Tianzhu Peak

Tianzhu Peak

Tianzhu Peak is located to the west of Jiufeng Mountain Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit Forest Park in Shanggao County, and is the second highest of the nine peaks. It stands 209 meters tall, graceful and upright, with a majestic presence that seems to touch the sky. Its cliffs are sheer, with jagged rocks piercing through the clouds—so steep that no one can climb it, and looking up at it may cause your hat to fall off. Legend has it that long ago, in front of Chongfu Temple at Jiufeng, there was a monk who went to the Western Paradise to retrieve a load of sacred scriptures. On his way back to Jiufeng, he was caught in a heavy rain and accidentally slipped, causing one bundle of the scriptures to fall onto Jiufeng and turn into Tianzhu Peak, while the other bundle fell in the village of Shitang, ten li away, becoming Little Tianzhu Peak. In anger, the monk threw away his carrying pole—and that pole landed all the way in Liuyang, Hunan, where it turned into Pole-Bearing Mountain. It’s true that there are two Tianzhu Peaks here, but as for whether there’s really a heavenly-sent pole-bearing mountain in Liuyang, Hunan, no one has ever investigated.

There is also an interesting legend about the origin of Tianzhu Peak. It is said that before Xue Rengui became famous, one August, he made a pair of large candles and went to Jiufeng Temple to offer incense. When he reached Lotus Shape, he saw an old woman sitting in front of a grave, crying bitterly with a heartbreaking wail. Rengui quickly put down the candles, helped the old woman sit on a rock, and asked, “Granny, what’s troubling you? Why are you so sad?” “I was widowed in middle age and only had one son. He had just turned twenty this March. A few days ago, he went to Muhuang Pit in Moshan to cut some small bamboo shoots, planning to weave a basket to collect tea seeds. But he was spotted by the patrolmen of Li Magou from the east, who insisted the mountain and the bamboo belonged to the Li family. Without any explanation, they arrested my son and locked him in a dungeon. They threatened not to release him unless we paid twenty taels of silver. As a lone widow, I had to borrow from all sides and finally scraped together the twenty taels. But when my son was released, he was covered in wounds and barely alive. He died the very next day after coming home.” No sooner had the old woman finished speaking than Rengui flew into a rage, shouting, “This is outrageous!” He said to the old woman, “Granny, bear with me a little longer. I will avenge you.” Then he dashed off toward the east. With directions from locals, he arrived at the gate of the Li residence. Not knowing who Li Magou was, he called out into the air, “Lord Li, I’ve brought you a treasure!” At that moment, Li Magou was receiving guests. Hearing the shout, he quickly went out with his servants, only to see a tall, burly man standing at the gate like an iron tower. Li Magou asked, “Who’s bringing treasure?” Rengui stepped forward and asked, “Are you Lord Li Magou?” Li Magou nodded, but before he could say “yes,” Rengui grabbed him by both hands, lifted him into the air, and ran off. The servants and guards rushed over, but Rengui kicked them one by one into the pond in front.

Rengui carried Li Magou in his arms to where the old woman was. He dropped Li Magou to the ground and scolded him, “You scoundrel, bullying the mountains and oppressing the people, committing countless crimes—now is the time of your death!” With that, he smashed his fist into Li Magou’s head. With a loud crack, Li Magou’s brains splattered everywhere, and he died on the spot. Rengui dragged the corpse to the new grave, lit a candle, and stuck it into Li Magou’s navel. Looking at the grave, he murmured, “Brother, go be reborn. I’ve avenged you.” Just as he finished speaking, the candle suddenly burst into flames, shooting up ninety-nine zhang high. Slowly, the flame turned from red to yellow, then to white. Suddenly, a white smoke shot into the sky, and in an instant, the candle transformed into a stone peak. Locals call it “Tianzhu Peak.” People can’t help but ask, “What about Li Magou?” Naturally, he was sealed beneath the stone peak.

Tianzhu Peak is one kilometer away from Jiufeng Forest Farm. When you walk through the pine woods and follow the winding path up to the peak, although you may be panting, drenched in sweat, and feeling tired, just a short rest is enough. A gentle breeze blows, refreshing your lungs and invigorating your spirit, bringing an unprecedented sense of ease and comfort throughout your body. Standing at the summit, gazing at the competing beauty of countless mountains, the streams winding around, and the white clouds drifting leisurely overhead, you’ll feel as if you’re about to float away like an immortal—your whole being seems to melt into nature.

The scenery of Tianzhu Peak changes distinctively with the seasons. In March, the spring breeze brings tender green hues, with slopes covered in blooming peach, pear, and plum blossoms, smiling in welcome as the earth awakens. In summer, vast green waves offer freshness and inspiration. In late autumn, fiery red leaves and the bright forests of golden winds bring the coolness of dreams and reverie. In the harsh winter, fierce winds and ice and snow cloak the land in silver, while pines and cypresses remain evergreen, allowing people to share in their resilience and noble beauty. The Song Dynasty poet Jiang Zhiqi, after visiting Tianzhu Peak, was filled with emotion and wrote a poem: “A pillar touching the sky makes all mountains seem low; among nine wondrous blooms, one branch stands out; so many fine mountains are taken by monks, yet the Buddha once graced this foundation.”

Filled with primal mystery and showcasing the wonders of nature, Tianzhu Peak is a perfect destination for those seeking to return to and experience the natural world.