Xiandu Mountain

Xiandu Mountain

Xiandu Mountain is a national scenic area and a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Also known as Xianggu Mountain, Xiandu Mountain is located nine kilometers north of Pujiang County, covering a total area of 18 square kilometers. Its main peak, Maiden Peak, stands at an elevation of 728 meters. Legend has it that the mountain was named after Yuanxiu, the daughter of the Yellow Emperor, who cultivated herself here, attained enlightenment, and ascended to heaven.

Xiandu Mountain emerged 150 million years ago during the Mesozoic era and was formed through intense faulting, compression, and volcanic activity during the Yanshan Movement. It features low mountain and hilly landforms, with well-developed gentle slopes on the mountaintops. Located in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, the area experiences synchronized rain and heat, complementary light and temperature, distinct seasons, and moderate temperatures, with the scenic area being around 5°C cooler than the county seat. The mountain vegetation coverage rate is approximately 90%. Transportation is convenient.

Xiandu Mountain is renowned for its spectacular and exquisite peaks and forests. Above 600 meters, stone peaks rise abruptly from the ground. "Like flags, like precious lotus flowers, like iron horses at the pass." The Ming Dynasty scholar Liu Bowen once wrote, "Xiandu Mountain stands out uniquely and bizarrely, appearing as if floating in the sky." Thus, Xiandu Mountain is also known as the "First Immortal Peak." The area is divided into four scenic zones: the "Xiandu Peak Forest" in the north, where stone peaks and peculiar rocks abound; the "Plum Valley Snow Fragrance" in the south, where the Ming Dynasty figure Zhao Chongpao planted plum trees across miles; the "Baozhang Secluded Valley" in the east, the cultivation site of the thousand-year-old monk Baizhang; and the "Xiandu Lake Crystal Waters" in the west, embraced by mountains and waters. There are 24 unique peaks, 14 peculiar rocks and caves, and a total of 120 scenic spots.

Main scenic areas and features include:

Peak Forest at the Summit Within about one square kilometer above 600 meters on Xiandu Mountain, there are 21 towering stone peaks ranging from 50 to 100 meters in height. They come in a variety of shapes: the majestic "Hua Zhu Peak" resembling a towering pillar touching the sky, the exquisite "Lotus Peak" like a water lily emerging from the water, the elegant "Maiden Peak" standing a hundred meters tall, and the "Divine Horse Peak" shaped like a heavenly steed galloping through the air. The 21 peaks are divided into eastern and western sections: the 11 western peaks are dominated by Hua Zhu Peak, sturdy and robust, excelling in "grandeur"; the 10 eastern peaks are led by Maiden Peak, tall and uniquely shaped, excelling in "peculiarity and danger." Both sections share the characteristics of compact distribution, dense and steep formations, and breathtaking views from all angles. Among the Xiandu Peak Forest, the five peaks of Maiden Peak, Xiantan Peak, Yuchi Peak, Yugui Peak, and Yusu Peak are the most majestic and beautiful. Maiden Peak is the place where the Yellow Emperor's daughter ascended to heaven, extremely steep and precipitous, with iron chains on the cliff face for climbing. The summit has a flat area where, in clear weather, one can witness one of the Eight Scenic Views of Xiandu, "Pillar Glow." On the southern cliff face, there is an inscription reading "First Immortal Peak." From the summit, one can enjoy the view described as "though not seeing the whole world, all of Wu and Yue lie before your eyes." Looking north, undulating mountains, terraced fields, and vibrant green layers unfold; looking south, the city of Pujiang, crisscrossed paths, rivers, and villages blend into the distance. Xiantan Peak, commonly known as Er Yan, stands at 700 meters above sea level and is abundant in rare flowers and wild grasses. It is said to be where the maiden gathered herbs and refined elixirs to treat the people. Yuchi Peak, at 672 meters, also called the Central Peak, has a majestic presence that seems to hold the clouds and embrace the moon. It is rarely climbed by tourists, and it is home to one of the Eight Scenic Views of Xiandu, "Mid-Peak Moon Howl." The Central Peak faces Yugui Peak (660 meters) across a mere one-meter gap, connected by a stone gate inscribed with "Heavenly Gate," "Guangyun Road," and "Guang Shen You," forming the scene of "Sword Gorge Delay." Passing through the "Heavenly Gate" and ascending the "Cloud Road," amidst drifting clouds, visitors feel as if they are floating among immortals.

To the west of the five peaks lies Zhaoling Rock, a cliff wall over 100 meters high and 400 meters long. Stretching from east to west, it crouches and coils, steep and rugged on the north and south sides. The ridge is dotted with peculiar rocks and ancient pines, scattered in striking arrangements. Viewed from below, it resembles an iron fortress, hence called "West Valley Iron City." Seen from beneath Maiden Peak, it looks like a whale floating on the sea; from Pujiang County, it resembles a heavenly horse galloping in the sky, hence also called "Heavenly Horse Peak." This area is known as the "West Tour Path." Along the way, there are also sites such as the "West Heavenly Gate," "Ferry Immortal Bridge," and "Guihong Pavilion," featuring many inscriptions by famous individuals. The Xiandu Peak Forest scenic area is rich in peculiar rocks, such as White Snake, Scholar Turtle, Mother and Son Eagles, Jumping Cat, Laozi, Green-Haired Stone Monkey, Welcoming Monkey, Tiger Head, Lovers' Rock, Ever-Laughing, Dream Brush Blooming Flowers, and Sea-Pacifying Needle, all remarkably lifelike. There are two notable caves: one is the "Dinghu Cave" (commonly known as Tonghai Cave), where legend says the Yellow Emperor, eager to be reunited with his beloved daughter, had the Yellow Dragon dig a path from underground to leave a golden elixir stone; the other is the Silk Weaving Cave, said to be where the maiden wove fabric, containing a small spring with healing properties, known as "Immortal Water." Beside the spring is a pavilion called "Jiuxiao Pavilion."

