Anyang Jiulong Mountain

Anyang Jiulong Mountain

Jiulong Mountain is located southeast of Tianxi Town, about 25 kilometers southeast of Anyang City. It stands majestically and steeply, lush and picturesque, forming a spectacular sight. The mountain is bordered by the Anyang River on one side and surrounded by high peaks on three sides, offering a panoramic view of the Zhangwu Reservoir.

Jiulong Mountain features a unique terrain and distinctive landforms. The summit has a north-south oriented flat area where a large temple has been constructed. Research indicates that in the third year of the Tianbao era under Emperor Wenxuan of the Northern Qi Dynasty, a decree was issued to build Yunmen Temple on the sunny side of Longshan for the eminent monk Zen Master Gaochou. Unfortunately, the original temple was destroyed. In recent years, funds raised by local residents have enabled its reconstruction. The temple complex consists of five courtyards, facing south and situated to the north, and includes a gate tower, bell tower, Temple of the North Emperor, Bodhisattva Hall, Buddha Hall, Jade Emperor Hall, brick pagoda, and Bixia Pavilion. The main structures of the halls and pavilions are crowned with glazed tiles, restoring and even surpassing the original grandeur—elegant and majestic. The temple’s pagoda features a wood-like structure, with an octagonal brick base supported by eight fierce guardians. Currently, two stories remain, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The bronze statue of the Jade Emperor inside the Lingxiao Palace adds a mysterious aura to the temple.

On Jiulong Mountain lies the Chaoyuan Cave Temple, nestled in a shaded valley with varying depths of gullies. When winter snow arrives, it lingers for a long time without melting. Even in early spring, the area remains blanketed in white, resembling the depth of winter. Sunlight spills over the slopes, revealing brown ridges through the unmelted snow. Mist rises, giving the small mountain an ethereal and delicate appearance. “It’s a pity no master painter could capture this scene,” wrote a poet, who also penned the lines: “Emerald stones and white snow shine upon each other; from afar, the beauty of the scenery lies on Dragon Mountain.” This view has become one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Anyang—Snow Accumulation on Dragon Mountain.

Zuo Si, a renowned literary figure of the Western Jin Dynasty, once wrote the sensational “Three Capitals Rhapsody.” People in Luoyang rushed to copy it, causing a temporary paper shortage in the city. In one of its sections, “Rhapsody on the Wei Capital,” Zuo Si mentioned Dragon Mountain. This shows how breathtaking the scenery here must have been at that time.

There are different interpretations of Snow Accumulation on Dragon Mountain. Some believe the "snow" refers to the pale-colored rocks on the mountain that, when viewed from afar, resemble winter snow—hence the name. However, this view has now been obscured by coal gangue from the Jiulong Mountain Coal Mine, making the true appearance of this scenic wonder impossible to discern.

Today, the charm of the Eight Scenic Spots can hardly compare to their former glory. The relentless passage of time has turned them into memories, allowing us to appreciate their once peerless splendor only in our imagination.

Recalling the lost landscapes is also a way of reading history. Amidst nostalgic thoughts, we savor those familiar scenes tinged with the weight of time. In doing so, do we find satisfaction in drawing closer to them?

Climbing Jiulong Mountain allows you to “command a view of the world below.” Alongside exploring ancient architecture, you can gaze eastward to take in the full view of the Zhangwu Reservoir—beautiful mountains and rivers, blue water and sky merging into a vast expanse. Here, you might be inspired to imagine the scene of Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms period, commending his naval forces, a truly magnificent and splendid sight.