Dameishan Scenic Area

Dameishan Scenic Area

Located west of Qiaotou Town in Datong County, Qinghai Province, Dameishan is about 5 kilometers from the county seat. It stretches from Heilin to Jingyangchuan, encircling the southwestern part of the county, spanning over 50 kilometers in total. Covering an area of approximately 100 square kilometers, it faces off against Laoye Mountain. The Dameishan in Yunxi County, Hubei Province, is part of the Qinling mountain range. Located in the southern part of Yunxi County, it is the highest peak near Jianchi Township, with an elevation of 1,078 meters and covering an area of about 12 square kilometers. The Dameishan in Lingbao City, Henan Province, also known as Nülang Mountain, is located at the easternmost end of the Xiaoqinling mountain range, 10 kilometers southwest of Lingbao City in the southern part of Jiaocun Town, covering a total area of 28 square kilometers. With beautiful natural scenery, Dameishan, along with Hanguguan and the Yawushan National Forest Park, forms Lingbao City's "品"-shaped Yellow River tourist route.

Also known as Jin’e Mountain, Dameishan is located in Datong New Town, Xining. At its summit lies a heavenly lake (Tianchi), which, during the rainy summer months, ripples with water, while colorful butterflies flutter around the lakeside—a scene that inspired one of Xining’s ancient Eight Scenic Spots, "Jin’e Dawn." As part of the Qilian Mountain Range, Dameishan stretches from Heilin in the west to Jingyangchuan in the east, spanning over 100 li (approximately 50 km) in length. From its base to its peak, the mountain offers ever-changing, captivating views year-round, forming a serene and vibrant natural gallery. Additionally, its expansive grassy hills, undulating and interspersed, sometimes shielded by dense forests or sheer cliffs, evoke the feeling of being deep in a labyrinthine mountain realm. From the summit, one can gaze far into the distance—southward to the twin mountains and towering skyscrapers of Xining, faintly visible, and northward to the majestic Dabanshan Mountain, its peaks capped with snow, mist swirling around its midsection. Looking around, the Dameishan foothills rise and fall from west to east: some ridges soar like dragons ascending to the heavens, others spread their wings like phoenixes; some are emerald green like painted screens, while others are enveloped in rosy clouds.

Dameishan is steeped in long-standing scenic spots and enchanting mythical tales that captivate the imagination. Historical records tell of Emperor Yang of Sui, who in 609 AD led an entourage of roughly 100,000 officials, soldiers, and laborers on a tour of the western regions (Hexi) and a military campaign against the Tuyuhun. His younger sister, Princess Leiping, accompanied him but passed away on Jin’e Mountain. Later, the Holy Mother Temple was built in her honor. Since the Holy Mother was commonly referred to as “Niángniang” (lady or dame), Jin’e Mountain also became known as Dameishan.

Dameishan is not only picturesque but also a treasure trove. Beneath the mountain lie rich coal seams that have been mined for five or six hundred years. The central ridge at the foot of Dameishan also holds large deposits of quartzite, and the area is abundant in water resources.

Numerous legendary tales surround Dameishan. One local folktale goes like this: In Changningbao Village, Datong County, there once stood a General God Temple, said to have been built in honor of Dameishan. Legend has it that during the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Yang had 3,600 wives, with the Niángniang (primary empress) being his rightful consort. However, Yang indulged day and night in wine and pleasure, neglecting state affairs, while corrupt officials oppressed the people, resulting in widespread poverty. The Niángniang repeatedly remonstrated with him, but he refused to listen. Later, under the influence of malicious courtiers, Emperor Yang exiled the Niángniang to the Ludun Mountain military horse farm in the northwest to tend horses, where she endured great hardship, surviving on wild greens and tattered clothes. Eventually, loyal ministers persuaded the emperor to relent and bring her back. When Emperor Yang arrived in the northwest with his entourage, upon hearing the news of his arrival, the Niángniang, torn between anger and sorrow, said to the messengers, "Does he still have the face to see me? I never want to see that tyrant who brought suffering to the people again." She then threw herself off a cliff. By the time Emperor Yang reached the site, the Niángniang had already died. Filled with remorse, he reflected on her care and wise counsel during her life. To honor her memory forever, he buried her with great ceremony and posthumously appointed her as the guardian deity of the region. To commemorate her, the people of Changningbao Village built a temple and named it the General God Temple, and they renamed Ludun Mountain “Dameishan.”

