Junshan Cliff Carvings

Junshan Cliff Carvings

Junshan is located at the junction of Mingkou, Zhongbu, and Shiligang townships (or towns) in Leping City, 45 kilometers from the city center. It borders the Changle River to the east, the Zhongbu–Huangwu Highway to the south, and is embraced by the Le'an River to the north and west. Stretching 7 kilometers from east to west and 8 kilometers from north to south, the area covers approximately 15 square kilometers. Junshan rises abruptly from the flatlands, standing independently in the open fields as the highest solitary mountain in the city.

The name "Junshan" originated in the Tang Dynasty. According to the Tongzhi edition of the *Leping County Annals*: "In the late Tang Dynasty, five family-led militias defended the mountain against bandits (a derogatory term used for the Huang Chao Rebellion forces at the time), hence the name Junshan (‘Army Mountain’)." Additionally, due to its undulating mountain ranges and surrounding peaks that seem to pay homage, resembling a general ascending a platform with warriors awaiting commands, it is called Junshan.

The peaks of Junshan are continuous, with steep terrain, particularly the three prominent peaks in the central area. The main peak is in the center, with an elevation of 468.6 meters; the eastern peak reaches 420 meters, and the western peak 424 meters, while the rest are all below 400 meters. The three peaks stand side by side, with the main peak being approximately 800 to 900 meters away from the eastern and western peaks respectively.

The scenic and historic sites on the mountain further enhance Junshan’s charm. Around 410 meters above sea level on the eastern peak, a temple known as Junshan Temple was built during the Five Dynasties’ Yang-Wu period (905–937 AD). By the Qing Dynasty, there were three temples on Junshan, but all have since been lost to history. Today, descendants of the Liu, Qiu, and Wu families are rebuilding Junshan Temple on the site of the ancient temple on the eastern peak. In front of the temple stands an ancient ginkgo tree (note: originally two trees, one was struck and broken by lightning in the 1980s) and a stone pagoda. Beside the temple is a spring, and to the east of the spring lies Hualan Valley, which often emits a fragrant aroma. To the south of the mountain are Yunping (Cloud Flat), Drunken Immortal Rock, and Cloud Valley. On the southeastern cliff is the bold inscription “Wu Zhang Yun Ping” (Mist Screen and Cloud Screen) carved in the 60th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1795) by the martial artist Wu Wenlin of Wan Tou. The characters are clear and powerful, set against the surrounding flowers and shrubs, creating the appearance of an ancient, serene, magical, and poetic painting. The Junshan Cliff Carvings are the only known cliff inscriptions discovered in Leping City to date. Other attractions include cliff waterfalls and Sun-Moon Cliff.

At the foot of Junshan, hills and valleys alternate, with gentle slopes. More than ten small reservoirs are scattered throughout, like bright pearls, bringing joy of harvest to the people living below the mountain.