Pingshan Tiantai Mountain

Pingshan Tiantai Mountain

Tiantai Mountain connects to Fuyi in the north, borders Xingling in the east, encompasses Pingjing in the front, and reaches Taiyuan in the west. Its peaks in the northwest rise majestically, forming layered green ridges and ranges. The surrounding peaks, with elevations reaching up to 1,252 meters, pierce the blue sky, presenting a majestic and lushly beautiful sight. In ancient times, Taoist temples and Buddhist monasteries were built clinging to the cliffs and suspended in the clouds. The scenic area lies on the sunny side of the mountain, where springs and streams flow along the valleys for three to five miles before converging in the southeast, like a mirror fallen from the heavens, reflecting the mountain scenery. The lake spans several hectares. Halfway up the mountain, there are two naturally formed platforms — one in the north and one in the south — which add to the mountain’s uniqueness. On a side peak at an altitude of 1,200 meters, there is a platform that towers into the clouds. Legend has it that this was the landing spot for the Queen Mother of the West when she traveled between heaven and this mountain. Hence, the mountain is named Tiantai Mountain (Heavenly Terrace Mountain).

According to the Qing Dynasty’s Pingshan County Annals: “Located sixty li to the northwest of the county, Emperor Zhang of Han visited Zhao and paid homage at Fangshan.” The Yuanhe Chronicles state: “The mountain lies to the northwest, also called Wangmu Mountain. Emperor Wu of Han erected a shrine here, which is now the Wangmu Temple.” During the Sui Dynasty’s Kaihuang era, the county was named after the mountain, and in the early Yining period, the commandery was also named after it. In the Tang Dynasty’s Wude era, the county retained the mountain’s name. The Geographical Records of the Book of Han mention: “Puyu County has Iron Mountain,” which refers to Fangshan, also called Shan. The Five Dynasties’ Xingzhen and the Ming Dynasty’s Zhong Wang Rong adorned the western mountain with grand pavilions, often staying there for months — this place is the same. The Mu Tianzi Zhuan (The Travels of Mu, Son of Heaven) describes: “This mountain features steep cliffs, uniquely shaped rocks, murmuring springs and splashing waterfalls, deep caves, shady locust and cypress trees, cool summers and mild winters, birdsongs and floral fragrances, and a pleasant climate. Existing Qing Dynasty steles record: ‘Tiantai Mountain is the foremost among all peaks. It is deep, serene, tranquil, and quiet. The verdant cypresses on the mountain are dense and lush. The mountain’s springs flow ceaselessly. Its plants and grasses are lush and beautiful. Its birds sing and dance. The mountain mist is thick yet sometimes clear. The scenery of the mountain is beyond words.’ Reviewing historical records about Tiantai Mountain, it is evident that the mountain has a long-standing religious and cultural heritage, as well as breathtaking natural landscapes.

Transportation Guide

Scenic Area Address: Within Wangpo Township, Pingshan County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province