One historical legend says: In April 609 AD, during the fifth year of the Daye era of Emperor Yang of Sui, he personally led over 100,000 troops to campaign against the Tuyuhun, accompanied by numerous officials, concubines, and palace women. They gathered forces and conducted military drills in Xiping (present-day Xining), entering Changning Valley in May. At Dameishan, the emperor held a grand banquet for his ministers to plan the attack on the Tuyuhun, assigning General Yuanshou to station troops south of Jinshan. At that time, Emperor Yang’s elder sister, Princess Leiping (formerly the Empress of the Northern Zhou dynasty), accompanied the expedition but died on Jinshan. It is said she was buried on this mountain, and later, the Holy Mother Temple was erected in her memory. Since the Holy Mother was commonly called “Niángniang,” the mountain also came to be known as Dameishan. The third legend says: Among the many Niángniangs who followed Emperor Yang on the western campaign, one beloved consort fell gravely ill due to the harsh cold at high altitude and eventually died on Dameishan. The emperor ordered his men to choose a scenic spot on the mountain for her burial. The next day, people saw flocks of white moths fluttering above her grave. Emperor Yang believed this was “heaven and earth mourning for his consort,” so he named the mountain “Jin’e Mountain.” As he honored the imperial consort as a “Niángniang,” the mountain has since been called Dameishan.

Another tale says: Among the many consorts who followed Emperor Yang on the western campaign was one named Jin’e, who grew tired of palace life and became a nun on Dameishan. Later, Jin’e passed away on the mountain, and she was buried midway up its slopes. She was revered as a Holy Mother, and a temple was built to worship her. Hence, the mountain was called Jin’e Mountain, commonly known as Dameishan.

Dameishan is located west of Qiaotou Town in Datong County, about 5 kilometers from the county seat. It stretches from Heilin to Jingyangchuan, encircling the southwestern part of the county, spanning over 50 kilometers in length. Covering an area of approximately 100 square kilometers, it faces off against Laoye Mountain. The mountain features undulating ridges and abrupt peaks that pierce the sky. Both the "Book of the Later Han" and the "Book of Han" refer to it as “Kunlun.” Its main peak stands at an elevation of 4,010 meters. The mountain’s natural forest covers 12,000 acres, lush with pine, cypress, birch, and poplar trees. Its rugged ridges and cliffs alternate with areas of dense forest, while the sound of mountain streams and birdsong fills the air.

The surface of Dameishan is covered with loess, while its lower layers consist of phyllite, slate, and metamorphic conglomerate over 3,000 meters thick. In some areas, quartzite and sandstone layers exceed 1,000 meters in thickness. The rocks are hard and show signs of weathering. The scenic area has an average annual temperature of 2.8°C, with July being the warmest month at an average of 13.9°C. Annual rainfall exceeds 800 mm. The area features high mountains and deep valleys, moist air, and changeable weather. Clouds may quickly bring light rain, then just as suddenly give way to sunshine. The mountaintop, due to its high elevation and cold climate, is capped with white snow. The mid-slopes are often wreathed in mist, dotted with blooming flowers in vivid colors. In late autumn, the birch leaves turn fiery red, set against a backdrop of light fog and glowing sunset hues, creating a breathtaking golden spectacle—the famed “Sunset Golden Glow,” one of Datong’s ancient Eight Scenic Spots.

The mountain’s naturally formed landforms contribute to its endless beauty. In the eighth year of the Republic of China (1919), Liu Yunxin, the then magistrate of Datong County from Hefei, offered a vivid description in the "Datong County Annals": “Nine lotus-like peaks, towering thousands of feet. Bathed in the setting sun, their radiance touches the heavens. Beams of light shine brilliantly, crimson reflecting sapphire.” Simply put, Dameishan is characterized by three features: height, beauty, and mystique.

From the summit, one can gaze far into the distance—south to the Nanchan Temple atop Phoenix Mountain in Xining and the Beichan Temple on Tulou Mountain, as well as towering skyscrapers and lofty chimneys piercing the sky. To the north stands the sheer Dabanshan Mountain, its peak capped with snow and mid-slopes veiled in mist. Standing atop the mountain, you truly feel as though “a single peak rises from the earth, dwarfing all surrounding hills.” Even the nearby, majestic, and long-renowned Laoye Mountain, known as the “Half-Belly Sky-Toucher,” seems smaller in comparison. The beauty—dense forests of birch, pine, and poplar compete for height, lush and green. The 137,000-acre grasslands serve as vibrant summer pastures. In summer, the area boasts clear waters, blooming flowers, fluttering butterflies, birdsong, and lush greenery. Coupled with mountain pools and temples, the scenery becomes even more vibrant and dazzling.

The origins of Dameishan and many of its scenic spots are tied to mythical legends—for example, “Collapsed Temple Platform,” “Fairy Cave,” “Artillery Platform,” and “Erlang Stone” all derive their names from such tales.

