Xichong Phoenix Mountain

Xichong Phoenix Mountain

Phoenix Mountain:

Mist on Arrow Ridge, Legacy of Arms

— A Mighty Hero, Who Shook the Ming Court with His Turbulent Fame.

Yet Powerless to Build a Kingdom, His Strategy Proved Shortsighted, Flaws Exposed.

The General Made a Fatal Blunder, Marching into Shu, And Met His End Beneath Phoenix Mountain.

So Many Historical Figures Hasten By, Yet the Green Hills Keep Their Lonely Mounds.

— Bashan Visitor, “Travels Through Sichuan · In Search of Zhang Xianzhong’s Tomb at Phoenix Mountain, Duofu, Xichong”

When it comes to Xichong Phoenix Mountain, people immediately think of Zhang Xianzhong. This man, burdened with so much history and mystery, and still a popular topic of discussion, what kind of legendary tales lie hidden within these hills?

A Phoenix Soars Over Phoenix Ridge

Phoenix Mountain, standing 414 meters above sea level and stretching for dozens of li, lies to the east of Duobao Temple (also known as Duofu Town) and to the west of Jinshanpu. Its shape resembles a phoenix about to take flight and soar into the blue sky, hence the name “Phoenix Mountain.” The mountain features stone gateways on its eastern, southern, and western sides, surrounded by steep cliffs that make it easily defensible. The mountaintop is a flat area known as “Campground,” where Zhang Xianzhong once set up camp. The highest peak is called “Flag-Planting Hill,” the site where the Great West Army raised its military flags. The eastern ridge is known as “Arrow-Riddled Ridge,” with legend saying that during a fierce battle with the Qing army in Sunxi Stream, Zhang Xianzhong was shot by an arrow, and while being carried back to the command post by his soldiers, he died here.

Over the years, residents around Phoenix Mountain have often found remnants such as arrowheads, horse stirrups, broadswords, and iron spears, attracting many tourists to visit and explore the ancient battlefield remains. In 1983, the People's Government of Xichong County designated Phoenix Mountain as a county-level cultural relics protection unit, erecting introductions, setting up signs, closing the mountain for afforestation, and developing the Phoenix Mountain Scenic Area. Today, Phoenix Mountain is lush with green trees and evergreen pines and cypresses. Though the ancient battlefield has become history, the clang of sword clashing against sword and the thunder of horses’ hooves still seem to echo in visitors' minds. From here, one can also gaze out over the scenery of Nanchong City. “Looking around from atop, a thousand peaks stand in beauty; temple bells drift into the clouds.” It has become another remarkable scenic spot in Xichong.

Standing in Duofu Town and looking westward, you will see a towering mountain rising high. In the distance, its majestic presence stretches for dozens of li, with undulating peaks and mountains encircling it, but this single peak rises abruptly from among them.

Green Feathers Woven Across Phoenix Mountain

Phoenix Mountain possesses both a majestic presence and a humble character. It is bold, graceful, steep and perilous, winding and abrupt, towering yet gentle. The spirit of Phoenix Mountain is strong and unyielding to any pressure, yet in daily life, it appears amiable, dignified, handsome, and tender. Because of it, rivers have changed their course, and because of it, villages cluster close by. The great mountain embraces all with its profoundness and tolerance.

The winding, rugged rural road that spirals halfway up the mountain is like a fluttering ribbon wrapped around verdant hills and clear waters, creating a unique and stunning vista. Mysterious mountain mists rise between the peaks, resembling a delicate, ethereal veil, elegantly painting a landscape scroll. Rugged mountains, sturdy plank paths, unique charm, and boundless appeal — it’s hard to tell whether it's people walking through the scenery or the scenery shifting around them. Upon reaching the summit, the wind drifts softly from the valley, while wisps of fog rise from the deep gullies. Gazing down at billowing seas of clouds and afar at drifting, hazy mountain ranges, an uplifting joy stirs within, and the clamorous heart finds serenity in tranquil elegance. To put it poetically: as if walking in heaven, with ten thousand clouds swelling one’s chest.

Zhang Xianzhong, well-known to the people of Sichuan, spent the last days of his life here. Zhang Xianzhong (September 18, 1606 – January 2, 1647), styled Bingwu, came from a poor family in his youth. In the 3rd year of the Chongzhen Emperor’s reign in the Ming Dynasty, he gathered peasants from 18 strongholds in Mizhi to launch a rebellion, styling himself the “Eight Kings.” From the 6th to the 17th year of Chongzhen, he launched five military campaigns into Sichuan. In the 1st year of the Shunzhi reign in the Qing Dynasty, Zhang Xianzhong led hundreds of thousands of rebel troops on their fifth campaign into Sichuan, using Phoenix Mountain as their headquarters to fight the Qing army. On December 1 of the 3rd year of Shunzhi, Zhang Xianzhong was shot by an arrow on Arrow-Riddled Ridge of Phoenix Mountain and died.

— The Ancient Battlefield

Driving along a winding rural concrete road to the foot of the mountain, you will see overlapping mountains and ridges, crisscrossing valleys, and undulating landscapes. On both sides of the road are rows of moso bamboo, lush and dense, blocking out the sunlight. After around 10 minutes of driving, you will see a steep cliff to the east with an appearance so sharp it seems as though it were sliced by a blade. Local villagers call it “Knife-Cut Cliff;” the cliff is over 10 meters tall with a stone gate right in the middle. According to Yao Guangshu, a local villager, there is a wide flat area atop the mountain covering about 50 mu (approx. 3.3 hectares), referred to as “Campground,” which legend says was the main campsite of Zhang Xianzhong’s forces. Today, an ancient-style temple is under construction on the former Campground land, and its already completed Heavenly King Hall is grand in scale.

