Taihang Wuzhi Mountain Scenic Area

Taihang Wuzhi Mountain Scenic Area

Taihang Wuzhi Mountain Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Taihang Wuzhi Mountain Scenic Area is located in She County on the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains, covering an area of 20 square kilometers. With its main peak standing at an elevation of 1,283 meters, the mountain features majestic and picturesque landscapes, lush vegetation, and is renowned for its "grandeur, wonder, peril, and beauty." Even more miraculous is that a 3-kilometer-long mountain range here has been naturally shaped by nature into the form of a reclining Buddha, remarkably lifelike, exuding an aura of tranquility and Buddhist blessings.

There are many legends about Wuzhi Mountain. It is said that in ancient times, Guanyin Bodhisattva from the South Sea was on her way to Mount Wutai to attend a Dharma assembly hosted by Manjushri Bodhisattva. She rode a giant turtle from Mount Putuo northward. Due to the long journey, she asked the North Star (also known as the Purple Star) to guide her, leading her to Mount Ziwu in the Taihang Mountains. As the Bodhisattva traveled leisurely, she suddenly saw peaks covered in lush greenery and auspicious energy rising. Unable to resist, she slowed her pace. When she looked closer with her enlightened eyes, she saw clouds of good fortune swirling around and the glow of Buddha’s light shining forth. It turned out to be the Tathagata Buddha standing atop the mountain, enchanted by the beautiful scenery. Guanyin Bodhisattva descended from the clouds and hurried forward to pay her respects. The Buddha then said, “The mountains and rivers here are rich in beauty, and the plants are filled with spirit. This is truly a heavenly paradise and an earthly sacred place. We have traveled far from south to north, and I propose establishing a resting place for all of us here. What do you think?” Guanyin Bodhisattva agreed, saying, “That’s a wonderful idea. It will provide a place for all Buddhist disciples to rest during their north-south travels.” The Buddha nodded and slowly raised his left hand: “I see six peaks competing in beauty, each with its own unique posture. With a bear-like ear reaching the sky, why not name it Bear Ear Temple?” Guanyin responded, “The Buddha is wise. This name fits the terrain perfectly.” She then summoned her divine turtle and instructed, “The Buddha and I are going to Mount Wutai for the Dharma assembly. You shall stay here and oversee the construction of the temple.” The turtle agreed. After Guanyin and the Buddha departed on clouds, the turtle, having grown attached to the place, transformed into the mountain and stayed there. The temple became very popular after its construction, with thriving incense offerings and numerous worshippers finding their prayers answered. More and more monks gathered here. At its peak, over a thousand Buddhist disciples resided here, along with 24 temple courtyards. Morning bells and evening drums, along with continuous chanting and worship, made it a renowned ancestral temple in the border region of Shanxi, Hebei, and Henan. When looking southward from Wuzhi Mountain, the peaks resemble the shape of a giant Buddha, said to be the Buddha resting after returning from Mount Wutai. Folklore says: if exam candidates, scholars, or those taking job tests feel underprepared, visiting to “touch the Buddha’s feet” at the last minute ensures success. This is the origin of the phrase “clinging to the Buddha’s feet at the last minute.”

In recent years, the long-hidden Taihang Wuzhi Mountain has unveiled its mysterious veil and now stands before the world as an excellent destination for urbanites to escape the summer heat, seek serenity, and enjoy leisure.

From National Highway 309, pass through the county town heading west, cross the Qingzhang Bridge, turn left at the ramp, and you’ll enter the scenic area road. After driving a short distance through the mountains, you’ll see the uniquely designed ancient locust tree-shaped entrance gate of the Wuzhi Mountain Scenic Area, where vehicles can drive directly inside.

■ Natural Oxygen Bar

After getting off at the scenic area square, you’ll face an elegant and solemn three-bay, four-pillar marble memorial archway. Walk up the steps, pass through the archway, and you’ll see a round platform holding a yuanbao-shaped (ingot-shaped) huge rock inscribed with three regular-script characters “Wu Zhi Shan” (Wuzhi Mountain) written by the famous Chinese calligrapher Master Song Yang. The calligraphy is gentle, graceful, and exudes spiritual charm.

Looking around, you’ll see steep mountain peaks and nearly vertical cliffs stretching into the sky. On the nearby slopes, the untouched secondary forest spreads out in vibrant green, dotted occasionally with wildflowers. Step forward onto the gravel-paved forest trail. The development of Wuzhi Mountain Scenic Area follows the principle of preserving the primitive ecology—no excessive construction, using local materials, following the mountain’s contours, and emphasizing the natural and pristine.

Here, you’re completely away from the noise and bustle of the city, and unlike some popular tourist destinations crowded with visitors, you can freely stroll through the woods, breathing in pollution-free air rich in negative ions. You’ll feel as if you’re in another world, forgetting all worries. The only word you’ll experience here is “tranquility.”

■ Alpine Meadow

The Taihang Mountains are typically characterized by Danxia landforms, with red-brown rocks commonly found at the summits. However, Wuzhi Mountain Scenic Area is an exception. The mountaintops here are relatively flat, covered with thick soil layers, and lush with artemisia grass, forming a rare alpine meadow.

