Old Thatched Cottage

　　The Old Thatched Cottage is the place where Master Guiguzi once lived. It is situated beneath the ridge terrace on the eastern side of Guigushan Mountain, less than 100 meters from the Temple of Guiguzi. In ancient times, there were several thatched cottages here, but now they have completely disappeared, leaving only an open space—the site of the Old Thatched Cottage.

　　The Old Thatched Cottage boasts beautiful scenery. Nestled atop a steep and majestic peak over 2,000 meters above sea level and surrounded by a vast expanse of ancient, towering fir trees, it is filled with vibrant green life all day long. White mist gently wraps around the cottage and drifts leisurely in front of and behind it. Dense, massive fir trees thoroughly shield the cottage, allowing only dappled sunlight to filter through. Amidst the hazy atmosphere, the Old Thatched Cottage appears so tranquil, quaint, and lush.

　　Next to the ruins of the Old Thatched Cottage lies a huge rock. Naturally formed in the middle of this rock is a shallow depression. The depression isn’t large—only enough to hold 4–5 kilograms of grain. Local legend says this stone pit is called the “Grain Pit.” In the past, every night, grain would mysteriously appear inside it. By morning, all the grain could be scooped out and taken away without a single grain left behind, providing food for the monks at the temple. During the day, once the grain was consumed, more would quietly reappear in the pit by night.

　　Above the Grain Pit, there is another large rock. On the top surface of this rock, two deep, naturally formed stone hollows sit side by side. Each hollow is about 30 centimeters deep and roughly 10 centimeters in diameter. Legend has it that these two hollows are called the “Oil and Salt Jars.” One jar holds oil, the other salt. Like the Grain Pit, they produce oil and salt at night for people to use during the day.

　　Elders say that in the past, there was also a connected stone handle between the two hollows of the Oil and Salt Jars. Unfortunately, it was broken during the Republican era.