Following a weed-covered path uphill, you will reach the summit of Phoenix Mountain. The peak is named “Flag-Planting Hill,” believed to be the spot where the Great West Army raised their military banner. There is also a massive rock on the hill, locally referred to as “General’s Rock,” said to have been where Zhang Xianzhong reviewed maps and planned his strategies. In the southeast direction of the mountain lies a valley called “Horse Trough Valley,” where cavalry units were stationed. Ahead of the valley is the outer camp of the Great West Army. Beside the valley is a small hill named “Horse Grazing Ridge,” used by the army to pasture their horses. Between Phoenix Mountain and Jinshanpu lies a large flatland known as “Boat-Building Flat,” where the Great West Army constructed boats.

To this day, stories continue to circulate near Phoenix Mountain: legend says that when news spread of the Great West Army marching north to resist the Qing, some local landlords and gentry panicked. On one hand, they colluded with officials to intensify grain levies, taxes, and conscription, and on the other, they spread rumors falsely accusing Zhang Xianzhong of being a bandit. Hearing these rumors, the locals fled, hiding in the deep forests during the day and sneaking back at night to observe the situation. For a time, the area nearly became deserted. When Zhang Xianzhong arrived at Phoenix Mountain and learned the truth, he immediately gathered his officers to reaffirm military discipline. On one hand, he rallied the people, explaining the situation to them, and on the other, he organized his men to go out and help the poor by taking from the rich. At first, some poor people were too scared to take the confiscated goods, so the Great West Army delivered them directly to the people’s homes. But the landlords secretly sent servants to reclaim the distributed items. Learning of this, Zhang Xianzhong changed his method, setting up three large piles of stones at the foot of Phoenix Mountain: one pile for gold and silver, one for clothing, and one for grain. Each pile had a special guard responsible for distribution and registration. From then on, the local tyrants dared not cause trouble again, and the people lived in peace. These three piles of stones serve as witness to the legendary bond between the Great West Army and the poor, a tale passed on to this very day.

According to The Dictionary of Famous Chinese Personalities, “Zhang Xianzhong died at Xichong Phoenix Mountain, and his tomb lies on the mountaintop, shaped like a small hill.” Guided by local villagers, reporters came upon a stone tablet inscribed with a few blurred but still legible characters – “Tomb of Zhang Xianzhong.” Behind the tablet is a small earthen mound, believed by locals to be the actual burial site of Zhang Xianzhong. Historical records indicate that in the winter of the 3rd year of the Shunzhi reign, after escaping from Chengdu, the emperor of the Great West regime, Zhang Xianzhong, arrived in Xichong and set up four major military camps on Phoenix Mountain. He intended to hold out, waiting for an opportunity to return to his hometown in northern Shaanxi.

But the Qing army did not give him that chance. Haoge, the Qing prince known as “Grand General Jingyuan” who had by then pacified Shaanxi, had already led Qing troops from southern Shaanxi into Sichuan. Even more fatal was the betrayal of Liu Jinzhong, stationed in Baoning Prefecture (Langzhong), who surrendered to Haoge at Bai Zhang Pass (today west of Wangcang County, Guangyuan). Led by Liu Jinzhong, the Qing forces swiftly passed Baoning and arrived at Nanbu on the 26th of winter.

In the late hours of the 26th, the Qing army arrived stealthily at the county seat of Nanbu, less than a hundred li away from Zhang Xianzhong’s camp. Upon learning that Zhang Xianzhong was stationed at Phoenix Mountain in Xichong, Haoge ordered “the Qing Dynasty’s Greatest Warrior” Ao Bai to lead dozens of elite cavalrymen silently and quickly ride through the night toward the Great West Army.

On the morning of the 27th, the Qing army arrived at Phoenix Mountain amid thick fog. Unprepared, Zhang Xianzhong hastily led his men out for an inspection. Identified by Liu Jinzhong, Zhang was targeted by a storm of arrows. Shot, Zhang was urgently carried back towards the camp by his soldiers, but on the way over Phoenix Mountain’s ridge, he sadly died. His soldiers buried his body on the mountain, and later generations named the ridge where he fell “Arrow-Riddled Pass.”

In 1983, the People's Government of Xichong County designated Phoenix Mountain as a county-level cultural relics protection unit, erecting introductions, setting up signs, closing the mountain for afforestation, and developing the Phoenix Mountain Scenic Area. Today, Phoenix Mountain is lush with green trees and evergreen pines and cypresses. Though the ancient battlefield has become history, the clang of sword against sword and the thunder of horses’ hooves still seem to echo in visitors' minds. There are multiple sites on Phoenix Mountain that are remnants of battles between Zhang Xianzhong and Qing troops, such as “Campground,” “Horse Trough Valley,” “Horse Grazing Ridge,” “General’s Rock,” “General’s Cove,” “Grain Control Valley,” and “Arrow-Riddled Ridge.” Numerous weapons such as broadswords, spears, swords, arrowheads, and horse stirrups have been unearthed at Phoenix Mountain.