Snow-Covered Wolf Peak

Snow-Covered Wolf Peak

Wolf Peak refers to Langshan Mountain, located north of Xiaojianji and west of the county town, about 15 kilometers to the north. Legend has it that long ago, this area was characterized by undulating mountains, lush forests, overgrown weeds, rugged rocks, and swirling mists, making it the most prominent among the nine surrounding peaks. Because wolves often roamed here, causing frequent harm, it came to be known as “Wolf Mountain.” Later, a young man surnamed Xue, dressed in white, who was skilled in martial arts and extremely brave, volunteered to go up the mountain to hunt the wolves and rid the people of this menace. After ascending the mountain, he killed over 80 ferocious wolves in seven consecutive days and nights. On the eighth day, the remaining 12 wolves surrounded him. Wielding a wooden stick, he fought his way from the mountainside to the mountaintop, eventually eliminating all the wolves. However, he was bitten more than ten times by the wolves and collapsed from excessive blood loss on a large bluish rock at the peak. To honor his bravery and sacrifice, the locals buried him at the summit, and thus the tale of “Snow (Xue) Pressing Down on Wolf Peak” became a celebrated local legend.

During the Tang Dynasty, a temple was built at the southern foot of the mountain. It was initially named “Zhaoming Temple,” and later renamed “Dangyang Temple” during the Song Dynasty. At that time, monks and enthusiasts, in an effort to attract worshippers, expand their influence, and gain more offerings, fabricated tales of the mountain god appearing and performing miracles to help people avoid misfortune and turn danger into safety. This led to a continuous stream of devout visitors coming to pray and seek divine guidance. Hence, it also came to be called “Spirit Mountain.” Later, due to warfare, the temple fell into disrepair. In the early Qing Dynasty, the temple was rebuilt at the peak and subsequently renamed “Jiuding Lingshan Temple” (Temple of the Nine Peaks and Spirit Mountain). Among the monks at the temple was one commonly known as Tongjiao, who was said to possess exceptional martial skills. Legend had it that he could split mountains and plough fields with his fingers, and even walk on the waters of the Guoshui River. As a result, the temple gained widespread fame. Wolf Mountain stands about 90 meters high and covers an area of approximately one square kilometer. Because it is situated on the Huaibei Plain, its peaks appear to thrust straight into the clouds. During early mornings and late evenings, mists swirl around the mountainside, shrouding the peaks like gauzy veils — a truly spectacular sight. Especially in the depths of winter, after a fresh snowfall and under clear skies, the peak resembles a jade stalk standing tall, complemented by snow-laden trees and silver blossoms, with the ancient temple draped in white, creating an even more enchanting scene. This has attracted many visitors and literati who come to admire the view.

The Qing Dynasty poet from Mengcheng, Li Guozhang, wrote: *In the northwest stands Wolf Peak, where sunlight bathes snow bright.* *An old man opens his door, to see a vast, pure sight.* Wang Tingzhen also penned: *Which rivals the purity of Wolf Peak’s snowy sheen?* *Its June chill is cold as iron, keen and keen.* *The jagged peak stands forth, a jade stalk in the air,* *The ancient temple shines like a palace made of prayer.*