Luban Mountain

Luban Mountain

Luban Mountain

Luban Mountain

A renowned mountain in Longdong connected to the Shuiliandong Grottoes, a national key cultural relic protection unit. Located 20 kilometers northeast of the county town, it has been a strategic military site throughout history and an important part of the ancient Silk Road connecting the Central Plains to the Western Regions. It is also one of the scenic highlights of ancient Ningyuan.

　Stepping into the scenic canyon, legend has it that Lu Ban used a sharp axe to split a great mountain into three sections amid perilous cliffs and precipices. Through the dense foliage, a sliver of sky can be seen. The area features towering cliffs and deep, treacherous gorges. The entire landscape consists of 25 scenic spots, including “Lu Ban Testing His Axe,” “Pine Grove at Dawn,” “Immortals Presenting a Child,” “Five Tigers Emerging from the Mountains,” “Dongpo’s Night Stroll,” “Li Bai Drunk,” “Lone Beauty of the Pen Peak,” and “Camel Caravan Journeying Afar.” Each spot has its own unique charm. The white-bark pines growing in the crevices of the cliffs are particularly remarkable—some branches stretch out like long arms reaching over a zhang (about 3.3 meters); some twist and curl, even winding around other branches as they grow upward; others hang upside down, dangling several zhangs below, peeking out playfully in mid-air; still others stand upright, soaring into the sky and spreading their green arms, resembling a beautiful maiden with her own distinctive youth, grace, and liveliness. Beneath the pines, looking into the distance, the Wei River winds like a ribbon, while lotus-like mountain ranges surround the area gently. The scenery not only captures the poetic imagery of “rivers flowing beyond the world, mountains appearing and disappearing in the mist,” but also offers the majestic view of “standing atop the highest peak, viewing all other mountains as small.” From the “Camel Caravan Journeying Afar” viewpoint, twelve mountains of varying sizes stand side by side, with layers of clouds swirling around them. Sunlight casts varying hues on the peaks and clouds—nearby areas are transparent blue, slightly farther ones dark gray. Further away, the colors transition from deep gray to light gray, eventually fading into a faint hint of blue. All of this captivates visitors, making them linger without wanting to leave.

　The mountain features over 200 grottoes, which are believed to have been initially built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, with additions made during the Five Dynasties, Tang, and Song periods. They experienced periods of prosperity and decline after the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, and were expanded twice during the Qing Dynasty under Emperors Qianlong and Jiaqing. There were once 31 temples of various sizes. Although now only ruins remain, historical records indicate that the area was once a thriving scenic destination. The Great Buddha Ancestor Hall, the Lower Buddha Lü Mother Palace, and the Three Officials Hall all had shrines to deities such as the God of War, Guan Yu, and others. To the south lies Yaochi, featuring five ponds with crystal-clear water. Above the ponds are three halls each dedicated to Bodhisattvas and Dragon Gods. On the northern cliff are carved caves, including the West Cave where a Buddha is depicted lying on its back in deep sleep—commonly known as the Sleeping Buddha. Nearby are caves dedicated to deities like the Snow Mountain and the Medicine King. On the eastern side, an ancient and simple statue of an old man is enshrined in a cave, believed to be Chen Ye, the mountain’s founding monk. At the cave entrance, a wooden pavilion stands gracefully as if flying. The top of the western ridge is home to the Jade Emperor Pavilion. Behind the pavilion, a jagged ridge resembles a humpback, intimidating even the bravest. Below the pavilion, halls dedicated to the White-Robed Kṣitigarbha embrace the mountain ridge. The Deer Garden’s elegant towers and ancient halls are clearly visible. This top of the western ridge is also known as the Four Scenic Spots. Poems by literati and inscriptions by notable figures amount to over 40 surviving works, including one by the scholar Li Keming.

Dark verdure grinds against the sky along the slanting stone path, Where the stately Buddha Hall dons a veil-like mist.

The fleeting shadows of mayflies stir all things under heaven, While the crowing of cocks and barking of dogs echo from a home beyond the worldly realm.

Several peaks astonish with the wonder of divine craftsmanship, Ten-thousand-year-old wood shavings transform into spiritual blossoms.

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Luban Mountain and Laojun Mountain, separated by the surging Wei River, are the two most famous mountains in Wushan, renowned across Longdong.