Jindingzhai

Jindingzhai

Introduction to Jindingzhai

Jindingzhai is located in Jingshi Township in the southern part of Yudu County, 50 kilometers from the county seat and 500 meters from the Yupan Highway. At an elevation of 373 meters, it borders Huichang to the east, has the Yuweng Hydropower Station to the south, faces Pangushan Town to the west, and neighbors Pingshan to the north. The mountain is surrounded by steep cliffs, and from a distance it resembles a rice steamer. Legend has it that it was formed from a rice steamer left behind by an immortal chef who passed through the area and was exposed by someone, so it is also known as “Rice Steamer Mountain.”

Several smaller hills dot the surroundings of Jindingzhai. To the west is one that looks like ritual “fasting food” offered to the gods, called “Zha Hua Dun.” In the northeast, there are two adjacent peaks. It is said they were two immortals who served the Queen Mother of the West and were banished from heaven for knocking over her jade cup, hence the name “Golden Boy and Jade Girl Peaks.” To the east, you can see an upside-down golden bell and two stone drums not far from each other. Between the two stone drums lies a pile of scattered rocks, which legend says were originally “buns” growing on the body of Jindingzhai Mountain. These buns were able to absorb the essence of the earth and kept growing, threatening the survival of local residents. When the Jade Emperor learned of this, he sent the Thunder God to destroy the “buns.” Not far from Jindingzhai to the southeast lies a mountain shaped like a saddle, called Ma’an Mountain, which is said to have been formed after its head was struck off by the Thunder God.