Jingziyu

Jingziyu

Jingziyu is a mountain valley on the southeastern side of Panlong Mountain (commonly referred to as "Longshan"). Stretching two li in length from north to south with a gorge-like shape resembling a "well," it is thus named "Jingziyu" (Well-shaped Valley). Longshan, from its dragon head to tail, features nine peaks of varying heights and sizes, resembling a gigantic dragon coiling, undulating, swaying, and tumbling up and down, hence its name. The mountain is also called "Jiuding Tiecha Mountain" (Nine-Peak Iron Tea Mountain), a name that originates from over a thousand years ago when tea from south of the Yangtze River was introduced to Panlong Mountain in southern Shandong. For centuries, through the cultivation and management of generations of Taoist priests, the mountain became covered with high-quality tea trees. The Taoists could harvest the tea for their own use, or offer it to fellow Taoists or patrons. However, due to later neglect, the tea gardens suffered repeated damage from grazing and logging, and the tea trees nearly disappeared. Today, only a few tea plants survive in the crevices of cliffs at YunGuang Cave. According to tea experts, this tea is of the same variety as the southern "Tieguanyin." Therefore, Panlong Mountain is also known as "Jiuding Tiecha Mountain" (Nine-Peak Iron Tea Mountain).

Panlong Mountain’s Jingziyu features a karst hilly landscape, extending over thirty li in circumference. The mountain range spirals upward from northeast to southwest, with the northeast being the dragon’s tail and the higher southwestern part representing the dragon’s head. Beneath a cliff on the southern side of the dragon’s head lies a cave several zhang deep, with a wide-open entrance. The front section of the cave resembles a hall that can accommodate a hundred people. Further inside, a large square rock blocks the way, which visitors can bypass by sidestepping. A few meters in, the cave widens. Visitors have noted: “...(YunGuang Cave) truly resembles an underground Buddhist temple. Looking around, one sees corridors, side rooms, caisson ceilings, seated Buddhas, attendants, as well as shapes resembling musical instruments like chimes and drums. Further in, there are depictions of dogs, horses, lions, and tigers, along with dripping eaves where water falls into stone basins for visitors to drink. Locals say this place is a ‘sea eye,’ and during flood season, mountain waters rise sharply. In ancient times, someone once released ducks into a crevice in the rocks, which later emerged from the Panlong River’s Shibapan section. This phenomenon is clearly a geological marvel and is sure to enhance the beauty of the local landscape.”

The most eye-catching attraction in Jingziyu is the "Three Pure Ones Temple," built during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Centered around the Three Pure Ones Temple, the site includes a complex of structures such as the Three Stars Hall, Jade Emperor Pavilion, Hua Tuo Pavilion, and Sanqi Tower, all designed in a simple and elegant style. To the west of the Three Pure Ones Temple lies the "Enlightenment Cave," and beneath the eastern rocks is the "Twin Dragons Spring." There are also other attractions such as another spring, Scorpion Valley, and Yun Guang above the valley, all adding a mythical aura to Jingziyu.

Jingziyu was originally part of Yixian County. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Yixian’s officials, scholars, and literati often came here to escape the summer heat, and the area saw a constant stream of visitors and worshippers year-round. It was once the site of a Confucian academy known as Jingziyu Academy. Many notable figures from Yixian (such as the Tian family of Nanshi, the Xue family of Xishigou, and the Cui family of Qicun) studied here. According to the *Yixian County Annals*: “Jingziyu, located fifty li northwest of the county, is flanked by steep cliffs. Its northern rock face curves like a bent table, with layered and staggered halls and pavilions, tall trees shrouded in mist, and a rock canopy hanging over like a roof. A clear and sweet spring gushes from a stone pool, never drying up or overflowing, often floating on the surface. The serene environment attracts many locals to study here or seek refuge from the summer heat, enjoying cool comfort without even needing the breeze.”

