Tiancheng Mountain

Tiancheng Mountain

Tiancheng Mountain is divided into two peaks, northern and southern, about a hundred meters apart. The southern peak is called “Tiancheng,” and the northern one is named “Xifa.” The two peaks rise majestically side by side, exceptionally charming. Viewed from afar, they resemble the cloud-like coiffure and emerald hairpins of an ancient beauty of peerless beauty. The mountain is shaped like a saddle, standing opposite Tianzhu Mountain. It is imposing and steep, covered with grotesque rocks, and perennially shrouded in mist, with clear mountain streams winding at its base. Auspicious clouds often drift between the two peaks, filling the air with a blessed aura that captivates viewers and stirs deep, far-reaching thoughts. It was once listed as one of the ancient “Eight Scenic Spots of Wu’an,” and in recent years has been included among the “New Eight Scenic Spots of Changtai.” Tiancheng Mountain was once a heroic battleground where valiant warriors made their mark, and also the birthplace where talented individuals cultivated their skills. In the late Tang Dynasty, Huang Chao rose in rebellion, entered Fujian, and reached Tai. He once relied on the defensible terrain of Tiancheng Mountain to fight fiercely against the Tang army sent to suppress the uprising.

The mountain features many secluded caves and rock screens, such as the Hundred-Zhang Screen, Tianyou Stairs, Zhongshi Studio, Bao Yin Cave, Qiaoyang Cave, Banhe Cave, Songlin Pavilion, and Tianjing Lake. During the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty, Yang Yingzhong, a successful scholar from the county who resigned from his official post, returned to his hometown and built a stronghold here to live in seclusion. He also expanded the site with structures such as the Ten-Thousand-Stone Tower, Qingxu Pavilion, Chaofu Residence, Xinyuan Hall, and Sujiayan. Tiancheng Mountain is covered with large and massive rocks—some stacked and connected, some crisscrossed horizontally and vertically, and others standing upright to form platforms or chambers, all of which are fascinating. There is also a unique species of bamboo on the mountain, with square stems resembling chopsticks, giving rise to the legend of “Luo Yuan planting chopsticks that grow into bamboo,” adding a magical and enchanting charm to Tiancheng Mountain. Tiancheng Peak is abundant in rocks, some standing alone, some piled up into scenic formations, some towering dozens of zhang high, and others shaped like lively animals. The ancients gave these rocks magical names, such as Hundred-Zhang Screen, Tianyou Stairs, Turtle Crawling Wall, and Carp Stone. Just hearing the names and seeing the shapes, one can’t help but marvel at how vivid and extraordinary they are.

Source: Fujian Provincial Tourism Development Commission