Luya Mountain

Luya Mountain

Luya Mountain is the main peak of the Guancen Mountain range, located within the territories of Ningwu, Wuzhai, and Kelan counties in Shanxi Province, 26 kilometers southeast of Wuzhai County. It belongs to the Lüliang Mountain range and is described as “connecting to Kelan in the west, stretching toward Ningwu in the east, linking to Jingle in the south, and standing majestically over Wuzhai.”

Luya Mountain got its name because its shape resembles a “luya” (a sprouting reed shoot). With an elevation of 2,739 meters, it is a towering peak among the rugged high mountains, resembling a giant holding a sharp sword pointing straight into the sky. The area features overlapping peaks, with over 200 large and small mountains clustered together, crisscrossing ravines, dramatic cliffs, bubbling streams, and more than 30 waterfalls of various sizes. The mountain peaks are sharp and steep, with grotesque rocks scattered around and dense forests covering the slopes. When shrouded in mist, the lofty peaks emerge vividly, like fresh green reed shoots “breaking through the soil — full of vitality, tender and inviting.” After the rain, when the sun rises, the dark green mountains sometimes take on a fiery red hue. Occasionally, a colorful “Buddha’s Halo of Luya,” resembling the shape of “0,” can also be seen.

At the summit of Luya Mountain, there are numerous scenic spots, including Golden Dragon Pool, Five Dragons Cave, Xiuyun Peak, Purple Peak Cliff, Phoenix Ridge, East and West Fire Sites, Big and Small Tianjian Valleys, Shushen Gorge, Shed Body Cliff, Jiuguang Ladder, Huayan Shrine, Preaching Platform, Vajra Buddha Hall, Dragon King Temple, and Prince Hall. To the east of the Prince Hall lie Little Luya Mountain, Yunji Temple, and Ehu Nao. Behind Little Luya Mountain, there are additional natural landscapes such as Damo Nunnery, Stone Plank Sky Bridge, and Dahe Pan.

The Luya Mountain area is covered with dense forests, abundant springs, and wild medicinal herbs scattered across the land. Rare animals roam the woods, wildflowers bloom, and fragrant grasses thrive. The Fen River, Qinglian River, and Lanqi River all originate here. Every year after the spring plowing season ends, farmers from counties such as Wuzhai, Shendi, Ningwu, Jingle, and Kelan drive tens of thousands of cattle, donkeys, mules, and horses here for grazing.

Local specialties: Red Kidney Beans, Eleutherococcus Senticosus Bark, etc.

Address: Kelan County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province