Exploring the Ancient Charms of Changyan

Exploring the Ancient Charms of Changyan

Exploring the Ancient Charms of Changyan

Changyan Mountain is located twenty-five li northwest of the county town, also known as Sifutan or Sigan Mountain, or Ercheng Rock. Originally ranked first among the Eight Scenic Spots, it rises abruptly from the flat plains, with rugged rocks towering dozens of zhang high and stretching about a li wide—shaped like a mighty lion perched in dominion. The mountaintop and foothills are shaded by dense woods. Midway up the mountain lies a cavern, bright and spacious as a house. During the Song Dynasty, Gongzhou Prefect Cheng Guai invited the renowned scholar Zhou Dunyi (Lianxi) to teach his two sons, Cheng Yi and Cheng Hao, here, giving rise to the celebrated trio known as the “Three Masters of Zhou and Cheng.” Later, the Cheng brothers became foundational figures in the development of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, securing their place in the history of Chinese philosophy. To this day, the cave entrance still bears the ancient engraving “Southern Cradle of Philosophy,” surrounded by a collection of stelae dating from the Song Dynasty onward. The mountain also features scenic spots such as the Rhino Dripping Water Cave, Wenchang Rock, Immortal Encounter Rock, Ninefold Gate, Flying Squirrel Rock, and the Mulberry-Soaking Cave of Liu Sanjie, along with historical remains including the Temple of the Three Masters, the Heart-Sealing Pavilion, the Lotus Pond, and the Three Treasures Hall. With its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural relics, it is an ideal destination for sightseeing and reflection, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the dawn of civilization. The old county annals state that Changyan Mountain, with its verdant hills, unique rocks, and mysterious caves, is well worthy of comparison with the Goulu Cave in Beiliu and the Zhenxian Rock in Fujian—a claim that is no exaggeration. Over the dynasties, Changyan Mountain has suffered considerable damage. Currently, the county has passed relevant legislation and is planning restoration and conservation efforts.