Yiyang Jinping Mountain

Yiyang Jinping Mountain

Jinping Mountain is located to the south of Yiyang County. It stretches from east to west, about 2 kilometers in length and approximately 500 meters in width from north to south. The mountain features a karst landform formed by fault uplift, characterized by limestone. Closely adjacent to the county town, it rises abruptly from the ground, towering and steep as if standing straight up, presenting a spectacular sight. It serves as a natural barrier for Yiyang County and is also a historic tourist destination. Legend has it that hundreds of years ago, the area was covered with dense forests of cypress trees and ancient towering woods, hence it was commonly known as Baipa Mountain. This mountain is described as “carved in form, emerald in color, sheer as a standing wall, and steep as a rocky cliff.” From its heights, one can take in the sweeping views of the landscapes along the Luo River and across the eastern and western parts of the county town.

Twelve peaks of Jinping Mountain are aligned from east to west in a row, namely Taohua (Peach Blossom), Kuibi (Stars), Yanxia (Mist and Glow), Laoren (Elder), Yuzhu (Jade Pillar), Xiangshan (Fragrant Hill), Shudai (Book Strap), Qiyun (Cloud Perch), Wenbi (Literary Brush), Shuangbi (Twin Walls), Zuoshi (Left Lion), and Xiyang (Setting Sun). They resemble twelve splendid brocade screens hanging in midair, majestic and breathtaking. Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty bestowed the name “Jinping” (Brocade Screen) upon it and personally inscribed the four large characters “Jinping Qiguan” (Marvels of the Brocade Screen), which were engraved on a stele erected atop the highest peak, Yuzhu Peak. Unfortunately, the stele was later destroyed by thunder and rain, leaving only a fragment of the character “Qi” (Marvel), as large as a dou (a traditional Chinese measurement unit), with bold and powerful strokes. Visitors to Yiyang County often take great delight in viewing and ascending Jinping Mountain. Throughout history, literati and poets have flocked here to climb to its heights, gaze into the distance, and compose spontaneous verses. According to a rough tally in the “Art and Literature” section of the old county annals, from the Tang to the Qing dynasties, more than 40 renowned poets visited Jinping Mountain, leaving behind over 60 poems praising it. In the past, people listed ten major scenic spots here, including Yuzhu Qingxia (Emerald Glow of the Jade Pillar), Xianlou Yeyue (Moonlit Immortal Tower), Xueyuan Shusheng (Scholarly Sounds of the Academy), Yunting Yuantiao (Distant Views from the Cloud Pavilion), Zhidi Chuiyan (Smoke from the City Walls), Zaogou Liuyun (Flowing Clouds in the Algae Stream), Taodong Qiufeng (Autumn Wind in the Tao Cave), Xiangshan Fanbei (Buddhist Chants on Fragrant Hill), Gubai Fulan (Floating Mist over Ancient Cypresses), and Dantai Zhaohui (Radiance of the Elixir Terrace).