The Magnificent Scenery of Qian Mountain

　　Qian Mountain is located in Chaihedian, southern Tengzhou City, about 20 kilometers from the urban area. It gets its name from the numerous peaks. During the time of Yu the Great, Xi Zhong made carts here and was later buried at the foot of the mountain, hence it is also called Xigong Mountain.

　　“The pines and cypresses on Qian Mountain are lush and emerald-green, while sunlight filters through hidden caves and streams flow freely.” The mountain path winds around, revealing hidden wonders. At the foot of the mountain lies a ten-thousand-mu pear orchard, first built in the third year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, where the blossoms shine “like silver.” Stretching over ten li along the riverside is a tree-lined boulevard dotted with tall poplars, embracing the Pear-Viewing Pavilion, the yacht dock, cliff inscriptions, Jade Emperor Summit, Old North Palace, Black Dragon Pool, Lotus Cave, and the labyrinthine Maze Rock formations — all mysterious and surreal. From the mountaintop, one can take in breathtaking views: the shimmering Xue River, the lush green gardens, the smoke curling from village chimneys, and the crisscrossing fields, presenting a picturesque scene straight out of a poem.

　　Not far eastward along the ridge of Qian Mountain lies the Temple of Lüzu. This two-story stone structure features three spacious main rooms and two side chambers. Within the courtyard is a sweet spring, and in front of the temple stand several stone steles. Legend has it that this is the place where Lü Dongbin attained immortality.

　　Westward along the ridge of Qian Mountain lies Black Dragon Pool, ranked first among the seventy-two springs of Qian Mountain. With a surface area of about 60 square meters and unfathomable depth, the pool continuously overflows year-round, offering water that is crystal clear and sweet to the taste. Every summer and autumn, the splashing water creates a spectacular sight. Legend says that long ago, in a spring, the Queen Mother of the West ordered the Flower Fairy to plant a magical gourd in a mountain hollow north of Jade Emperor Summit — a gourd that would bloom in 300 years, bear fruit in 500 years, and ripen only after 1,000 years. She tasked the Third Prince of the Dragon King of the East Sea, Little Black Dragon, with guarding it. As the gourd was about to ripen, it was stolen by Tieguai Li, who had journeyed from the Penglai Immortal Realm to West Lake for leisure. Consequently, the Queen Mother accused Little Black Dragon of negligence before the Jade Emperor, who then imprisoned him in the “Heavenly Water Dungeon” beneath Jade Emperor Summit. Later, people began calling the Heavenly Water Dungeon Black Dragon Pool.