” was one of the ancient “Ten Scenic Spots of Puyang” and has been included in the *Chinese Scenic Spots Dictionary*.

In Baozhang Valley, the spring water is cool, sweet, and refreshing—sometimes gushing out forcefully like scattered pearls and jade, other times surging from the ground in bubbling, churning bursts. Due to erosion by the flowing water, many small but dry and comfortable caves have formed along the valley walls. Legend has it that figures such as Lü Zuilian once studied in these caves. The middle section of Baozhang Valley is home to Baozhang Temple. Historical records state that in the 15th year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (641 AD), the Indian monk Baozhang traveled through Jiangsu and Zhejiang before arriving here. He was deeply impressed by the valley’s spectacular, serene, and secluded beauty, and composed the verse: “Having journeyed through four hundred regions of China, this place alone is truly fit for a Taoist wanderer.” He then built a hut and practiced Buddhism here until the second year of the Xianqing era (657 AD), when he passed away at the age of 1072. In the following dynasties—Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing—many notable figures visited the site, either writing travelogues or retreating into the forested streams to compose poetry and express their sentiments. With its emerald cliffs and ever-flowing stream, the valley is often wreathed in mist and clouds, with mountain colors appearing hazy and mysterious. Mysterious energy seems to linger in the air, making it a truly enchanting place.