At the summit of the five peaks lies Zhaoling Rock, which was historically a temple but later rebuilt at the mountain's base. Legend says that in the first year of the Jiatai era (1201 AD), during a severe drought in Jiangnan and especially in Pu County, the county magistrate prayed for rain here with success. In the third year (1203 AD), Emperor Ningzong decreed the temple name "Zhaoling." The current "Zhaoling Palace" was relocated and rebuilt in 1993. Here, the peaks seem to bow and welcome, surrounded by floating clouds that guard day and night, forming the "Zhaoling Immortal Traces." To the east of the new Zhaoling Palace lies a pool reflecting the immortal peaks, where legend says the silhouette of a maiden combing her hair can be seen at dawn, creating a magical and wonderful sight known as "Immortal Peak Mirage."

The five peaks and Zhaoling Rock form the spectacular sights atop the mountain, appearing differently from various distances, angles, and times of day. After snowfall in deep winter, the contrast between the rocks and snow is striking, and locals eagerly await the "Xiandu Rock Snow" spectacle.

Valley Hides Ancient Temple East of Xiandu Mountain lie the Shidang and Baozhang gorges, flanked by cliffs thousands of feet high and continuous rocky peaks. The valley floor is filled with clear streams and pleasant sounds. The springs in the valley are cool and sweet, sometimes cascading like scattered pearls and jade, other times surging forcefully from the earth. Due to erosion, many dry and comfortable caves have formed in the valley walls. It is said that scholars like Lu Zuqian once studied in these caves. In the middle section of the Baozhang Gorge stands the Baozhang Temple, where the monk Baizhang is said to have cultivated himself until the age of 1072. Surrounded by towering cliffs and flowing streams, the valley is often shrouded in mist and rosy clouds, with the mountain colors appearing ethereal and occasionally enveloped by mysterious purple hues.

Crystal Waters Reflect Emerald Peaks At the main entrance of Xiandu Mountain lies an artificial lake, Xiandu Lake, covering 1.1 square kilometers. The lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by layered mountains and winding shorelines with extending capes. There are two islands in the lake, lush with trees, like emeralds scattered on the water. The reflections of the emerald peaks in the water are mysterious, with legends saying that fairy bathing can be seen on moonlit nights.

Plum Valley Snow Fragrance Located south of the "Xiandu Peak Forest" and east of the "Xiandu Lake Crystal Waters," this area spans 2.09 square kilometers. Historically, it was where Zhao Chongpao planted plum trees across miles, though today it is mostly replaced by peach-shaped plums. Plans are underway to build the "Pu County Expo Museum" here, along with extensive planting of plum and wintersweet trees to restore the original beauty of "Plum Valley Snow Fragrance."

Recognition of Xiandu Mountain’s Scenic Value began in the early Tang Dynasty. Records indicate that in the 15th year of the Zhenguan era (641 AD), the Indian monk Baizhang traveled through the regions of Liang and Zhe and arrived at Xiandu Mountain, where he marveled at its spectacular and serene beauty, composing the verse, "Having traveled all 400 regions of China, this place is uniquely suited for Taoist cultivation." He then built a hut and cultivated himself here until 657 AD, passing away at the age of 1072. Later, during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, many notable figures visited, writing travelogues or retreating into the mountains to compose poetry. Song Dynasty’s Fang Feng (1241–1322) authored the "Eight Scenic Views of Xiandu" here. In the late Yuan Dynasty, Song Lian (1310–1381) retreated to Xiandu Mountain’s Longmen area during the Zhizheng era (around 1350) to become a Taoist, praising Xiandu’s majestic scenery as "truly the most exquisite place under heaven." Scholars like Lü Zuqian, Xie Ao, Wu Siqi, Liu Guan, Wu Lai, and Liu Ji all visited, leaving behind over a hundred poems and four cliff inscriptions, enriching Xiandu Mountain’s cultural significance.

Xiandu Mountain Scenic Area neighbors the national-level "Two Rivers and One Lake" (Xin’an River, Fuchun River, Qiandao Lake) scenic area to the west and the national-level "Shuanglong" scenic area to the south. The Zhejiang-Jiangxi Railway and provincial highways such as Hangjin, Jiangyi (Tonglu–Yiwu) pass through the county, with Yiwu Civil Aviation Airport located near the Pujiang–Yiwu border, offering significant locational and transportation advantages.

Information Source: Jinhua Government Website

Further Reading:

· Ninth Batch of National Scenic Areas

·The Ninth Batch of National Scenic Areas