Chizhu Mountain

Chizhu Mountain

Located in the northeastern suburbs of the city, Chizhu Mountain is connected with Shen Mountain, Huolu Mountain, and Ma'anshan, forming a continuous range. Known for its “undulating ridges” and “secluded winding paths,” it is a scenic gem in the outskirts. Rich in historical charm and legendary tales, it is said that during the Spring and Autumn Period, the master swordsmith Ganjiang set up his furnace here to forge swords. After three years, he produced a pair of swords—one male, one female—both gleaming with a blue sheen and unmatched in sharpness.

The Illustrated Gazetteer states: “Ganjiang tempered his swords here.” To this day, remnants such as the “Quenching Pool,” the “Grinding Stone,” and the “Iron Threshold” still exist on the mountain, each with its own captivating legend. The Quenching Pool is situated at the mountain’s summit. Though small and not deep, its waters never dry up year-round, remaining clear enough to reflect faces—an extraordinary sight. Historical records say that Ganjiang was also buried on this mountain. During the Tang Dynasty, the famed general Li Jing quelled a rebellion nearby, bringing stability to the region. In his honor, later generations built the Temple of Duke Li in Shen Mountain.

Legend has it that in the seventh year of the Qiandao era of the Song Dynasty (1171), Wuhu suffered a severe drought. County Magistrate Shen Duanjie prayed for rain at the Temple of Duke Li on Chizhu Mountain for two days, after which rain finally came. In gratitude, he erected a pavilion, naming it “Zhi Xi Pavilion” (Pavilion of Recorded Joy), inspired by Su Shi’s “Record of the Joyous Rain Pavilion.” Since then, the “Timely Rain of Shen Mountain” became widely celebrated. Over the centuries, literati and poets have frequented Chizhu Mountain to explore its ancient charm, leaving behind numerous verses: “Ancient swords scrape the sky, their cold light reveals the grandeur of Tai'a” and “Here Ganjiang once forged lotus-bladed swords; through wind and rain, pines stand on stones for a thousand autumns,” preserving the timeless legacy of “Chizhu’s Azure Edge.”

In 1977, the Wuhu Municipal People’s Government began developing Shen Mountain Park, planting trees, restoring scenic spots, rebuilding Zhi Xi Pavilion, and excavating Furong Lake, enriching and beautifying the renowned landscape of “Chizhu’s Azure Edge.”