Jiange Five-Finger Mountain

Jiange Five-Finger Mountain

Jiange Five-Finger Mountain is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Wuzi Mountain, also known as Five-Finger Mountain. Historically referred to as Wuhua Mountain, Bijia Mountain, and Jingzhao Mountain, it stretches across the northwestern border of Jiange County and belongs to the Longmen Mountain Range. It extends from the southwest to the northeast. The western part reaches into Jiangyou County, while the northeastern part connects to Jinzi Mountain. The mountain features five peaks, with sharp, round, and towering summits that rise like swords into the clouds. The area is covered with dense forests and overlapping mountain ridges, presenting a majestic sight visible from dozens of miles away. The Xih River and Wenxi River both originate from the southern foothills of Wuzi Mountain. Beneath each of the five peaks lies a cave. The cave beneath the first peak is called “Laolong Cave” (Old Dragon Cave), whose depth is unfathomable. Inside, there are attractions such as the Embracing Stone, Black Water Pool, Ghost Gate Pass, King Yama’s Cliff, and One-Bowl Water. Legend has it that the water here can foretell the abundance or scarcity of the coming year’s harvest, hence the name “Spirit Pool.” “Dragon Cave Spirit Pool” was once one of the eight scenic wonders of the prefecture and county.

The “Five Peaks in Clear Mist,” one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Jiange Prefecture, refers to this very place. The Qing Dynasty poet Yang Zhan wrote: “The Five Peaks stand like five brothers, holding up the sky and brushing the sun, distinctly clear. No sooner does thunder pass over the mountain tops than boundless greenery springs forth everywhere.” The natural scenery on the mountain is exceptionally beautiful. The mountain ridges above 1,000 meters in elevation roughly form an upside-down “上” shape, stretching about 13 kilometers in length and 1–3 kilometers in width, covering a total area of nearly 34 square kilometers. The highest peak is the second peak on the right side of the Five Peaks, standing at 1,330 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak within Jiange County.

The geological structure of Wuzi Mountain belongs to the Longmen Mountain fold-thrust belt and the Yanmen Depression fold-thrust belt. The geology consists of Jurassic purple-red mudstone, sandstone interbedded with marl. The mountain is steep in the north and gentle in the south, sloping gradually toward the south. The mountain is covered with dense forests and boasts good vegetation, yielding abundant forest and non-timber products, mainly including wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, daylilies, and kiwifruit. At the foot of the mountain lies Jiange’s famous scenic tourist area, Cuìyù Lake.