Baifu Mountain

Baifu Mountain

Baifu Mountain:

A Blessed Land and Forest Paradise

Baifu Mountain in Xichong has a long history. Its undulating, vast mountain range is covered with dense forests, where lush pine woods provide ample shade. After a spring rain, the air is especially fresh. Standing atop the mountain and looking into the distance, you’ll see vibrant greenery stretching across fields and valleys. Under the blue sky and white clouds, beside the clear mountains and waters, wisps of cooking smoke rise gently. With just a click of the camera, a beautiful scene is captured before your eyes.

Walking down the stone steps, you’ll find over twenty ancient cypresses, each around a thousand years old, standing in front of the Baifu Temple. According to forestry department measurements, these trees are about 26 meters tall on average, with the largest having a diameter of 86.7 cm. The oldest is over 1,400 years old, while the youngest is more than 700 years old. These ancient cypresses, witnesses to centuries of history, are all lush and vigorous. They serve not only as testimonies to the ancient temple but also as symbols of longevity. Strolling through the mountain, you’ll encounter numerous massive trees that require several people to encircle. Vines twist among the trees, and fragrant unknown flowers and plants fill the air with a delicate scent, making you feel as if you’ve entered a kingdom of plants. Today, the Baifu Mountain Forest Park in Xichong features deep green cypresses, flowing springs, and lush emerald-like trees that form a picturesque screen—truly captivating.

A short walk of over a hundred meters along a narrow path from Baifu Chan Temple will bring you to Xizhaimen Ya (West Fort Gate Ridge). At the top stand two ancient cypresses with forked trunks, each as thick as three people could hug, rising above the fort gate. These intertwined, indomitable cypresses have long since merged into one, steadfastly guarding the gate that leads into the “Zen Pass.” Legend has it that He Qun, a scholar-official and Jinshi (advanced scholar) from the Song Dynasty, often sat on one of the protruding tree roots here, gazing at the scenery of Sui Tang Mountain, composing poetry, and enjoying himself immensely.

Exiting the West Gate Fort and walking through the forest, the path narrows, the terrain rises, and the light dims. In some places, you have to use your hands to support yourself to move forward. Even with companions, your heart can’t help but race with unease and doubt. Suddenly, the light brightens and the view opens up, prompting cheers. But before the excitement fades, you realize you’re at a high point with no path ahead—only a steep slope lies below, stretching downward as far as the eye can see. The slope is incredibly smooth. This is another highlight of Baifu Temple—the naturally formed perilous slope known as “Rolling Ox Slope.” The slope is long and steep, surrounded by vast wilderness, with no other way down. It forms a natural pass, appearing mysterious and unchangeable.

Descending the slope brings a mix of relief and thrill, yet without real danger. Continuing along the forest path downhill, you’ll enter a deep valley where murmuring streams and rugged rocks abound. Looking up, sheer cliffs suddenly come into view—this is Qingxu Cliff, which stands over ten zhang (approximately 33 meters) high and stretches about forty zhang (approximately 132 meters) long. Clear mountain streams rush down the cliff, forming a spectacular waterfall that plunges into the valley, creating a resonant sound. This is the Qingxu Rock Waterfall. Qingxu Cave has a long history. According to the *Xichong County Annals*: “Below Qingxu Rock there is a cave where He Qun of the Song Dynasty practiced Taoism.” The cave has three levels, with the uppermost level being too high to reach. The main cave is 14 meters wide and 8 meters deep. It is said that He Qun resigned from his official post and secluded himself here to refine elixirs, seek immortality, and cultivate Taoism. Stone beds, stoves, stools, and water vats used by him remain well-preserved, and inscriptions on the walls are still faintly visible, offering significant value for research and exploration. Facing Qingxu Cliff across the way is Luan Shi Yao (Chaotic Rock Kiln), where steep cliffs and bizarre rocks make it a popular spot for young adventurers interested in rock climbing.

In the future, Baifu Mountain Forest Park aims to become a first-class forest park in western China. It will develop into a scenic area with well-arranged spatial layout, distinct hierarchical structure, and outstanding functionality. Multiple tourism projects will be built, including a forest cabin village, a forest fairy-tale city, and a forest eco-wellness resort, truly making it a beloved “urban backyard garden” for visitors.