Shidong Mountain Scenic Area

Shidong Mountain Scenic Area

Shidong Mountain Scenic Area is located in the western part of Luotian Town, 17 kilometers from the county seat. The main peak, Daoling Ridge, stands at an elevation of 500 meters, with undulating ridges and dense forests. The Chandi River flows through the valley. Within the mountain there is a cave as spacious as a room, allowing people to stand upright inside. Legend has it that a monk attained enlightenment here, tamed two tigers to serve him, and after the monk passed away in a seated meditation posture, the tigers guarded his tomb for three years before departing. Outside the cave there is a massive rock that can seat dozens of people. The eminent Ming Dynasty scholar Xie Jin stayed in this area for over 40 days and, inspired by the tale of the White Deer Grotto Academy, planned to build an academy here, though unfortunately his ambition was not fulfilled. Later, Li Zhong (1476–1542, Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate) led his disciples to give lectures here. At the point where the Chandi River exits the mountain, there is a peak shaped like a tortoise looking back, known as Filial Son Rock. On the southern bank of the river, there is a natural stone niche called Guanyin Rock, which offers a breathtaking view overlooking the river. By the riverside is Thunder God Pool, with crystal-clear water whose sound can be heard from over a mile away.

Luotian Town: Located in the southwestern part of the county, the town government is based in Luotian Village, 33 kilometers by road from Shuibi Town. Luotian Town borders Baxiu Town to the east, Jiashui County to the west and south, and Baxiu, Yanxi, and Jinjiang to the north. The town covers an area of 162 square kilometers and administers 11 village committees: Luotian, Guanzhou, Xieli, Shenlin, Anshan, Dongmei, Shafang, Jiangkou, Xinjiang, Guilin, and Dianqian, with a population of 16,000. Luotian Town has long been a place of cultural prosperity and has produced many notable figures. Xijiang Village under Anshan Village Committee is the hometown of the famous Northern Song literary and Neo-Confucian scholars Kong Wenzhong, Kong Wuzhong, and Kong Pingzhong. Zhangjia Village is home to the “Three Zhi Hall”... More detailed information about Luotian Town++