Linyi Yushan Mountain

Linyi Yushan Mountain

Yushan Mountain is world-renowned for the legend of Emperor Yu and his father’s efforts in flood control. It is located at the border of Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, about 30 kilometers southeast of Linshu County. With an elevation of 269.5 meters, the mountain stretches from east to west and covers a total area of 1.5 square kilometers. The mountain features steep ridges and beautiful scenery, and is home to scenic spots such as “Jigun Spring,” “Yu the Great Temple,” “Cloud-Emerging Cave,” and “Phoenix Stone.” Since ancient times, it has been a popular tourist destination. An ancient poem describes it: “A touch of green on Yushan, scattered wildflowers along the shore. At dusk, sails stretch for miles, and a faint mist veils the land of Chu.”

Legend has it that Gun, the father of Emperor Yu of the Xia Dynasty, was executed here by Emperor Shun for failing to control the floods. Later, a spring gushed out at the spot where Gun died, known as “Jigun Spring,” which never dries up throughout the year. The Ming Dynasty’s “Longqing Haizhou Annals” recorded: “Yutan (Yu’s Pool) is located at the foot of Yushan (as stated in Zuo Zhuan), where Gun transformed into a yellow bear and entered Yu’s Abyss — this refers to the same place.” It also states: “Yutan is also said to be the place where Emperor Shun executed Gun. Its waters remain perpetually clear, and even cattle and sheep do not drink from it.” The Qing Dynasty’s “Jiaqing Haizhou Direct-Zhoushou Annals” noted: “To the southwest of the mountain lies an abyss, which is Yutan. Locals call this mountain ‘Chengfu Mountain’ (Mountain of Punished Father).” “Gun transformed into a yellow bear and entered Yu’s Abyss, where the pool is surrounded by fine willows, and wild beasts do not tread.” This mountain was formerly called Yushan (Yu’s Mountain), but was later renamed Yushan (Feather Mountain) due to the feather-like appearance of many of its rocks. Another theory suggests it was named after a rare bird with beautiful feathers that once lived there.

Yushan Mountain is not only a famous prehistoric cultural mountain in China, but also a well-known hot spring destination. According to geological experts, the mountain contains abundant geothermal hot springs underground. These have now been officially included in development plans, and the provincial government has allocated special funds for preliminary geological drilling. It can be said that a naturally beautiful hot spring resort is soon to emerge at the foot of the picturesque Yushan Mountain.