At the base of the eastern cliff of the Three Pure Ones Temple, two wells are aligned from north to south, known as the "Twin Dragons Spring." The two springs are about four steps apart, connected underground. They neither overflow during heavy rain nor dry up during droughts, yielding clear and sweet water. Residents of Jingziyu have drunk from these springs since ancient times, resulting in robust health and longevity among the villagers. A local rhyme goes: “Jingziyu, with its clear springs, has long been home to many centenarians.”

Jingziyu has many cypress trees, the largest of which is a three-person-embrace blood cypress said to have been planted during the Han Dynasty. This tree faced a crisis in the 24th year of the Republic of China (1935). At the time, Yixian County authorities planned to sell the temple’s trees as funds for a rural teachers' school. Villagers of Jingziyu united in petitioning the Shandong Provincial Government, and thanks to an order from Education Minister He Siyuan forbidding the sale, the Han Dynasty cypress was preserved. In gratitude, locals erected a merit stele for He Siyuan, which still stands today. Panlong Mountain has nine peaks, and fortress walls encircle six of them. These walls were originally built during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi eras of the Qing Dynasty by Yuan Jinqi from Shigouying Village, hence later referred to as the Yuan Family Fort. Consequently, "Panlong Mountain" became commonly known as "Yuan Fort Mountain." The fortress walls follow the mountain’s contours, stretching over 10 li in total length, 2 meters wide, and 3 meters high, with four gates to the east, west, south, and north—the northern gate being the tallest and sturdiest.

Legend has it that the original site of Yuan Fort has a history of over two thousand years. The reconstruction during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi eras of the Qing Dynasty can only be considered a restoration. The fort preserves over ten ancient beacon towers dating back two millennia. These towers served two purposes: one as communication signals, and the other for nighttime battlefield illumination. What was once a battlefield is now a scenic site. Whether initially built during the late Han Dynasty or restored during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi eras, Yuan Fort was constructed for defense and warfare. It was also renovated and beautified during peacetime, with involvement from monks, Taoists, and Confucian scholars, giving Panlong Mountain and Jingziyu a rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as distinctive ethnic charm. Records indicate: Panlong Mountain once cultivated peach, jujube, apricot, pear, tea, pomegranate, and medicinal herbs, with few other fruit trees. The annual temple fair in Jingziyu on the ninth day of the first lunar month boasts a thousand-year history. Due to the gathering of worshippers, vendors initially sold incense and candles, gradually expanding to fireworks, firecrackers, lanterns, toys, and more. Shortly after the Lunar New Year, as temperatures warm but farming hasn’t yet begun, nearby villagers flock to Jingziyu in small groups to join the festivities. Over the years, the fair has grown, attracting antique dealers, root carvers, storytellers, martial artists, and food vendors. Local specialties like fried buns, spicy soup, and tofu pudding are staples, alongside displays of peanuts, walnuts, pomegranates, and jujubes. Sugar figurine makers and candied haw sellers thrive, while children’s bamboo horns echo through the air. Elderly visitors unable to brave the crowds often head to the hills to listen to drum storytelling or admire the mountain views. With economic development, Jingziyu is bound to flourish even more.

Jingziyu, with its long history, rugged mountain terrain, deep caves, and flowing springs,

ancient towering trees, birds chirping in competition, and magnificent yet delicate temples;

wildflowers blooming vibrantly across the hills, and abundant crops flourishing on the slopes.

Fruit-laden trees and murmuring mountain streams,

reveal a wealth of cultural relics from the past,

while the present heralds a golden age of development.

The scenery of lake and mountain is a much-longed-for destination for travelers,

and in this prosperous era, it appears even more beautiful and vibrant.

Recently, honey peaches, green bamboos, herbs, eucommia, and iron tea have been planted, forming a “Seven-Garden” layout. These gardens not only hold high economic value but also serve as scenic attractions, adding charm to Jingziyu. (Liu Zongying)