Snow Lingers at Muling

Snow Lingers at Muling

Snow Lingers at Muling is a cultural tourism attraction.

Muling Pass is located in Guanding Village, Mazhan Town, north of Yishui County. It was an important strategic pass on the southern border of the ancient State of Qi. According to the Zuo Zhuan (Commentary of Zuo), the territory of Qi at that time was described as: “Our former lords were granted lands extending east to the sea, west to the Yellow River, south to Muling, and north to Wudi.” Muling Pass has long been a military stronghold and is known as the “Southern Natural Barrier of Qi.”

Muling Pass is not only a military stronghold but also one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Yishui. During the cold winter months, when heavy snow falls and the Yishan Mountain is covered in white, the snow at Muling Pass remains unmelted for a long time. From a distance, it appears as a silver-clad landscape. A line from Yang Tong’s poem reads, “The winter snow can still be seen in June,” hence the name “Snow Lingers at Muling.” Here is a poem as evidence:

Snow Lingers at Muling

Yang Guangpu

When clouds disperse and evening skies clear, the north and south of the mountain both appear bright.

Birds fly past the crystal screen, people walk through a misty veil.

Willow catkins lightly cover the Evergreen Garden, moon shadows chill the sleepless city.

I recall the Blue Pass where exiled travelers lost their way, horse hooves stumbling over jade-like snow.

Snow Lingers at Muling

Gao Dong

The towering steps hum under the northern wind, the winter snow can still be seen in June.

Cranes flying past spray white feathers, horses gallop in spring mountains shivering in thin clothes.

Moonlight brightens the cold valley, the piercing autumn frost covers the rocks like jade.

The legacy of hegemonic power still lingers, the earthen walls stand tall amid rushing blue waters.

Snow Lingers at Muling

Zhu Zhiling

The ancient Muling Road marks the boundary between Qing and Qi, turning amid peaks, the view almost bewilders.

To the north near Yan Mountain mists gather, to the south near Shu River evening clouds hang low.

Where is the heroic legacy of Duke Huan today? The great deeds of Uncle Zhong remain untold through ages.

Only the sunlit cliffs still hold winter snow, where springtime snow paints the west of the painted bridge.

Snow Lingers at Muling

Dang Baoxiu

Armies have passed, the danger ends at this pass, the southern key stronghold of Qi, a natural moat.

The steep peaks of Yishu and Yan Mountain guard the east, Muling strictly controls the routes to Ju and Lu to the front.

Once high towers overlooked distant winter snow, now short riverbanks face the cold northern winds.

All that remains are timeless tales of war, as crows caw above withered grass in the twilight.

Crossing Muling Pass in the Rain on Tomb-Sweeping Day

Wang Shizhen

The peaks at Muling Pass rise sheer and steep,

A mournful mist and flood arrive unchecked.

Who bids the snow and ice turn slowly to rain—

Must it be for Tomb-Sweeping’s smokeless reign?