Mingtang Mountain

　　   Mingtang Mountain is situated in the heart of the Dabie Mountains in southwestern Anhui, within Yuexi County, Anhui Province, 42 kilometers from the county seat. Part of the Dabie Mountain range, it originates from the Duozhijian Mountain chain, rising abruptly with three peaks. Its main peak stands at an elevation of 1,563 meters and serves as the watershed between the Yangtze River and Huai River basins. Historically, it was a connecting region between the ancient states of Wu and Chu.

　　   Legend has it that over 2,100 years ago, Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, designated this mountain as the site for the “Mingtang” (ceremonial hall) during his Fengshan ceremony at Tianzhu Mountain, the ancient Southern Sacred Mountain. Hence the name. Locals, noting the mountain’s graceful and elegant peaks that complement the majestic and upright Tianzhu Mountain—both located in Anhui and just a hundred li apart—say the two mountains “grow side by side in a lifelong bond,” playfully referring to Tianzhu Mountain as the “Male Anhui Mountain” and Mingtang Mountain as the “Female Anhui Mountain.” Additionally, because there is a natural pattern resembling a rooster on the main peak’s cliffs, and when viewed from the north, the clustered peaks resemble a rooster’s comb, it is also called “Rooster Mountain.”

　　   The Mingtang Mountain Scenic Area was invested in by Hong Kong Golden Diamond Limited and construction began in March 2005, with preliminary completion in April 2007. Covering an area of over 50 square kilometers, the scenic zone boasts ancient towering trees and hidden paradises. The ancient Taihu County Annals listed Mingtang Mountain as the foremost among the local mountains, describing it as: “Three sharp peaks piercing the sky, incomparably beautiful and spectacular.”

　　   Viewed from different angles, Mingtang Mountain presents distinct sceneries. From the south, it resembles an upside-down flying butterfly, vibrant and graceful, akin to Huangshan’s Lotus Peak. A poem praises it: “Mingtang’s five peaks stretch like fingers, half in the human world, half in the sky,” illustrating its precipitous beauty. Ascending from the east to the watershed ridge, the mountaintop looks like a penholder, soaring straight into the clouds. Halfway up the main peak lies a vast valley opening like a hall, flat yet crowned by nine peaks aligned in a row, standing as if nine children clasping together—known as the “Nine Sons United in a Hall.” Looking north, the mountain reveals layers of ridges covered in thick green. Viewed from the west, it appears like a mushroom cloud surging skyward, or like a fairy wreathed in clouds and mist. Truly, with every step the landscape transforms, presenting myriad forms. A poem attests: “Mingtang Mountain holds many wonders, shifting views and endless shapes: from the south, like a UFO soaring through the sky; from the west, like a mother cradling her child; to the east, as if a hall celebrates a wise ruler; the North Star Tower reaching toward the heavens; water reflecting radiant light as if engraved by the gods, while blue lotuses invite the moon for a stroll together.”

　　   Mingtang Mountain is majestic year-round, often veiled in drifting mist, offering enchanting scenery. Ancient people identified twelve natural wonders here: the Crowing Rooster Welcoming the Sun, the North Star Tower, the Cloud Cliff Chasm, the Ox Ridge Crossing, the Thunder Sound Temple Pagoda, the Cloud City Streets, the Mirror Lake’s Lush Greens, the Horse-Tail Silver Waterfall, the Beacon God Platform, the Monks and Nuns Seeking Enlightenment, the Three Stars Supporting the Moon, and the Nine-Petal Lotus.

　　   Currently, five major scenic zones have been developed: the Majestic Main Peak Mingtang Zone, the Pines of QingSong Ridge Zone, the Scenic Waters of Hulu River Zone, the Elegant Moon Cliff Zone, and the Secluded and Mysterious Ancient Well Hermitage Exploration Zone. Each zone features unique scenery—some boast towering boulders pointing to the sky with sheer cliffs; others have deep valleys with murmuring streams and wildflowers and fruits scattered throughout; some feature ancient pines reaching skyward, blending seamlessly with rocks and cliffs, creating poetic, profoundly serene landscapes. Mr. Liang Dong, Vice President of the China Poetry Society, affectionately praised Mingtang Mountain: “The imperial son of Mingtang reigns over the sunny sky, defying all winds from every direction; myriad valleys fly with silver willow catkins, a thousand hills intoxicate in azalea red; who dares compete at Shengtang Bay’s crossing? Before Tianzhu Peak, I stand the mightiest; the Dabie Mountains divide waters beyond the clouds, while the Yangtze and Huai Rivers forever flow eastward.”