Chengjiang Bijia Mountain

Chengjiang Bijia Mountain

On the northern side of Lucheng Village by Fuxian Lake in Chengjiang, Yunnan, there stands a remarkable peak. With no nearby mountains connected to it, three steep peaks rise abruptly, resembling a penholder—hence the name Bijia Mountain.

Bijia Mountain rises 1,808 meters above sea level, with its highest point just 76 meters from the lake surface. It stretches approximately one Chinese li (about 500 meters) from north to south. Aside from a thin layer of reddish soil on parts of its surface, the entire mountain is composed of limestone. The exposed rocky peaks are uniquely shaped, rugged, and towering, with winding paths and mysterious caves, creating a landscape of diverse beauty. Over the centuries, literati and poets often lingered here, designating twelve scenic spots on the mountain such as "Western Heavenly Gate," "Gate of the God of Fortune," "Southern Ox Emperor," "Spirit Mountain Assembly," "Heaven and Water in One Hue," "Fishing Boats at Dusk," and "Paradise of Mount Putuo." These sites were also inscribed on rocks, further enhancing the fame of Bijia Mountain.

At the summit of Bijia Mountain stands a Guanyin Temple, facing east. Above the main gate of the temple hangs a plaque inscribed with the words "Repent and Be Saved," written by Kan Zhenzhao, a notable scholar from Tonghai. The original temple gate once bore a couplet: "Pluck a wisp of cloud to mend my sleeves; leave half a moon to light my scripture reading." To the left of the temple, there is also an MJ (likely another structure or feature). After being renovated, the temple took on a new look, with a plaque reading "Guanyin Temple" and a new couplet: "As the sun sets behind the western hills, blue mist rises; broken clouds over the water cast crimson hues." The temple complex consists of two courtyards. The front courtyard houses a Guanyin shrine and side rooms, while the rear courtyard contains the Buddha Hall. Every year on the 19th day of the second lunar month, the temple hosts a fair that draws local farmers and fishermen. The event features opera performances, games, communal meals, incense burning, and chanting, creating a lively atmosphere.

In front of the Guanyin Temple lies a platform approximately eleven zhang (about 36 meters) long and over one zhang (about 3.3 meters) wide, surrounded by railings. Outside the railings, fragrant and tung trees grow tenaciously amid the steep cliffs. Standing on this platform, especially if you climb up the verdant stone peaks on either side of the temple and gaze into the distance, you can take in the panoramic scenery: to the east lies the vast expanse of Fuxian Lake, to the south the towering and majestic Qituanshan (Chess Plate Mountain) and the picturesque Lucheng Village, to the west the lush Wufengshan (Five Peaks Mountain), and to the north the solitary and elegant Jinzhongshan (Golden Bell Mountain, also known as Jian Mountain or Jade Sprout Mountain). The interplay of mountains and water, with emerald peaks reflected in the azure waters, creates a scene full of poetic charm. On days with scattered clouds, especially, white clouds drift slowly overhead, lending an ethereal and dreamlike quality that feels like stepping into a fairyland, refreshing the mind and uplifting the spirit.

Descending about a hundred meters from the Guanyin Temple, you’ll spot a cave by the path. If you go down about three meters, you’ll be blocked by huge rocks. Inside the cave, there’s a narrow crevice. Peering down through the crevice, it’s pitch-dark and seems bottomless. Strangely, if you stand near the crevice, you can feel a warm breeze, especially in winter when the airflow is even warmer. Locals call it the "Warm Air Cave." A short distance further down is the Wanghai Pavilion, a newly built pavilion standing on the former site of the Liangfeng Pavilion. Standing in the pavilion, you feel as if you’re high above the lake surface, overlooking the beautiful scenery of the immortal-like lake. When the lake is calm, the deep sandy bottom contrasts with the crystal-clear blue water, its depth shrouded in mystery. When the lake is choppy, rolling white waves rise and fall, coming closer and then receding, giving the sensation of riding the waves. In recent years, to meet tourists’ needs for sightseeing and relaxation, two new small pavilions have been built on the southern and northern peaks of Bijia Mountain, standing opposite the Wanghai Pavilion, each with its own charm.

At the northern foot of Bijia Mountain lies "Boxi Bay." The bay remains calm even when strong southwest winds blow, thanks to the shelter provided by Bijia Mountain and nearby peaks. During seasons when southwest winds are frequent and the lake surface elsewhere is choppy, this bay remains wave-free—hence its name. The bay has relatively broad waters, with shallow areas extending 20–30 meters into the lake, making it an excellent spot for water activities, swimming, and vacationing.