King Tang Mountain

　　   King Tang Mountain is situated in Shimen Township, Wenxi County, at the foot of the Zhongtiao Mountains, with an elevation of 1,752 meters, making it the highest peak in the southern part of the Zhongtiao Mountain range. Its ancient name was Tiaoshan (Striped Mountain), which was later changed to Jingshan (Scenic Mountain) according to the Classic of Mountains and Seas. In 1600 BC, troops were dispatched from here, and after the Battle of Mingtiao, the Xia Dynasty was overthrown and the Shang Dynasty was established, laying the foundation for the Shang’s 600-year reign. The mountain was thus sanctified and renamed King Tang Mountain. It is the birthplace of Shang Tang culture. Looking across the 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization, figures like Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang stand out, but King Tang Mountain is home to the only cultural relics and scenic site in the country themed around Shang Tang culture. The Yuncheng King Tang Mountain Scenic Area, anciently known as Tiaoshan or Jingshan, witnessed the tyranny of King Jie at the end of the Xia Dynasty, which brought great suffering to the people. Many turned to Cheng Tang for refuge, and so he set up camp on this mountain. After seven years of recuperation and military training, he launched an expedition from here in 1711 BC, overthrowing the Xia and founding the Shang Dynasty, establishing China’s first slave society. To commemorate this wise ruler, a temple was built on the former military camp’s star-gazing platform. There is also an ancient and moving local legend about King Tang Mountain: after Tang unified the realm, there was a severe drought for seven consecutive years. A minister divined that only a human sacrifice would bring rain. King Tang decided to sacrifice himself to save his people. He wrapped himself in straw, climbed onto a pyre, and flames engulfed him. Just as he was about to be burned to death, rain suddenly poured down, extinguishing the fire, and the people rejoiced. From then on, to honor King Tang, the highest mountain in Wenxi was named “King Tang Mountain.”

　　   King Tang Mountain is the birthplace of both Shang Tang culture and the geomantic culture of Guo Pu of the Jin Dynasty. Throughout the 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization, figures such as Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang are preeminent, but King Tang Mountain is the only place in the country that features cultural relics and scenic spots themed entirely around Shang Tang culture. Here, towering mountains, lush green pines, layered peaks, and peculiar rocks abound. It is a provincial-level natural forest reserve, blessed with unique natural tourism resources, and also home to numerous historical and cultural sites. Particularly noteworthy is the Temple of King Tang located at the main peak. Originally built during the Shang and Zhou dynasties and expanded through successive renovations in the Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties, its halls are entirely constructed from meticulously cut mountain stones, giving them a simple, sturdy, and distinctive appearance. Despite enduring millennia of wind and rain, they still stand proudly atop the cliffs. With its unique relics of Shang Tang culture, King Tang Mountain is truly a premier cultural tourism resource rooted in the ancient Yellow River heritage.

　　   The Temple of King Tang at the main peak was originally built during the Shang and Zhou dynasties and was expanded and renovated during the Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Its halls are constructed entirely from precisely cut mountain stone, featuring a rustic yet solid and unique style. Despite withstanding thousands of years of wind and rain, the structures still stand firmly on the cliffs.

　　   Phone: 0359-7022107

　　   Address: Wenxi County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province