Qingu Mountain

Qingu Mountain

Towering by the Qinxi River, Qingu Mountain, also known as Qingu Peak, was formerly called Qingu Terrace. Legend has it that during the Han Dynasty, the recluse scholar Qingu practiced alchemy on this mountain, attained immortality, and then “rode a carp up to heaven.” The mountain and river have since been named after him. The Qing Dynasty scholar Zhao Qingli wrote in his poem “Qingu Melody”: “North of Jingchuan County lies Qinxian Peak, below which lies a delicately carved cave, said to be where Qingu once practiced, refined elixirs with carp’s aid, and ascended to heaven on the wind.” The mountain features a solitary peak, rugged cliffs, and a majestic presence resembling a lion, hence locals also call it Lion Mountain. On the mountain, there are historic sites such as Hidden Rain Rock and Alchemy Cave. Inside the Alchemy Cave, there are curious stones such as an alchemy stove, stone tables, and stone stools, all believed to be relics from the immortal Qingu’s alchemical practices. Outside and to the left of the cave stands a uniquely shaped rock, standing tall and proud like a rooster, known as “Golden Rooster Rock.” Legend has it that a golden rooster once perched on the rock and, whenever it heard the sounds of music or drums, would stretch its neck, flap its wings, and crow loudly. During the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing era, Wang Tinggan, a scholar-official from Jing County who had served as an External Member of the Ministry of Revenue, composed a poem titled “Golden Rooster Rock at Qinx River”: “The Qinx River opens a jade-like cave, its strange rocks resemble a golden rooster.”

According to ancient county records, the cliffs of Qingu Mountain are home to as many as 20 to 30 cliff inscriptions from various dynasties, the most in the entire county. These include quatrains and long poems inscribed by Xing Ju, Wu Pingyi, and Du Wei from the Tang Dynasty’s Kaiyuan era; during the Song Dynasty, there are inscriptions by Jiang Yingshu, Guo Xiangzheng, Chao Duanben, Liu Yi, and Zhao Jingchen; and in the Southern Song Dynasty, Lin Chun inscribed the words “Qingu Terrace.”

The three characters in seal script were carved on the steepest part of the cliff facing the river. In the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi era, Chen Xiao inscribed the two large characters “Immortal Peak,” each larger than a foot, onto the rock. Most of these cliff inscriptions were created by master calligraphers, elegant and powerful, each showcasing distinct styles. The carvers were also highly skilled artisans, adept in their craft, capturing the spirit of every stroke. Despite centuries of wind and rain erosion, these inscriptions remain intact to this day. The words “Immortal Peak” are still as clear as ever, retaining their full spiritual essence. The existence of these cliff inscriptions makes them invaluable historical artifacts. In the past, at the foot of Qingu Mountain, there were also ancient structures such as the Qingu Temple, Senyuilou, Cuihai Villa, and the Guest-Receiving Pavilion, all of which were eventually destroyed during the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods, leaving only ruins behind.

“For millennia its famed name has drawn travelers.” The Qinx River scenery centered around Qingu Mountain boasts not only the beauty of green mountains and clear waters but also the wonder of secluded caves and peculiar rocks. Since ancient times, it has been a renowned scenic destination. Ever since the Tang Dynasty, it has attracted throngs of visitors, with scholars and celebrities frequently making pilgrimages. The “Poet Immortal” Li Bai wrote in his poem “Climbing Xiangshan on the Ninth Day”: “Red carp surge where Qingu rose, white turtles guide the River God. Immortals seem to appear, repaying distant friendships.” And in “In Reply to Cui Fifteen’s Invitation,” he wrote: “You have writings in bird-trace script, inviting me to drink by Qinx River. Your handwriting, on this scroll, is like heavenly clouds and brocade descending.” The Song Dynasty literary giant Ouyang Xiu once composed the verse: “Qingu has gone and never returned, even if immortals exist, what’s the use?” The Qing Dynasty’s Yuan Mei even wrote a specific poem titled “Qinx River, Said to Be Where Qingu Rode a Carp”: “Qinx Mountain, as if awaiting someone, stands like a goose by the water all day. Qinx River water, so clear to play in, mist rises from the eleven arches of the middle bridge. The elixir scripts inside the cave cannot be read, wild smoke wafts, swaying the stone walls. River grass and flowers bloom through autumn and spring, yet the immortal’s strike brings no reply. I laugh at Qingu, after all not truly immortal. He rode a carp away, but never rode one back.” The numerous poems and verses composed by literati throughout the ages have left behind timeless tales about Qingu Mountain.

Exact location: southwestern suburbs of Ningguo City