Bigu Mountain

Bigu Mountain

Bigu Mountain is located in Shangtang, in the southeastern part of Nancheng County, over fifty li from the county town. The mountain paths are rugged, the cliffs steep, and the area is covered with lush forests and bamboo, offering beautiful scenery. As for why the mountain is called "Bigu," according to the [*records*], "during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, in the Song and Liang dynasties, Bigu of Xieshan loved the spiritual essence of this mountain and flew here to cultivate in seclusion," hence the name. The scenic highlights of Bigu Mountain include "Biyun Peak," "Tiger Perch Rock," "Shoe Print Rock," and "Dragon Sleep Academy." "Biyun Peak," where the female immortal Bigu resided, stands prominently and rises steeply like a wall. Within the peak is a deep cave with a mysterious entrance, making it a great summer retreat. On the left side of the cloud ladder ridge of Bigu Mountain lies the "Dragon Sleep Academy," which has over ten study rooms. The renowned Southern Song scholar Ning WenZhi once lived and lectured here in seclusion, with his first notable disciples including Wang Yangu and Zeng Gong. Gu, Conggu, and Bigu are said in folklore to be three sisters, each residing on a mountain with its own distinct features. Magu Mountain is known for its spectacular waterfalls, Conggu Mountain for its peculiar rocks—so what about Bigu Mountain? It is famed for its elegant beauty. The poet Zhang Rong of the era, when visiting this mountain, wrote the verse: "Layered clouds and rosy clouds drift over the trees; the mossy cave entrance has weathered many autumns; peaks surround the bright light dazzlingly; winding streams flow clearly with wild hues floating," which was inscribed here. At the mist-shrouded "Biyun Peak," one can view the precipitous cliffs of "Tiger Perch Rock" and the graceful pines and bamboos of "Shoe Print Rock." Among the pine forest of "Shoe Print Rock," one can also see the towering "Tiger Perch Rock," whose cliffs feature footprints from top to bottom, said to be the "immortal traces" left by the female immortal Bigu. Though this tale may be fanciful, the people who live at the foot of Bigu Mountain toil year-round without complaint, ascending the mountain to gather herbs and plant trees, leaving behind the footsteps of hard work for future generations.

Jiangxi Fuzhou City