Mianshan Scenic Area in Yicheng

Mianshan Scenic Area in Yicheng

Mianshan is located five kilometers northwest of Yicheng County, rising abruptly from the flat land and locally known as Guduipo Mountain. From a distance, it looks like an upside-down pot, hence it is also called Fufu Mountain, though locals still refer to it as Mianshan. Legend has it that both Jie Zitui and his mother perished here.

At the summit of Mianshan stands an ancient temple, the Goddess Hall, which houses a stone statue of Jie Zitui’s mother, alongside a stone figure of Jie Zitui kneeling beside her. Legend says that during the reign of Duke Xian of Jin, the capital was established in Quwo. The crown prince Chong’er was exiled due to the schemes of Lady Li Ji, but managed to escape with the help of Jie Zitui, who was then serving as a high-ranking official. After fleeing Quwo, they headed east and passed by Tuditang (north of Xiguan Village in Yicheng County). While resting there, Chong’er fell seriously ill, unable to eat or drink for several days. With no other options, Jie Zitui cut a piece of flesh from his own leg, removed the plaque from Tuditang, lit a fire, and cooked the meat. After eating it, Chong’er recovered and they continued their journey—this is the story of “Carving Flesh to Serve the Lord.” While protecting Chong’er in exile, Jie Zitui once told him that when he eventually ascended the throne, he would be richly rewarded with high office. However, after Chong’er became duke, he generously rewarded all his meritorious officials except Jie Zitui. Someone at court advised Jie Zitui that Chong’er was someone you could rely on in times of hardship but not afterward. Enraged, Jie Zitui left the court, carrying his mother on his back and hiding in Mianshan.

In those days, Mianshan boasted beautiful scenery, lush flowers and trees. At sunrise, the thick morning mist resembled a lake or sea, slowly swirling around the mountains. Viewed from above, the scene was extraordinary. There was only a single path used year after year by pilgrims traveling up the mountain with oxcarts. After Jie Zitui fled, someone informed Chong’er, who then realized what had happened and quickly ordered his men to bring Jie Zitui back. When they reached Mianshan and called out to him, there was no response. Unable to enter and met with silence, they reported the situation to Chong’er, who then ordered the mountain to be set on fire. He believed the fire would force Jie Zitui out, but after the entire mountain burned, Jie Zitui still did not appear. Later, people found the bodies of Jie Zitui and his mother in a mountain hollow. To commemorate this loyal, upright, and chivalrous figure, a temple was built at the site of the fire, and a statue of him was erected in his honor. Currently, Mianshan is undergoing further greening and development. A tourist map has been set up at the entrance, along with a mountain gate, memorial archways, pedestrian steps, rest pavilions, and a monument commemorating the development of Mianshan. The ruins of Jie Zitui have been restored, and supporting facilities such as a parking lot have been added. The Mianshan scenic area now meets basic tourism needs.