Blushing Maiden Mountain

　　Blushing Maiden Mountain, located on the northern bank of the Zi River in Xiushan Town, is 15 kilometers from Taojiang County. Along the riverside, there are seven peaks of varying sizes, with the main peak standing at 375 meters. The shape of the mountain vividly resembles a beautiful woman who has just bathed and emerged from the water, lying on her back by the riverbank to rest. Her naked, graceful, and well-defined figure—her raised chin, softly flowing hair, outstretched arms, symmetrical long legs, raised abdomen, and enchanting breasts—forms a “Venus” sculpture carved into the land of Taojiang. Fu Hongji, Vice President of the Hunan Academy of Social Sciences, after eight years of research, confirmed that Blushing Maiden Mountain is the “Xiang Mountain” mentioned in *Records of the Grand Historian* where the Yellow Emperor ascended during his southern tour to Mount Xiongxiang.

　　The beautiful Blushing Maiden Mountain has a magical legend. It is said that the Blushing Maiden was a pretty village girl who lived by the river. She and a hardworking young man fell in love in secret and were about to be wed when invaders from another ethnic group attacked the Central Plains. The young man resolutely enlisted and went to the front lines. Before parting, the two pledged eternal love and vowed to reunite and marry upon his triumphant return. After he left for war, the maiden missed him dearly and often stood under the peach tree at the village entrance, hoping to see her lover return soon. One day, a lecherous county magistrate passed by and, seeing such a beautiful woman, tried to harass her. The maiden, frightened, turned and ran, with the magistrate chasing after her. When they reached the banks of the Zi River, the magistrate tore off the maiden’s clothes. Overcome with shame, she jumped into the river. Instantly, fierce winds blew across the land, thunder roared, and lightning flashed. Amid the deafening thunder, the maiden transformed into a green mountain standing by the river, while the magistrate turned into a stone, kneeling in the river. To commemorate the maiden’s loyalty and fearless devotion to love, people named the riverside mountain Blushing Maiden Mountain and built a temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Blushing Maiden at its summit.

　　The area around Blushing Maiden Mountain is known for its peach blossoms and beautiful women. Scientists have found that this phenomenon is due to the residents around the mountain drinking spring water rich in various essential amino acids needed by the human body. Regular consumption of this water not only benefits health but also helps maintain fair and delicate skin. All visitors to the mountain make sure to drink a cup of the spring water from Blushing Maiden Mountain.