Fuzhou Xiandong

Fuzhou Xiandong

In the western suburbs of Yihuang County, Fuzhou, there stands the majestic Xianyan Mountain, rising abruptly above the surrounding peaks. Its purple-hued cliffs stretch east to west, resembling a rainbow lying across the slope from afar and a soaring dragon taking flight up close. At the beautiful western end of Xianyan Mountain lies a magical cave formed by Danxia landform. The cave entrance is about 6 meters wide, 3 meters high on the outside, and over 20 meters high on the inside, with a depth of over 40 meters. Inside the cave is a hundred-meter-wide hall that remains cool in summer and warm in winter, capable of accommodating thousands of people. Legend has it that Tieguaili, the leader of the Eight Immortals, once played chess and made a bet here with Lü Dongbin. As the game reached a stalemate, Tieguaili accidentally flicked his finger and created a large hole in the cave, instantly letting in a cool breeze that relieved the sweltering heat. Meanwhile, the falling rocks from the cave walls scattered the chess pieces on the table, turning the tide for Tieguaili and achieving two goals with one move. For thousands of years, locals have thus referred to this place as “Xiandong” (Fairy Cave). The Xiandong Temple has long been enveloped in the fragrance of incense, and opera troupes performing in styles such as Haiyan, Yiyang, and Yihuang once staged shows here.

Xiandong, also known as Xianyan, is located near Huangbeiqiao Village in Fenggang Town. It is a through-cave halfway up a rocky mountain, accessible to visitors, with a spacious interior. The cave covers an area of approximately 40 square meters and features huge rocks resembling a bed, a table, and a chessboard, known as the “Immortal’s Bed,” “Immortal’s Table,” and “Chessboard Stone.” The surroundings are tranquil, with lush trees and bamboo. Inside the cave is a study hall, where it is said that the Northern Song Dynasty statesman Wang Anshi once studied. In 1204 (the fourth year of the Jiatai era), then-county magistrate Wu Shao inscribed the three characters “读书堂” (Study Hall), which remain to this day. The Ming Dynasty geographer Xu Xiake once visited this place and recorded the following in his Travel Diaries: “The rock stands tall like a brocade screen, arched overhead and close below, with a sudden penetration of a gate on its western side. Passing through the stone, you enter a world within the mountains, as if in another realm. The rock formation is remarkably thin—not only does it have a southern wall, but its northern side is also arched, making the penetrating gap even more extraordinary. It is as if nature carved this sky-rock, making it one of the most spectacular sights.” Temples were built on the southern and northern sides during the Ming Dynasty but were later abandoned.

Location: Huangbeiqiao, Fenggang Town, Yihuang County, Fuzhou City, Jiangxi Province

Wang Anshi (December 18, 1021 – May 21, 1086), courtesy name Jiepu, pseudonym Banshan, posthumous title Wen, granted the title Duke of Jingguo. He is also commonly referred to as Wang Jinggong. A native of Linchuan in the Northern Song Dynasty (present-day Shangchi Village, Dongxiang County, Jiangxi Province), he was an outstanding statesman, literary figure, philosopher, and reformer in Chinese history. As the Prime Minister of the Northern Song Empire and leader of the New Party, he was praised by Ouyang Xiu: “Three thousand poems of literary grace, two hundred years of prose mastery. In old age, your heart still burns bright—who among the coming generations could rival you?” Works such as the Collected Works of Wang Linchuan and Supplement to the Collected Works of Linchuan survive to this day. He was also skilled in poetry and ci, with his most famous works widely circulated... More details about Wang Anshi++

Xu Xiake (January 5, 1587 – March 8, 1641), given name Hongzu, courtesy name Zhenzhi, pseudonym Xiake, was a Han Chinese from Jiangyin, Nanjing Subprefecture (Southern Zhili) in the Ming Dynasty. Influenced by his father from a young age, Xu Xiake developed a love for books on history, geography, exploration, and travel. These works nurtured in him a deep appreciation for the magnificent landscapes of his homeland and inspired his ambition to traverse famous mountains and rivers. His Travel Diaries document scenic spots, historical sites, and local customs across various regions. The starting date of the Travel Diaries (May 19) is celebrated as China Tourism Day. Xu Xiake made significant contributions not only to geography but also to literature... More details about Xu Xiake++

Fenggang Town: The seat of Yihuang County government, Fenggang Town is 64 kilometers by road from Fuzhou City and 171 kilometers from the provincial capital Nanchang. The current Fenggang Town was formed from the merger of the original Fenggang Town, Chengnan Township, and Tanfang Township. It is the location of the Yihuang County Committee and County Government. The terrain is higher in the south and lower in the north, bordered by Tangyin Town to the east, Chongren County to the west, Erdu Town to the south, and Taobi Township to the north. The highest point is Zhuowang Mountain, at an elevation of 282.6 meters. Between 2012 and 2014, the town covered a total area of 234 square kilometers, with jurisdiction over 20 administrative villages, 145 villager groups, 7 residential committees, and over 50 streets... More details about Fenggang Town++