Mount Ba stands emerald green

Mount Ba Stands Emerald Green

Mount Ba is located five kilometers south of the county town, comprising two peaks—East Ba and West Ba. Before the Anti-Japanese War, the mountain was covered with lush pines and cypresses, green in both winter and summer, hence the name "Mount Ba Stands Emerald Green." Another explanation is that during heavy morning fog, the mist takes on a reddish-green hue, giving rise to the name. The Daoguang-era *Yishui County Annals* record: "The mountain is rich in tall trees, embodying an emerald-green soaring presence, and is one of the county’s eight scenic spots." A poem attests to this:

Mount Ba Stands Emerald Green

Yang Guangpu

Several layers of road lie south of the county town, where two mountains stand faintly, east and west in line.

When clouds part, the spiral peaks tower a thousand zhang high; as the sun rises, golden lotuses struggle into midair.

Spring rain adds boundless green, while sunset clouds lend an extra red glow.

When wine wears off, I recall where I walked and chanted—just within that swath of green.

Mount Ba Stands Emerald Green

Dang Baoxiu

Mount Ba, front and back, lies south of the town, a sweep of green with pines and cypresses.

Water channels run straight down the slopes; stone quarrying has erased Yu’s ancient traces.

Gazing from afar, rosy clouds embrace the town; climbing up, mist shrouds the village on the right.

High bridges link in swift development, while the turtle-and-snake landscape emerges gradually.