Breathtaking Scenery of Qianshan

Breathtaking Scenery of Qianshan

Qianshan is located in Chaihedian, southern Tengzhou City, about 20 kilometers from the city center. It earned its name from the numerous peaks dotting the landscape. During the era of Yu the Great, Xi Zhong crafted the first chariots here and was later buried at the foot of the mountain, hence it is also known as Xigong Mountain.

“The pines and cypresses of Qianshan glisten emerald, while sunlight filters through secluded caves with streams flowing freely.” The winding mountain paths open up to hidden valleys full of surprises. At the foot of the mountain lies a ten-thousand-mu pear orchard that “blooms like silver,” first planted in the third year of the Hongwu era during the Ming Dynasty. Stretching over ten li along the riverside, a tree-lined boulevard embraces the Pear-Viewing Pavilion, a yacht dock, cliff inscriptions, Yuhuangding (Jade Emperor Summit), Laobeigong (Old North Palace), Heilongtan (Black Dragon Pool), Huangliandong (Yellow Lotus Cave), and the labyrinthine Maze Rock formations — all shrouded in mystery and wonder. From the mountaintop, one can gaze upon the shimmering waters of the Xue River, lush gardens, villages wreathed in cooking smoke, and crisscrossing fields — a series of idyllic, picturesque scenes unfolding as far as the eye can see.

A short walk eastward along the ridge of Qianshan leads to the Lvzu Ancestral Hall. This two-story stone structure follows a traditional Taoist architectural style, featuring three spacious main rooms and two side chambers. Within the courtyard lies a sweet spring, and several stone stelae stand in front of the hall. Legend has it that this is the place where Lü Dongbin attained immortality.

Heading west from the Qianshan ridge, you’ll find Heilongtan (Black Dragon Pool), ranked first among the seventy-two springs of Qianshan. Covering an area of approximately 60 square meters, its depth is unfathomable. The pool’s waters flow year-round, clear, cool, and sweet to the taste. In summer and autumn, the splashing water creates a spectacular sight. Legend says that long ago, in a springtime past, the Queen Mother of the West ordered the Goddess of Flowers to plant a magical gourd in a mountain hollow north of Yuhuangding. This gourd would bloom in 300 years, bear fruit in 500, and ripen only after 1,000 years. She tasked the Third Prince of the Dragon King of the East Sea, Little Black Dragon, with guarding it. Just as the gourd was about to ripen, it was stolen by Tieguai Li, who had journeyed from the Penglai Immortal Realm to visit West Lake. Enraged, the Queen Mother accused Little Black Dragon of dereliction of duty and had him imprisoned in the “Heavenly Water Prison Pool” beneath Yuhuangding. Later, people began calling this pool Heilongtan, or Black Dragon Pool.