Immortal Rock

Immortal Rock

“Immortal Rock” is located in Nanzhuangwang Village, Wuwangkou Township, Fuping County, within Nangou. The area features deep gorges, secluded valleys, and towering, rugged peaks. At the summit of one of the mountain peaks stands a rock formation resembling a human figure — the “immortal” stands with feet planted on the mountaintop and head touching the blue sky, creating a spectacular sight. This is the renowned “Immortal Rock.” Nearby lies “Wudang Temple,” also known as “Immortal Temple,” which was built earlier than the monasteries of Mount Wutai. There is a local saying: “The ‘Immortal Temple’ came before Mount Wutai.” Later, as the number of monks in the area increased and there was no space for expansion, the temple was relocated to Mount Wutai. “Immortal Temple” enjoys great fame in both India and the Buddhist community of Mount Wutai. A poem praises it as follows:

Towering peaks and dense forests rise,

Majestic stones pile upon stone, with an immortal figure standing tall atop.

Verdant pines reach the sky, framing ancient temples behind the stone figure.

Three sheer cliffs guard a single path — its peril ranks first under heaven.

Entering from the southern gate and ascending the zigzag path leads to a platform. On the stone slabs of the platform are the sockets of stone pillars that once supported a incense pavilion, still clearly visible today. To the left of the mountain peak, a tree trunk thicker than a hug grows from the stone wall, vigorous and upright. On the right are three rooms where monks once lived. Behind the house lies a stone turtle carrying a stele, beside which grows a verdant pine. Proceeding north up the steps leads to another platform, at the center of which, near “Immortal Rock,” stands the Guanyin Hall. Below the entrance are two stone pillars topped with stone basins — these were used as oil lamps by monks during festivals and are impressively illuminated when lit. To the left of the Guanyin Hall is the Bell Tower, to the right the Drum Tower, and behind them stands “Immortal Rock.” In front of the platform is a stone turtle, beyond which lies a pit called “Tiger Feeding Pit.” The Guanyin Hall was renovated once during the Ming Dynasty, and remnants of inscribed steles include phrases such as “...In the 13th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, by imperial order, the Guanyin Hall was renovated, along with the golden statue, bell tower, drum tower, and incense pavilion... General Liu presided over the reconstruction.” Opposite the mountain gate, deep within the dense woods of Nanshan Mountain, stands a two-meter-tall monk’s tomb pagoda, dignified in design. On either side of the platform lie a pair of stone mills, and on the hillside in front of the gate stands a stone millstone, still well-preserved — making this a unique historic site in Fuping County.

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Wuwangkou Township: Located 40 kilometers northwest of Fuping County, Wuwangkou Township covers a total area of 217.3 square kilometers. It administers 42 natural villages across 13 administrative villages including Wuwangkou, Dengjiazhuang, BulaoTai, ShitanDi, Zhoujiahe, Huangcaowa, Taoyuanping, Shouchangsi, Nanzhuangwang, Lingdong, Yinhe Village, Nanxinzhuang, and Sancha. The township has a population of 6,492. ... More detailed information about Wuwangkou Township ++