Hundred Zhang Shock

Hundred Zhang Shock

Hundred Zhang Shock is a cultural heritage site protected by Fujian Province.

On the way to Hundred Zhang Shock, you can follow the direction of my finger to see a waterfall over a hundred meters high, experiencing the admiration of Zhu Xi from the Southern Song Dynasty as he gazed upon the cascading waters: “A hundred-zhang waterfall, like a jade rainbow.” After feasting your eyes on the golden, dazzling splendor of Hundred Zhang Waterfall under the sunlight, you can then head to Hundred Zhang Nunnery in the cool, breezy air.

Friends, we are now about to ascend Hundred Zhang Shock, also known as “Hundred Zhang Rock,” one of the three towering peaks that guard southern Jian’ou. The highest peak stands at an elevation of 1,338 meters. This mountain features three rocks, respectively called First Rock, Second Rock, and Third Rock. From these vantage points, you can see areas such as Gutian, Jian’ou, Nanping, and Dikou.

Hundred Zhang Nunnery was first built during the Guanghua era of the Tang Dynasty. Legend has it that Lady Ma (commonly known as Ma Wuniang), on her way back from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, after fetching water by riding the clouds, spotted a magnificent white lotus atop Hundred Zhang Rock. She desired to build a temple there for her residence and casually threw down a divine bamboo stalk named “Xi Huai Zi Bamboo.” She also appeared in a dream to an elderly herb-gathering farmer who was dozing off, instructing the villagers of Hundred Zhang to use the bamboo as pillars to build a temple on the spot for her dwelling. Beside the nunnery, the creek roars loudly, and the nationally rare boneless fish can be seen swimming actively. This fish is scaleless, boneless, and without any fishy smell. It is said that Zhu Xi of the Song Dynasty lectured here, and Li Mo of the Ming Dynasty studied here before becoming a successful scholar and attaining the rank of Heavenly Official. As the saying goes, “The pavilion stands above the clouded creek of Hundred Zhang; people are amidst the misty rain for miles around.” Even in the intense heat of July, a refreshing breeze blows, making scorching days feel cool, the daytime breezy, and the nights mosquito-free—earning it the reputation of a “natural air conditioner.”

Hiking up the mountain path of Hundred Zhang Nunnery, wonders appear one after another. Look—here is the “umbilical stone bowl” used by Lady Ma to collect water. The spring in the bowl is as clear as a mirror, with a sweet and refreshing taste. No matter the season, the water in the bowl neither dries up nor overflows. More interestingly, when you drink heartily from it and feel your stomach is full, the bowl remains full.

Further up the peak, you’ll find a flat rock where martial arts were taught during the late Qing and early Republican periods by loyal patriots from all directions—space enough for thousands to train. There is also the natural cave known as Baogai Cave, which is concave-shaped. The cave entrance is wide enough for two people to walk through side by side, while the interior is rectangular and can accommodate over ten people. Legend says that in ancient times, when heroes gathered here to train, their leaders and instructors would rest and hold meetings in this cave.

Upon reaching the mountaintop, you’ll be greeted by steep cliffs on three sides. Looking out, you’ll see hills gathering beneath your feet and rivers winding like ribbons, with villages spread out as far as the eye can see. To the east, you can overlook Yushan, Chouling, and Gutian; to the south, you can gaze afar at Dikou, Xiaxi, and Yanqian; to the west, you can see Nanya, Jirui, Fangcun, and Daheng; and to the north, you can view Jian’ou’s Zhicheng, Jianyang’s Zhenqian, Zhenghe’s Xijin, and Songxi’s Weitian.

Professor Lin Lucheng from Fujian Agricultural College once visited Hundred Zhang Rock expressly to admire the shocking peak and waterfall. He composed a poem that reads: “The towering Hundred Zhang Peak pierces the clouds; green mountains and clear waters cradle dragons. The creek carves through stone to form a waterfall, a serene and uniquely beautiful scenery under heaven.”

Source: Office of the People’s Government of Jian’ou City