Bai Zhangyan Scenic Area

Bai Zhangyan Scenic Area

Bai Zhangyan Scenic Area is located to the south of Taoyuan Cave and adjacent to it. It is an important part of the national key scenic spot Taoyuan Cave. The central area of the scenic zone spans 26.60 square kilometers and houses over 30 historical and cultural sites. It gets its name from the towering peaks and hundred-zhang-high cliffs.　

The magnificence of Bai Zhangyan’s peaks, the beauty of its mountain hues, and the clarity of its streams offer visitors the feeling of “realizing one's own ethereal nature after enlightenment, and sensing the impermanence of the world when encountering profound serenity.” Since ancient times, it has been praised as a “Land of Peach Blossoms beyond the mundane world.” Major attractions include: Gusu Peak, Warriors Rock, Yiqun Bridge, Camel Peak, Bell and Drum Peaks, Buying Pavilion, Laojun Rock, Xin’an Cave, Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), Three Saints Hall, Jianmen Pass, Secluded Valley, and Seven-Tiered Spring. Key cultural landmarks include the Ming Dynasty Mashi Immortal Maiden Temple, which hangs mid-way up a nearly 140-meter cliff. Its four walls glow with spiritual energy and incense burning there is thriving. When shrouded in mist, the site becomes even more mystical, adding to its enigmatic charm.

Bell and Drum Peaks

Among the Bell and Drum Peaks, one has a round, flat top resembling a drum, while the other has a large waist tapering to a point, like a hanging bell. These two peaks stand opposite each other, facing the Mashi Immortal Maiden Temple. During the temple fairs held annually in January and June, Taoist priests blow “tin horns,” whose echoes reverberate through the valley, mimicking the sound of bells and drums—thus living up to their name. Interestingly, when viewed from another angle, the Bell Peak strikingly resembles the profile of an armored warrior with distinct nose and eyes, looking both heroic and solemn. Meanwhile, the Drum Peak, along with the mountain behind it, looks uncannily like a large camel gazing eastward. This showcases the natural phenomenon of “mountains appearing as ridges or peaks depending on your viewpoint.”

Buying Pavilion

Though small, the pavilion has a rather unique design. Its horizontal plaque reads “Buying” (步瀛), hence its name. “Yingzhou” (瀛洲) is a legendary immortal mountain overseas, and “Buying Ying” implies the act of stepping into an immortal realm. Built during the Republican era, the front of the pavilion features a couplet that reads: “A peerless scenic wonder; the foremost gateway to ascension,” which is why it is also known as the First Gate. On the back is another couplet: “All who pass believe in goodness; worship Buddha and receive blessings.” (“Xiu” means protection.) Once you pass this pavilion, you’ll soon arrive at the Mashi Immortal Maiden Temple.

Mashi Immortal Maiden Temple

The Mashi Immortal Maiden Temple is built against the mountain. Though modest in size, its walls radiate spiritual brilliance and incense burning here is abundant. At the center of the main hall sits the Mashi True Immortal Bodhisattva, flanked by two other deities representing her second sister and Madam Du. In a concave niche on the rock wall behind the temple is a karst cave about the size of a bowl. Legend says that after Mashi Wu Niang attained immortality and ascended to heaven, her true body remained hidden within the cave. A ladder is set against the cliff wall for visitors to climb and take a look. Curious visitors can even reach into the cave to feel around—if you happen to touch one of Wu Niang’s embroidered shoes, you’ll be blessed with good fortune. The temple fairs held every January and June are especially lively. Hundreds of worshippers from the local area and neighboring counties parade here with lion dances, firecrackers, gongs, and drums to collect sacred fire and take it back home, praying for favorable weather and peace for their families throughout the year. From the terrace in front of the temple, one can look down at the ceaselessly flowing Taohua Stream, where a small islet shaped like an embroidered shoe floats in the water. It is said to be the very shoe that Wu Niang lost when she ascended, torn away by her sister and sister-in-law.