Yingtian Mountain

Yingtian Mountain

The Yingtian Mountain Scenic Area is located in the eastern part of Shangqing Town, at an elevation of 881 meters. The mountain features a dignified, steep, and majestic form, towering majestically into the clouds. Tang Dynasty monk Mazu once lived here, which is why people also call it Chan Shi Mountain (Monk’s Mountain). During the Chunxi era (1174–1189) of the Southern Song Dynasty, the renowned Neo-Confucian scholar Lu Jiuyuan built a cottage here and taught for five years. Observing that the shape of Yingtian Mountain resembled an elephant, he renamed it Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain), established Xiangshan Jingshe (Xiangshan Cottage), which was later renamed Xiangshan Shuyuan (Xiangshan Academy). He referred to himself as “Old Man of Xiangshan” or simply “Master Xiangshan.” The 18th Celestial Master Zhang Shiyuan also practiced Taoism here. Yingtian Mountain is characterized by overlapping ridges, cascading waterfalls, and flowing springs, offering picturesque scenery. Its primeval forests stretch as far as the eye can see, making it an important part of the Longhu Mountain National Forest Park.

The main attractions of Yingtian Mountain include the ruins of Xiangshan Jingshe, the ruins of Yingtian Temple, Jade Pool Crouching Dragon, Seven-Tiered Waterfall, Cloud Guests Vying for the Path, Steep Pine Slope, Nine Peaks Linked Screen, Green Lotus Pond, Coiled Path Stone, Bullet Stone, Resting Stone, and others. Lu Jiuyuan once composed the poem "Yingtian Mountain," depicting the area’s beautiful scenery and recounting amusing anecdotes with friends: “My home is Yingtian Mountain, towering tens of thousands of feet high. Its upper gardens are fair, with plains and woods in countless forms. West of the mountain dwell dragons and tigers, their mists and rosy clouds in view. Cold and clear, ripples gently stir; warm and verdant, the hills form a front screen. Heaven’s light enters the passing boat; wild paths follow the walking stick. Two or three of us, companions refined, find deepest joy in secluded sights. We draw inspiration from valley clouds, inscribe our names on rocky heights. Pink peach blossoms herald the morning flute; white cranes startle spring’s curtain. With laughter we chant and then return—such moments last a thousand years.” Yu Ji, Scholar of the Imperial Calligraphy Academy during the Yuan Dynasty, also praised the mountain in his elegant and exquisite poem “Yingtian Mountain”: “How towering is Xiangshan, beloved by sages of old. Following its foot one finds clear streams, fertile fields and scattered houses. Like people of Peach Blossom Spring, chickens and dogs live in harmony. The sparkling white sand curves gently; vermilion hues shine brilliantly. Crystal-clear waters descend from the heavens, amid scattered exotic flowers. Thus do immortal seekers, lost in thought, yearn for this place. Rosy clouds glisten on golden walls; fresh dew clings to thatched roofs. Seaside isles shame Xu Fu; pavilions humble Mount Wuyi. The immortals have their own path; golden cranes come and go.” Being in Yingtian Mountain allows you to truly experience the perfect harmony between humanity and nature.