Eight Scenic Spots of Talue

　　Mojiang County was originally called Talue Ting. During the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, local scholars carefully selected eight scenic attractions within the region, which were later recognized by the Talue sub-prefect and have been passed down to this day.

　　Nine-Tiered String of Pearls. This refers to Lianzhu Mountain northeast of the county town. Starting from Tuditang Liangzi and extending all the way to the county seat, there are eight hilltops in a row, resembling a string of emerald-green pearls. Later, a Taoist temple called “Guanyin Pavilion” was built beneath the eighth hill, making it nine in total — symbolizing the auspicious number. Hence the name “Nine-Tiered String of Pearls.” On the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th tiers of this formation were located the Jade Emperor Pavilion, the Three Brothers Temple, the Confucius Temple, a middle school, and the county government office. The Jade Emperor Pavilion and the Three Brothers Temple have now been destroyed.

　　Twin Streams Embracing the Pavilion. Guanyin Pavilion is situated at the confluence of the Tianxi River and the Lianyi River. The two rivers flow around the pavilion before merging and heading south. Hence the poetic name “Twin Streams Embracing the Pavilion.” A couplet once hung above the pavilion that read: “The Nine-Tiered String of Pearls — a sacred land of three treasures; the Twin Rings of Jade — a miniature Western Paradise.” It remains widely quoted. Today, the Guanyin Pavilion has long been demolished, and the scenic spot no longer exists.

　　Mystic Mist Cave. Located about 3.5 kilometers west of the county town near a large tree at the entrance of Puzuo Village. Legend says there was a cave here from which a wisp of faint blue smoke rose year-round. People believed they could predict good or bad fortune based on the smoke. However, due to the overwhelming number of visitors coming to pray, the local residents could no longer bear the burden, so they sealed the cave entrance with an iron pot and filled it with earth, extinguishing the mist forever. This scenic site is now gone.

　　Twin Peaks Like Stacked Keys. Located 12 kilometers south of the county town in Wusu Village, Shuanglong Township, it refers to two mountains: “Wusu Jian Mountain” and “Wugang Mountain.” The two peaks stand opposite each other, resembling stacked keys. There is also a beautiful legend behind the Twin Peaks: It’s said that Aqi Luojiluoye and Miza Zhasizhayi, ancestors of the Hani ethnic group, fled here by the Talue River together to fight for marriage freedom. To block their pursuers, Luojiluoye picked up two mountains from the sky and attempted to use them to block the Talue River, turning it into a vast sea. But just as he was crossing the river, the bronze pin of his carrying pole broke, and the two mountains fell on either side of the river, growing into two tall, pointed peaks.

　　Brush Rack Peaks. This refers to the mountain peaks behind Sangtian Village, 5 kilometers south of the county town. Three peaks rise in a row, resembling the stand used to hold writing brushes in traditional scholar's studios, hence the name. In ancient times, a stone pagoda called the “Literary Brush Pagoda” was built atop the highest peak. The pagoda no longer exists today, leaving only ruins.

　　Dragon Spring Rolling Pearls. Beside Sangtian Village south of the county town and at the foot of the Dragon Tree lies a pond called Dragon Spring. Water surges upward from the bottom of the pond, stirring the white sand below and making it roll like pearls — hence the name “Dragon Spring Rolling Pearls.” In 1993, funds were raised for its renovation. Surrounded by ancient trees and enveloped in mist, especially in the height of summer, visitors will find a cool breeze here dispelling the heat — making it a perfect summer retreat.

　　Jade Hills and Immortal Cavern. Located 22 kilometers northwest of the county town on Zhebi Mountain. In ancient times, there was a cave here often wreathed in colorful clouds. The recluse Yu Chenglong once built a thatched hut on the mountain. Atop the peak there used to be a temple, believed to house immortals, thus it was also known as “Immortal City.” No traces remain today, and the scenic site is no longer in existence.　

　　　Mojiang’s Golden Ripples. Located on the surface of the river beneath the Zhanluping Bridge (now Zhong’ai Bridge) over the Amo River. Every afternoon, when the setting sun casts its glow and a gentle breeze blows, the river shimmers with golden light and rippling waves, presenting a truly spectacular view — hence the name “Mojiang’s Golden Ripples.”