Blushing Maiden Mountain

Blushing Maiden Mountain

Blushing Maiden Mountain, located on the northern bank of the Zi River in Xiushan Town, is about 15 kilometers from Taojiang County. Along the riverbank, there are seven peaks of varying sizes, with the main peak standing at 375 meters high. The shape of the mountain vividly resembles a beautiful woman who has just bathed and emerged from the water, lying on her back on the riverside to rest. Her completely naked figure, with elegant and well-defined lines, a slightly raised chin, and softly flowing hair, outstretched arms, well-proportioned long legs, a gently protruding abdomen, and captivating breasts — is a “Venus” sculpted on the land of Taojiang. Fu Hongji, vice president of the Hunan Academy of Social Sciences, spent eight years researching and concluded that Blushing Maiden Mountain is indeed the “Xiang Mountain” where, according to *Records of the Grand Historian*, the Yellow Emperor “journeyed south and ascended Xiongxiang Mountain.”

Beautiful Blushing Maiden Mountain has a magical legend. It is said that the Blushing Maiden was a pretty village girl who lived by the river. She and a hardworking young man fell in love quietly and were preparing for their wedding night when invaders from another ethnic group attacked the Central Plains. The young man resolutely enlisted and went to the front lines. Before parting, the two swore eternal love and promised to marry upon his triumphant return. After he left for war, the village girl missed him deeply and often stood under the peach tree at the village entrance, hoping to see her lover return soon. One day, a lecherous county magistrate passed by and, seeing such a beautiful woman, tried to harass her. The girl, frightened, turned and ran, and the magistrate chased after her. When they reached the Zi River, the magistrate grabbed at her clothes and tore them off. Ashamed, the girl jumped into the river. Suddenly, fierce winds blew on the ground and thunder roared in the sky. Amid the deafening thunder, the girl transformed into a green mountain standing by the river, while the magistrate turned into a stone, kneeling in the river. To commemorate the Blushing Maiden, who was fearless and loyal in love, people named the green mountain by the river Blushing Maiden Mountain and built a temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Blushing Maiden at the mountain’s peak.

The area around Blushing Maiden Mountain is known for its many peach blossoms and beautiful women. Scientists have studied this phenomenon and found that it is due to the residents around the mountain drinking clear spring water, which contains various essential amino acids needed by the human body. Regular consumption of the spring water not only benefits health but also helps maintain smooth, fair skin. All visitors to this mountain make sure to drink a cup of the spring water from Blushing Maiden Mountain.