Hui Ma Ling

Hui Ma Ling

Hui Ma Ling is located in the middle section of the central climbing route of Mount Tai, above the Hu Tian Pavilion and below the Zhong Tian Men, at an altitude of 800 meters. There is currently a stone memorial archway with the three characters “Hui Ma Ling” inscribed on the lintel.

Mount Tai has many historical and cultural sites, the origins of which are quite complex. However, exploring the relevant history can be quite interesting. Hui Ma Ling was anciently known as Shi Guan or Rui Xian Yan. This area features overlapping mountains and winding paths with exceptionally beautiful scenery. There is currently a stone memorial archway with the three characters “Hui Ma Ling” inscribed on the lintel, and stone engravings on the eastern and western cliffs feature three poems about Hui Ma Ling written by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, Aisin-Gioro Hongli. It is a famous scenic spot in the Mount Tai Scenic Area.

Regarding the origin of the name “Hui Ma Ling,” there have always been various theories, and it remains an unsolved mystery to this day. The three main explanations are as follows.

The most widely circulated theory is that Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Heng, turned his horse around here. This is linked to a poem and inscription left by Emperor Qianlong during his visit to Mount Tai in the 13th year of the Qianlong reign (1748): “The morning sun shines on the purple lotus; the stone steps wind slowly along the path. It is said that this is where Emperor Zhenzong turned his horse back, who came here in those years to consecrate the Heavenly Scripture.” To this day, the cliff inscriptions remain well preserved. However, according to historical records, Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty did not ride a horse when he came to Mount Tai for the Fengshan ceremony.

The "Song Zhenzong Fengsi Altar Stele," erected at Dai Temple at the foot of Mount Tai in the second year of Dazhong Xiangfu (1009), states: “The emperor rode in a light carriage, ascended steep cliffs, approached the Sun Viewing Peak, and exited the Heavenly Gate.”

Here, “ascending” refers to climbing stone steps along the path, and “light carriage” likely refers to a mountain palanquin rather than a horse-drawn cart—thus, there would be no turning back of a horse. The "Minor History of Mount Tai" (1932 edition) by Xiao Xiezhong of the Ming Dynasty and the 1986 "Mount Tai Tour Guide" published by Shandong People's Publishing House suggest that the name “Hui Ma Ling” originated when Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty rode a horse up Mount Tai in the 13th year of the Kaiyuan reign (725 AD), but the path became too steep and rugged for the horse to continue, hence the name. Others believe that Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Xiu, turned his horse around here during his Fengshan ascent in the first year of the Jianwu Zhongyuan era (56 AD), leaving behind the name “Hui Ma Ling.”

The Hu Tian Pavilion is located below Hui Ma Ling on the central route of Mount Tai. During the Ming Jiajing period, it was called the Sheng Xian Pavilion. In the 12th year of the Qianlong reign, it was expanded and renamed Hu Tian Pavilion, taking its name from the Taoist concept of “Hu Tian” as a heavenly realm. It was rebuilt in 1979. The Hu Tian Pavilion spans the winding path and is built in the style of a gate tower. Above the gate opening is a stone plaque inscribed with “Hu Tian Pavilion,” which was written by Emperor Qianlong during his visit to Mount Tai.

Location

Located north of Doumu Palace on Mount Tai in Tai’an, Shandong Province.