The Collapsed Temple Platform is located halfway up Dameishan, about 3 kilometers from the mountain gate. Historical records state that in 609 AD (the fifth year of the Daye era), Emperor Yang of Sui led an army of roughly 100,000 officials, soldiers, and workers on a tour of the Hexi region and a campaign against the Tuyuhun. In May, they entered Changning Valley north of Xiping (present-day Xining), and held a grand banquet for ministers on Jinshan (also called Jin’e Mountain). During the feast, one of Emperor Yang’s favorite consorts died on Jin’e Mountain due to the harsh cold of the Tibetan Plateau. Deeply saddened, the emperor witnessed countless white moths descending upon her burial site. Believing this to be a sign of “heaven and earth mourning,” he renamed the mountain “Jin’e Mountain.” After his victorious western campaign, on his way back east, he left officers behind to govern the area and ordered them to build the “Golden Mother Temple” on a scenic spot of Jin’e Mountain in her honor. Over time, the temple fell into disrepair and collapsed, leading people to call the site the “Collapsed Temple Platform.”

At the summit of Dameishan lies a “Jade Pool.” Logically speaking, a water body atop a summit over 4,000 meters high is already remarkable, but this pool spans over 100 acres—an extraordinary wonder. Moreover, it retains water year-round and never dries up, even in drought, making it nothing short of miraculous. Folklore claims the pool connects to Qinghai Lake and associates it with the Queen Mother’s Jade Pool, adding to its mystical allure.

As a branch of the Qilian Mountain Range, Dameishan stretches from Heilin in the west to Jingyangchuan in the east, spanning over 100 li (approximately 50 km) in length. From its base to its peak, the mountain offers ever-changing, captivating views year-round, forming a serene and vibrant natural gallery. Additionally, its expansive grassy hills, undulating and interspersed, sometimes shielded by dense forests or sheer cliffs, evoke the feeling of being deep in a labyrinthine mountain realm. Yet, as you navigate winding mountain trails in search of hidden beauty, you’ll often experience sudden vistas that inspire awe. Sometimes, while walking along rugged paths, a light rain may drift down from a clear sky, refreshing your face. Occasionally, a white mist may billow from a cliffside, drifting among the peaks. This lingering humidity in the high valleys creates Dameishan’s ever-shifting climate. At times, fine drizzle adds a solemn atmosphere; at others, clearing skies bathe ancient trees and green foliage in brilliant sunlight. Crystal-clear streams and murmuring brooks play like soft music, creating a refreshing and uplifting experience. From the summit, one can gaze far into the distance—south to the twin mountains and skyscrapers of Xining, faintly visible, and north to the towering Dabanshan Mountain, its snowy peaks and misty mid-slopes. The Dameishan foothills undulate like dragons or phoenixes, some lush and green like painted screens, others veiled in rosy clouds. Being on this mountain gives you the feeling of “a single peak rising from the earth, dwarfing all surrounding hills.” Even the nearby, majestic, and long-renowned Laoye Mountain, known as the “Half-Belly Sky-Toucher,” seems smaller in comparison. Looking down into the valleys, emerald cliffs plunge into deep ravines; crystal-clear streams rush joyfully below, occasionally crashing over rocks in a sparkling display reminiscent of rolling pearls and splashing jade. In late autumn and early winter, the birch forests blaze red, especially under the glow of sunset, accompanied by the scent of harvest winds—transporting you into a painting and filling your heart with wonder.

The long-standing scenic spots and captivating myths of Dameishan have fascinated people throughout history. Many poets, painters, and scholars have visited and composed works in her honor. Qing dynasty poet Liao Xisu, serving as county magistrate in Gansu, wrote in his poem "Lang Tao Sha": “To the south, fine mountains abound, the Golden Ewe peerless. Sunset spills across slopes, deep and shallow. Illuminating lotus blooms in blushing hues, delicate and fair. The poetic scene is hard to grasp—gather it in your bundle. What to do with it on the way home? Call the wife to cook wine, drink till dawn, and sing wildly.” Historical records state that in 609 AD, Emperor Yang of Sui led an entourage of roughly 100,000 officials, soldiers, and workers on a tour of the Hexi region and a campaign against the Tuyuhun. His younger sister, Princess Leiping, accompanied him but passed away on Jin’e Mountain. Later, the Holy Mother Temple was built in her honor. Since the Holy Mother was commonly called “Niángniang,” Jin’e Mountain also became known as Dameishan. Not only is Dameishan picturesque, but it is also a treasure trove. Beneath the mountain lie rich coal seams that have been mined for five or six hundred years. The central ridge at the foot of Dameishan also holds large deposits of quartzite, and the area is abundant in water resources.