The Eight Scenic Spots of Tailang

The Eight Scenic Spots of Tailang

The Eight Scenic Spots of Tailang

Mojiang County was originally named Tailang Ting. During the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, local scholars selected eight outstanding scenic spots within the region, which were endorsed by the Tailang sub-prefect and have been passed down to this day.

**Nine-Layered String of Pearls** This refers to Lianzhu Mountain in the northeast of the county town. Starting from Tuditang Liangzi and extending all the way to the county seat, there are eight hilltops that look like a string of emerald-green pearls. Later, a temple called “Guanyin Pavilion” was built at the base of the eighth hill, making the total nine — symbolizing the auspicious number — hence the name “Nine-Layered String of Pearls.” On the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th layers of these hills were once located the Jade Emperor Pavilion, the Three Brothers Temple, the Confucius Temple, a middle school, and the county government office. Nowadays, the Jade Emperor Pavilion and the Three Brothers Temple no longer exist.

**Twin Streams Surrounding the Pavilion** Guanyin Pavilion is situated at the confluence of the Tianxi River and the Lianyi River. The two rivers flow around the pavilion before merging and continuing southward, hence the name “Twin Streams Surrounding the Pavilion.” A couplet once hung in the pavilion that read: “Nine-layered string of pearls, a sacred land of three treasures; twin rings embracing, a miniature Western Paradise.” This couplet is still remembered today. The Guanyin Pavilion has long been demolished, and the scenic spot no longer exists.

**Ancient Cave of Bluish Mist** Located beside a large tree at the entrance of Puzuo Village, about 3.5 kilometers west of the county town. Legend has it that there was a cave here from which a wisp of bluish smoke rose year-round. People used to divine good or bad fortune based on the smoke. However, as visitors flocking to pray became too numerous, the local residents could no longer bear the burden, so they covered the cave entrance with an iron pot and filled it with earth, and the bluish smoke never appeared again. This scenic spot no longer exists.

**Twin Peaks Like Stacked Keys** Located in Wusu Village, Shuanglong Township, 12 kilometers south of the county town. It refers to two mountains: “Wusu Jian Mountain” and “Wugang Mountain,” which stand opposite each other, resembling stacked keys. There is also a beautiful legend about the Twin Peaks: it is said that the ancestors of the Hani people, Aji Luqiluoye and Miza Zhasizhai, fled to the banks of the Tailang River together in pursuit of marital freedom. To block their pursuers, Luqiluoye picked up two mountains from the sky to block the river and turn it into a sea. But just as he was crossing the river, the copper pin of his carrying pole broke, and the two mountains fell on either side of the river, growing into two tall, pointed peaks.

**Penholder Range** This refers to the peaks behind Sangtian Village, 5 kilometers south of the county town. Three peaks stand erect, resembling a penholder, hence the name. In ancient times, a stone pagoda called the “Literary Pen Pagoda” was built on the mountaintop. The Literary Pen Pagoda no longer exists, and only ruins remain.

**Dragon Spring Rolling Pearls** Beside Sangtian Village in the south of the county town, at the foot of the Dragon Tree, there is a pond called Dragon Spring. Water surges upward from the bottom of the pond, stirring the white sand beneath and making it roll like pearls, hence the name “Dragon Spring Rolling Pearls.” In 1993, funds were raised to restore the site. Surrounded by ancient trees and shrouded in mist, especially in the peak of summer, a cool breeze can be felt here, providing a refreshing escape from the heat — making it a great place for summer retreats and sightseeing.

**Jade Hills and Immortal Caverns** Located 22 kilometers northwest of the county town on Zhebi Mountain. In ancient times, there was a stone cave often surrounded by colorful clouds. The hermit Yu Chenglong once built a thatched cottage on the mountain. A temple was originally built at the mountaintop, and it was said that immortals lived inside, hence it was also called “Immortal City.” No traces remain today, and the scenic spot no longer exists.　

　**Mojiang’s Brocaded Ripples** Located on the river surface beneath the Zhanluping Bridge (now Zhong’ai Bridge) over the Amo River. Every afternoon, when the setting sun casts its glow and a gentle breeze blows, the river sparkles with golden light and rippling waves, creating a spectacular view — hence the name “Mojiang’s Brocaded Ripples.”