Anyang Jiulong Mountain

　　   Jiulong Mountain is situated southeast of Tianxi Town, approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Anyang City. It stands towering and steep, lush and picturesque, with one side bordering the Anyang River and three sides surrounded by high mountains, offering a panoramic view of the Zhangwu Reservoir.

　　   The terrain of Jiulong Mountain is unique, with remarkable landforms. The mountaintop features a flat area running from north to south, where a large temple has been built. Historical records indicate that in the third year of the Tianbao era during the reign of Emperor Wenxuan of the Northern Qi Dynasty, a decree was issued to construct Yunmen Temple on the sunny side of Longshan (Dragon Mountain) under the guidance of the eminent monk Zen Master Gaochou. Unfortunately, the original temple was destroyed. In recent years, funds raised by local residents have enabled its reconstruction. The temple now consists of five courtyards, facing south and situated to the north. It comprises a gate tower, bell tower, Temple of the North Emperor, Bodhisattva Hall, Buddha Hall, Jade Emperor Hall, brick pagoda, and Bixia Pavilion. The main buildings, including the towers and halls, are crowned with glazed tiles, restoring and even surpassing the temple’s former glory—elegant, majestic, and splendid. The temple's stupa features a wood-like structure, with a brick pagoda whose base is octagonal in shape, supported by statues of the Eight Heavenly Generals. Currently, two stories remain, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Inside the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, a bronze statue of the Jade Emperor adds an air of mystery to the temple.

　　   On Jiulong Mountain lies the Chaoyuan Cave Temple, where shaded valleys are crisscrossed with gullies of varying depths. When winter snow falls, it lingers for a long time without melting. Even in the sunny days of March, the landscape remains blanketed in white, resembling the depth of winter. Sunlight spills over the mountain slopes, revealing brown ridges through the unmelted snow. Mist rises, rendering the entire small mountain ethereal and delicate. “It’s a pity there are no master painters to capture this scene,” wrote a poet, who also penned the verse: “White stones and green peaks shimmer in contrast, pointing afar to the wondrous sights of Dragon Mountain,” praising this very scenery. This has become one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Anyang—the Snow Accumulation on Dragon Mountain.

　　   Zuo Si, a renowned literary figure of the Western Jin Dynasty, once wrote the sensational “Rhapsody on the Three Capitals.” People in Luoyang competed to make handwritten copies, causing a temporary paper shortage in the city. In one of the rhapsodies, “Rhapsody on the Capital of Wei,” Zuo Si mentioned Dragon Mountain. This shows how stunning the scenery here must have been at that time.

　　   There are different versions of the description of the Snow Accumulation on Dragon Mountain. Some believe that the “snow” refers to the white-colored rocks on the mountain, which look like winter snow when viewed from afar—hence the name. However, this area is now covered by coal gangue from the Jiulong Mountain Coal Mine, and the true appearance of this scenic sight has become impossible to discern.

　　   Nowadays, the charm of the Eight Scenic Spots can hardly compare to what it was in the past. The relentless passage of time has turned them into memories, allowing us to appreciate their former glory only in our imaginations.

　　   Recalling the lost landscapes is also a way of reading history. Amid nostalgic thoughts, we savor those familiar scenes tinged with the weight of time. In doing so, do we find contentment in drawing closer to them?

　　   Climbing Jiulong Mountain allows you to “look down upon the world” from above. Aside from visiting the ancient structures, you can gaze eastward to take in the full view of the Zhangwu Reservoir—picturesque mountains and rivers, blue waters meeting the sky, an expanse of water. Amidst the inspiration, you may envision the scene of Cao Cao from the Three Kingdoms period commending his naval forces here. Magnificent and splendid.