Shujiayao

Shujiayao

Shujiayao: When the Taiping Army marched northward through this area, villages built sturdy strongholds on perilous mountains to shelter their residents during times of chaos. This stronghold atop Tianzuogao Mountain is “Shujiayao.”

See, getting through this gate isn’t easy—the mountain is surrounded by steep cliffs, and even the slightly flatter sections have walls built along them, with crenellations at the top for lookout purposes. There’s only one gate for entering and exiting—truly a case of “one man at the pass can hold off ten thousand.” Originally, the stronghold also contained houses, a water storage pool, and makeshift ammunition workshops. Before the Taiping Rebellion, during the Northern Song Dynasty, this place saw no swords or shadows of war; instead, it was the retreat of the 30th Celestial Master Zhang Jixian, known as “Xiaoran Ting.” The 30th Celestial Master Zhang Jixian (1092–1128), courtesy names Jiawen and Zhengdao, also known as Xiaoranzi, began inheriting the teaching at the age of 9 and was summoned to the imperial court at just 13. Due to his profound Taoist practice, vast knowledge, and wisdom, he earned the deep appreciation of Emperor Huizong of Song and the admiration of the Taoist community. The emperor conferred upon him the title “Master of Profound Serenity.” The Celestial Master of Profound Serenity “had a nature inclined toward purity and seclusion, weary of formal receptions, so he went to the peak of Longhu Mountain and built a thatched hut to cultivate his spirit and refine his character.” His retreat was named “Xiaoran,” after his own designation, and was constructed with silver bestowed by the emperor.