Xianyan Gate

Xianyan Gate

Xianyan Gate is the first of the three ancient mountain gates at Immortal City. The two characters “Xian Yan” (meaning “Immortal Cliff”) were inscribed by the late Jiangxi calligrapher and painter Peng Youshan. A pair of stone qilin (mythical creatures) in front of the gate symbolize good fortune and serve as guardians of Immortal City. As we ascend these steps, we follow in the footsteps of immortals and immerse ourselves in the ancient culture of the immortals. Then, here “how many years have the immortals stayed? The mountain remains silent”; yet, “how high is the city wall? You’ll know when you reach the peak.” Xianbei Stone and Xianshu Stone: We have now climbed to the 100th step. Look westward—do you see that giant rock lying on the ground? Its slanted patterns vividly resemble the ridges of a huge shell. This is Xianbei Stone. Legend says it was a divine shell sent by the Dragon King to guard the mountain gate of Immortal City. Notice how still it stands, a symbol of unwavering duty. Now look south—there’s another massive rock crouching at the foot of the mountain. This is called “Xianshu Stone” (Immortal Mouse Stone). With its plump body, pointed snout, and a long tail stretching all the way up the mountainside through a crevice, it looks quite the character. Legend has it that this mouse often stole lamp oil from the nun’s temple, growing fat and round until the bodhisattva caught it, banished it down the mountain, and cast a petrifying spell to stop it from ever stealing oil again. See how grumpy it still looks?

Location

Within Guixi City, Jiangxi Province

Source: People's Government of Yingtan City