Xunyang Tianmen Mountain

　　Xunyang Tianmen Mountain is situated at the junction of Shuidong Village in Shuanghe Town and Damiao Village in Guankou Town, Xunyang County, about 95 kilometers from the county seat. Part of the NanYang Mountain range, it is said to have been the hermitage of Han Dynasty chancellor Zhang Liang during his retreat into seclusion in the southern mountains. The mountain's interconnected peaks form a unique shape resembling the Bagua (Eight Trigrams), earning it the alternate name Bagua Mountain. The area is dominated by vast, primeval forests. Towering majestically, Tianmen Mountain features steep, precipitous cliffs and spectacular, awe-inspiring scenery. Towering ancient trees, twisting vines, and moss-covered rocks abound, with numerous peculiar peaks dotting the landscape. The main peak's Tianmen Mountain soars into the clouds, and atop it lies a miraculous cave that pierces straight through the mountain. The cave is over 50 meters high and 48 meters wide. Locals call it the “Mountain-Piercing Eye.” Legend has it that the deity Erlang Shen (Yang Jian), while carrying mountains on a shoulder pole to chase the sun, used the tip of his pole to lift a mountain, thus forming the Tianmen Cave. Looking through the cave, you can see floating clouds on the opposite side, and looking down, you can spot the smoke rising from village kitchens. A poem captures the scene: “A wonder wrought by nature’s hand, / A timeless myth passed down through the land. / Visitors to this marvelous scene roam, / As if riding the clouds — they’re not like mortals at home.” Truly, a heavenly realm fallen to earth.

　　 For centuries, the Tianmen Cave has absorbed the spiritual essence of heaven and earth, becoming a sacred site where people come to pray and make wishes. The tradition of ascending Tianmen to pray for blessings has become a local custom, symbolizing the pursuit of peace, happiness, and a better life.

　　 As the poem goes, “A wonder wrought by nature’s hand, / A timeless myth passed down through the land. / Visitors to this marvelous scene roam, / As if riding the clouds — they’re not like mortals at home.” Bathed in the spiritual energy of nature and witnessing the marvels of the natural world, one feels as if in a fairyland, losing all sense of self. Xunyang Tianmen Mountain captivates every visitor with its steepness, wonder, majesty, and beauty. Xunyang Tianmen Mountain is a place that refreshes the spirit and leaves one lingering with unforgettable memories.