Pangu Mountain Scenic Area

Pangu Mountain Scenic Area

Pangu Mountain Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Pangu Sacred Land Scenic Area: The Pangu Sacred Land is situated at the northern edge of the Tongbai Mountain Range, 11 kilometers south of Biyang County. Its main peak reaches an elevation of 459 meters, surrounded by overlapping hills that resemble stars encircling the moon. The area features vibrant greenery, towering and unusual rocks, and iconic rock formations including the “Stone Lion,” “Pangu,” “Pangu Pile,” and “Pangu’s Stone Chest.” Not far from the mountain lies a giant millstone. Historical records indicate that a Pangu Temple was originally built on the mountaintop during the Five Dynasties period, along with several stone steles from various dynasties. Unfortunately, these were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. In recent years, community fundraising efforts have led to the reconstruction of a grand temple on the original site, maintaining its traditional north-facing orientation. A new majestic mountain gate has also been added. Flanking the inner passageway of the gate are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, tall and robust, exuding an imposing aura. The main hall within the courtyard is tall, spacious, and adorned with yellow tiles, upturned eaves, red pillars, and painted beams, giving off an ancient and dignified vibe. Inside the hall stands a life-sized, colorful statue of Pangu, over ten feet tall, with disheveled hair and wearing a cloak of oak leaves. His piercing gaze and benevolent expression inspire reverence. The east and west side chambers, also featuring yellow tiles and red walls, are built in a simple yet elegant style and house various Taoist deities. In the center of the courtyard lies a large sacrificial altar, where worshippers frequently burn incense. The echoing sounds of bells and drums reverberate through the temple.

Pangu Sacred Land Scenic Area

The mythological legend of Pangu creating the heavens and earth, and of him and his sister rolling a millstone to become husband and wife, thereby giving birth to humanity and creating the world, originated here. The tradition of seeking ancestral roots, worshipping ancestors, and paying homage to Pangu has continued for over 1,300 years. Every year on the third day of the third lunar month, a temple fair attracts throngs of visitors who ascend the mountain to pay tribute to Pangu’s spirit of “utmost sincerity, trustworthiness, diligence, and love.” This spirit is perfectly embodied here. Moreover, the Pangu Sacred Land is one of the Eight Scenic Wonders of Biyang. In the early morning, if you climb to the summit, you’ll find the mountain shrouded in mist, everything immersed in a hazy veil. As the first rays of sunlight emerge, they gild the landscape in a radiant glow, as if cloaked in celestial garments, giving you a sensation of floating on air—this is the breathtaking spectacle known as “Morning Mist over Pangu,” one of Biyang’s Eight Scenic Views.

Pangu Mountain in Biyang, Henan, is the birthplace of Pangu and Pangu Nainai (Pangu’s wife), the ancestors of humanity. It is located within Chenzhuang Township in our county. The mountain is bordered by Damo to the east, Houshan to the south, Fengshan to the west, and Baishen Temple to the north, with its main peak standing at an elevation of 459 meters. “Since Pangu created heaven and earth, from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the present day.” Pangu culture is an ancient culture that originated in China, spanning ancient and modern times, spreading both domestically and internationally. Its profound depth in time and space ranks among the best in the world. It is not only the foundation of our national culture but also the root of cultures across all ethnic groups worldwide.

A Biyang folk song goes: “Biyang County is full of scenic wonders. Cross the southern gate, ford the Sha River, and after twenty-five li, you’ll reach Damo. Southwest of Damo lies Pangu Mountain, where the annual grand fair takes place on the third day of the third lunar month. Who knows how many years the Pangu Temple has stood? Even the elderly marvel at its age.” This folk song instantly stirs your deep interest in ascending Pangu Mountain, where you’ll find numerous historical relics, scenic spots, local customs, historical anecdotes, folklore, and interesting tales.

According to the *Biyang County Annals*, “Pangu Mountain is located twenty-five li south of the county, where the Cai River flows. Originally named Panshan, it later became known as Pangu Mountain due to the construction of a Pangu Temple on it.” In the past, locals also referred to this mountain as “Jiulong Mountain” (Nine Dragons Mountain) because its ridges resemble nine undulating hills in the shape of dragons.

According to geological experts, Pangu Mountain is primarily composed of Sinian metamorphic rocks, as well as granite and homogeneous mixed rocks formed during the second Yanshan Movement. The mountain contains mineral deposits such as copper, gold, silver, and stones.

The mountain features rugged rocks, lush greenery, and slopes covered with patches of apple and pear trees. Over ten varieties of medicinal herbs grow abundantly throughout the area. The Cai River—the source of the Sweet Water River—originates from the mountain streams. At the summit stand three ancient, solemn, and majestic temples. The main hall houses a towering statue of Pangu, depicted sitting and clad in an oak leaf cloak. In the early morning, if you find yourself at the mountaintop, you’ll be greeted by a deep blue sky, a crescent moon hanging in the west, evoking a profound sense of mystery and igniting mythical imagination. Soon after, as dawn breaks and the mountain peaks are painted with rosy hues, the clouds below churn endlessly, creating a boundless sea of mist. The reputation of “Morning Mist over Pangu” is truly well-deserved. This is what is known as one of Biyang’s “Eight Scenic Views.”

Legend has it that after Pangu created the heavens and earth, the Jade Emperor tasked him with populating the world. He ordered Pangu and his sister to “roll a millstone to become husband and wife” on the third day of the third lunar month, after which the two settled here. Another tale says that Pangu blessed the descendants of this region, ensuring three rainfalls each year—“without lightning or thunder”—to guarantee favorable weather and abundant harvests. Hence the sayings: “When Pangu dons his hat, the rains will come,” and “No matter where you go, you can’t leave Pangu Mountain.” This shows that, throughout history, this place has been a paradise, giving rise to the people’s colorful and supernatural imagination, as precious as pearls. The beautiful myths and legends have sparked great interest in Pangu Mountain and a deep longing for Pangu. Thus, every year on the third day of the third lunar month—when the mountains are in full bloom—people from surrounding areas and neighboring counties flock here to climb the mountain in worship or to pray for good fortune. Locals organize performances of folk art and trade fairs for local agricultural specialties, giving rise to the “Third Day of the Third Month” temple fair. It has since become the largest temple fair in the Central Plains region, attracting over 200,000 pilgrims and tourists from across the country. The Pangu Temple Fair, as a national intangible cultural heritage, has been submitted to relevant international organizations for recognition. On December 4, 2005, the China Folk Literature and Art Association officially declared Biyang as the “Chinese Pangu Sacred Land.”

Since the reform and opening-up, with the improvement of people’s material and cultural lives, visiting this area for spring outings and folk tourism has become increasingly popular.