Purple Mountain

Purple Mountain

Purple Mountain, also known as Zijin Mountain, is located in the northwest of Handan City, about 30 li from the city center. Historically, Purple Mountain was quite famous and is mentioned frequently in historical records. During the Warring States period, Zhao She, a renowned general of the State of Zhao, achieved great military success in resisting the Qin army’s invasion and was bestowed the title Marquis of Mafu. After his death, he was buried on Purple Mountain, which was then renamed Mafu Mountain. In the sixth year of the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, it was renamed Zhuyi Mountain. It is recorded as Zijin Mountain in the History of Yuan. The Book of Wei · Treatise on Geography and the Comprehensive Gazetteer of the Qing Dynasty also document it as Purple Mountain.

“Purple Mountain is the birthplace of the ancient Handan domain.” The ancient capital of Zhao was flanked by Purple Mountain to the west and the Fuyang River to the east. Blessed by the mountain’s spiritual energy, the region produced many talented individuals. There remains a poetic line that says, “Long has this ancient capital exuded purple hues, while local sages have shone brilliantly in succession.” In the hearts of the people of ancient Zhao, Purple Mountain is a sacred and holy mountain.

Purple Mountain is an extension of the Taihang Mountains, covering an area of approximately 20 square kilometers, with its main peak standing at an elevation of 498.4 meters. It is the highest point in Handan County and is also known as the “First Mountain of Handan.” Its “peaks rise steeply and ridges curve gently.” To the north of the mountain, the hills look like “a cluster of spiral shells,” while to the south, rolling hills stretch for dozens of miles. The unique geology, landforms, and geographical location give rise to three remarkable wonders of Purple Mountain.

When the setting sun slants westward, the sunlight bathes the Purple Peak, turning it golden yellow, resembling a golden helmet from afar. The twin towers rising through the sky resemble two golden tassels on armor. Standing atop the Golden Peak and looking northwest, the two famous rivers to the south and north shimmer brilliantly, flowing with golden radiance. These two rivers converge at the foot of the mountain before turning northward and eastward. This is the “Evening Glow of Purple Peak,” once one of the Ten Scenic Spots of Handan.

On Purple Mountain, there are also the tomb of the Zhao general Zhao She (“Zhao She’s Tomb”) and his “study room.” The hermitage of Liu Bingzhong, the Grand Secretary of the Yuan Dynasty, and the foundations of the twin towers still faintly remain. Additionally, the mountain preserves remnants of temples and Buddhist monasteries, broken steles, Buddha pedestals, and other historical relics. It is a must-visit destination for tourists coming to Handan County. Related links: The Three Wonders of Purple Mountain — Viewing Three Cities from Purple Peak

Purple Mountain is also a boundary mountain. Its northwest belongs to Wu’an, its northeast to Yongnian, and its southwest, west, and southeast to Handan County. The main ridge of Purple Mountain acts as the watershed and tri-county boundary line, with Purple Peak serving as their meeting point. On clear days, visitors to the summit can not only hear the roosters crowing across three counties and experience the thrill of standing on land shared by three counties, but also gaze at the majestic cityscapes of all three. It is said that being able to see the cities of three bordering counties from a single boundary point is a unique phenomenon in all of China. Purple Mountain Emits Purple Energy:

Purple energy refers to auspicious air. According to the Handan County Annals, Purple Mountain “is covered in thick purple energy in spring and summer” and “at times, a dense purple aura hovers over it.” This mystical phenomenon of Purple Mountain emitting purple energy is related to its mountain hues. The “mountain rocks contain amethyst quartz,” a brittle and hard stone in shades of purplish-golden yellow. Numerous large purplish-yellow rock faces are exposed on the mountain, along with towering cliffs several zhang high. Under the bright sunlight, these cliffs shimmer with purple light and rainbow hues, as if auspicious clouds and radiant energy are rising—visible even from the Cangong Terrace within the city. On the western wall of Cangong Terrace, eight large inscribed characters read: “The Fuyang River flows eastward, purple energy drifts from the west.” Based on Purple Mountain’s location to the west of Cangong Terrace, these characters adapt the saying “Purple energy comes from the east” (referring to Laozi’s departure through the Hangu Pass) by altering one character, thus poetically and aptly praising this magnificent sight. Purple Peak Foretells Weather:

Purple Mountain also has the special ability to predict the weather. When clouds cover the peak, heavy rain is coming; when the clouds disperse from the peak, fair weather follows. This is especially accurate in summer and autumn, with predictions correct around 8 or 9 times out of 10. In the rural areas surrounding Purple Mountain, there is a saying passed down through generations: “When Purple Mountain wears a hat, the farmhands sleep”—a reference to upcoming rainfall—and this proverb remains popular to this day. However, the mystery behind Purple Mountain’s weather forecasting abilities remains unsolved and awaits experts and scholars to uncover.