Shengxian Platform of Bagong Mountain

Shengxian Platform of Bagong Mountain

Located on the hilltop of "Sixian Platform" behind the Huainan King's Palace. According to Taoist classics, Liu An once welcomed the Eight Immortals into the alchemy chamber of Sixian Platform, treating them as honored guests and receiving them as disciples. The Eight Immortals then bestowed upon him the 36 volumes of the Taoist secret scripture, Jade Elixir Sutra, and taught Liu An various magical arts. Later, Liu An succeeded in his practice, attained immortality, and ascended to heaven. The vessel that held the elixir had residue left in it, and when chickens and dogs licked it, they too ascended to heaven, giving rise to the legendary tale "when one person attains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs rise to heaven." This also reflects the public’s sympathetic imagination following Liu An’s forced suicide on charges of "treason" and the execution of most of the Eight Immortals. As a tourist attraction, it carries a strong legendary flavor, adding a touch of wonder to the visit.