Fairy Embroidering

Fairy Embroidering

Introduction: In front of Paiyun Pavilion, look to the left, and on the distant Shichuang Peak you’ll see a uniquely shaped rock resembling a young maiden. Before her stands an unusual pine tree, like an embroidery frame — hence the poetic name “Fairy Embroidering.”

There is also a local folktale behind this sight: In ancient times, in the West Sea of Huangshan Mountain lived a kind-hearted old man named Liu and his granddaughter. The old man went deep into the mountains every day to dig herbs, pick mushrooms, and harvest misty tea, while his granddaughter was smart and beautiful, named “Tiannü” (Heavenly Maiden). She stayed at home cooking and embroidering. One day, the old man went to collect herbs by Tieshan Pool when he encountered a vicious black dragon. He nearly lost his life but was luckily saved by a young man named Daniu. Daniu was determined to slay the black dragon and rid the people of the menace. Both the old man and Tiannü supported him, and they rallied all the villagers to forge weapons day and night. Daniu led the villagers to Tieshan Pool, where he picked up a stone and hurled it into the pool. The startled dragon surged out of the water, lashing its tail and opening its massive mouth, causing the sky to darken instantly. Unintimidated, Daniu wielded his treasured blade and fought the dragon. They battled for three days and nights, ninety-nine rounds in total, until Daniu finally beheaded the dragon. Exhausted, he collapsed on a hillside and fell into a deep sleep. No one knows how many years passed, but eventually he turned into what is now known as Wolong Peak (Crouching Dragon Peak). The dragon’s severed head became the Dragon Head Stone by the path below Bright Summit Top. Tiannü sat every day on the lofty West Peak, embroidering as she waited for Daniu to wake. She kept threading her needle and embroidering nonstop — she wanted to sew the most beautiful sash to give to Daniu. As time passed, she herself turned into a fairy stone. Look — aren’t the evening clouds in the West Sea the colorful silk ribbons embroidered by the fairy? A modern poet wrote: “The embroidering fairy stands atop the peak, / Her feet on clouds, a frame in hand she seeks. / Her needle flies fast with heartfelt care, / Even the heavens love spring’s tender air.”

Anhui, Huangshan City