Bai Long Pool at Mount Tai

Bai Long Pool at Mount Tai

Bai Long Pool is situated in the western stream of Mount Tai. The stream water from the Black Dragon Pool Waterfall flows noisily downstream. When it reaches the Xuan Gui Rock, the river suddenly makes a sharp right-angle turn. The turn is so abrupt that the two large rocks on either bank squeeze the channel into a narrow constriction. The previously calm water, unwilling to be confined to the narrow riverbed, churns and foams, sending up white spray as it surges down the naturally inclined slab of rock, rushing straight toward Tong Luo Wan — a tranquil, mirror-like pool with crystal-clear water. In stark contrast, the white-flowing water within the rocky gorge resembles a small white dragon. The southern part is its tail, while the northern part forms its head, devouring the upstream waters. Hence, it is named "Bai Long Pool" (White Dragon Pool).

The *Gongyang Commentary* from the Spring and Autumn period states: “Touching the stones and emerging, uniting within the breadth of a finger’s breadth, yet bringing rain across the world in less than a morning — only Mount Tai can do this.” This means that in ancient times, people believed that Mount Tai’s rocks were full of cavities from which clouds originated. Auspicious clouds gathered here, swiftly bringing rain once they amassed. The rain then nourished the land, ensuring favorable weather, abundant harvests, peace, and prosperity. As a result, Mount Tai became a sacred site where people prayed for rain, good harvests, and abundant fortune. Dynasties throughout history would, once a year, send either an imperial minister or a local official to Mount Tai to pray for rain, and the chosen spot was Bai Long Pool. First, it is located at the foot of Mount Tai, making it easily accessible. Second, when praying for rain and dew, the presence of a dragon symbolizes efficacy. Third, it is related to local legends about the Black Dragon Pool and Bai Long Pool. Thus, Bai Long Pool became a national sacred site for praying for rain and bountiful harvests. Officials prayed here on behalf of the people, giving thanks to Mount Tai, the little white dragon, and the heavens for bringing clouds, rain, and nurturing the populace — a boundlessly meritorious act. The stone inscription “Virtue Bestowed Far and Wide” by Tong Luo Wan embodies this sentiment and serves as a tribute of gratitude to the little white dragon. Carvings along the mountain path such as “Clouds Rise from the Slightest Humidity,” as well as “Azure Cloud Cave” and “White Cloud Cave” at the summit, are all related to these tales.

It was not until the year 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, after Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di built the Forbidden City in Beijing, along with the Temple of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, that national rain-praying and harvest-blessing ceremonies began to decline at Mount Tai.

In the year 1008, Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Heng, visited Mount Tai. Moved by the virtues of the little white dragon, he conferred upon it the title “Yuan Ji Gong” (Duke of Profound Assistance) and erected a shrine on the platform of the Xuan Gui Rock to enshrine the little white dragon, naming it the Yuan Ji Gong Shrine. Over the vicissitudes of time, the shrine no longer exists. It wasn’t until the year 2000 that the owner of Tai’an Hualong Construction Company, in a gesture of giving back to society, funded the restoration of the Yuan Ji Gong Shrine. Built entirely of stone with mortise-and-tenon joints, the structure is quite exquisite, though its newness lacks an ancient feel and will take time to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

Bai Long Pool flows downstream into Tong Luo Wan, and the water passes under Jian Dai Bridge into Long Tan Reservoir. Why is it called Tong Luo Wan? It is said that the rushing water crashes and roars, producing sounds like the beating of gongs, audible for miles around, hence the name.

The clouds drift high in the sky, and time flows ever on. Mount Tai remains silent, but the endless rush of white water before our eyes continues to murmur quietly, telling the timeless tales of dragons, their past and present, and the changes of history.