Ziya Welcoming Guests

Ziya Welcoming Guests

On the east bank of the Luxi River, there is a peculiar water-facing rock that strikingly resembles the head of an ape-man from Beijing’s Zhoukoudian. The facial features and overall shape are remarkably lifelike, with the corners of the mouth slightly upturned, as if a kind old man is smiling to welcome visitors. Hence, it is nicknamed the “Welcoming Elder.” However, some say this welcoming figure is Jiang Ziya (also known as Jiang Taigong), a key figure from the classic novel "Investiture of the Gods." Legend has it that when Jiang Ziya assisted King Wu in raising an army to overthrow the tyrant King Zhou, he stationed many Taoist sorcerers here to rest and regroup. During mealtimes, he found the river fish here exceptionally tender and fresh, but was unable to enjoy them further when his troops had to move on, leaving him with a lingering regret. He then instructed his subordinates that after his death, he must be buried in this river to be with the fish. Perhaps Jiang Taigong's wish came true—later, as the riverbed rose and the water level dropped, the head of Ziya emerged above the water, appearing smiling and content. That is why this peculiar rock is called “Ziya Welcoming Guests.”