On the northern side of the scenic area lies the largest alpine meadow, spanning several square kilometers. A simple vehicle road leads to the foot of the mountain, and from there, follow a narrow path uphill to reach the top of the meadow. Here, dense artemisia grass grows knee-high, turning yellowish-brown in winter and spring, and lush green in summer and autumn.

This meadow also serves as a Buddha-viewing platform. Standing here and looking east, you’ll see She County’s famous Hanwang Mountain. Looking south, you’ll find the newly discovered natural reclining Buddha.

■ Reclining Buddha

Standing on the mountaintop meadow and gazing southward, you can’t help but marvel at the wonders of nature. The 3-kilometer-long mountain has naturally formed the shape of a giant Buddha. From east to west, it features: a tall bun, forehead, eyebrows, nose, chin, and even an Adam’s apple on the neck—all incredibly lifelike. The Buddha’s hands are folded over its chest, and its toes point toward the sky. The great Buddha reclines quietly atop the Taihang Mountains, as if listening to the sounds of nature, evoking endless reverie and imagination.

■ Memorial Site of the Volunteer Army

Wuzhi Mountain not only boasts beautiful natural scenery but also rich red tourism resources, including the former headquarters of the Korean Volunteer Army.

The Korean Volunteer Army was formed by a group of passionate Korean youths in Wuhan and later moved to She County. In July 1942, the headquarters of the Korean Volunteer Army, led by Commander Wu Ting, set up camp in Nanzhuang Village, Henan Dian Town, She County, in the Wuzhi Mountain area. The command post was stationed at Wang Shuwen’s home and relocated from She County in August 1945. During their more than three years of combat life, the volunteer soldiers demonstrated a high level of internationalism. They established businesses such as the “31” Shop, Taihang Textile Factory, Korean Volunteer Army Hospital (Public Hospital), and a photography studio, contributing to China’s victory in the War of Resistance.

The Eighth Route Army’s 129th Division Training Team also stayed in Nanzhuang Village for a long time, producing a large number of anti-Japanese military and political cadres.

In August 1942, Zheng Lücheng (born in 1914 in Gwangju, Korea, Zheng came to China in 1933 to join the salvation movement, moved to Yan’an after the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War in 1937, and composed iconic red classics such as “Ode to Yan’an” and the “Eighth Route Army Chorus.” Among them, the “March of the Eighth Route Army” from the chorus was later renamed the “March of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.” In 1988, the song was officially designated as the “Military Anthem of the Chinese People's Liberation Army” by order of the Chairman). He came to She County to serve as the head of education at the Korean Revolutionary Military and Political School and leader of the Korean Volunteer Army. In 1943, he joined the Eighth Route Army and the Korean Volunteer Army in launching a production campaign in Wuzhi Mountain, She County, and created the film script “Armed Propaganda Team” based on the battle life in the Taihang Mountains. Through multiple visits by experts from China and Korea, relics of Zheng Lücheng’s residence in Wuzhi Mountain, the well he used, and the vegetable garden he cultivated were discovered. Zheng Xiaoti hopes to establish a Zheng Lücheng Music School in Nanzhuang Village, She County—the location of Wuzhi Mountain. Relevant authorities decided to build a Taihang Zheng Lücheng Memorial Hall at Wuzhi Mountain, which will become a new highlight of red tourism in Handan.

These anti-Japanese sites, consisting of cave dwellings and semi-sunny, semi-shaded structures, are well preserved and open to visitors for tours and to reflect on the glorious history of the past.

■ Ziwei Mountain Villa

At the foot of the mountain, nestled among green trees, lies Ziwei Mountain Villa—a quiet traditional courtyard with green tiles and white walls. It serves as both a square and a restaurant, offering a rustic charm. The dishes are freshly picked and cooked from the farmhouse garden, ensuring original flavors, green ecology, and no pollution—truly unique. Under the grape trellis in the courtyard, brew a cup of fragrant tea, sip a couple of beers, and enjoy life like a celestial being.

Staying here overnight is even more delightful. During holidays, the Wuzhi Mountain Ziwei Square hosts grand bonfire parties. Amid the leaping flames, everyone holds hands and dances joyfully. Laughter and birdsong blend into the most beautiful melody in the world. After an enjoyable evening, stay in distinctive rural-style guesthouses or traditional farmhouses, immersing yourself in the poetic charm of “sleeping unaware of dawn, hearing birds everywhere, and wondering how many flowers have fallen during the night’s rain.”

The rooms at Taihang Wuzhi Mountain are fully equipped and convenient for self-catering and lodging. Staying here might make you never want to leave.

Tips

○ Taihang Wuzhi Mountain is 3 kilometers from She County. Travelers from Handan can take National Highway 309 or the Qinglan Expressway, cross the Qingzhang River Bridge, drive 2 kilometers, and turn left at the sign to arrive. The transportation is very convenient.

○Currently, one-day and overnight tour packages to Wuzhishan are available and can be booked through major travel agencies in the city.

○Scenic area inquiry hotline: 13931032750