Jingziyu

　　   Jingziyu is a mountain valley on the southeastern side of Panlong Mountain (commonly referred to as "Longshan"). Stretching two li in length from north to south and shaped like a “well,” it is thus named “Jingziyu.” Longshan, from its dragon head to tail, features nine peaks of varying heights and sizes, resembling a gigantic dragon coiling, undulating, swaying, and surging up and down—hence the name. The mountain is also called “Nine-Peak Iron Tea Mountain.” The origin of this name goes back over a thousand years when tea from south of the Yangtze River was introduced to Panlong Mountain in southern Shandong. For centuries, through the cultivation and management of generations of Taoist priests, the mountain was covered with high-quality tea trees. The Taoists could harvest the tea for their own use, or offer it to fellow Taoists or patrons. However, due to later lack of maintenance, the tea gardens suffered repeated destruction from grazing and logging, and the tea trees nearly disappeared. Today, only a few tea bushes survive in the crevices of cliffs at YunGuang Cave. According to tea experts, this tea is of the same variety as the southern “Tieguanyin.” Therefore, Panlong Mountain is also known as “Nine-Peak Iron Tea Mountain.”

　　    Jingziyu in Panlong Mountain features a karst hilly landscape, extending over thirty li in circumference. The mountain terrain rises in a spiral from northeast to southwest, with the northeast being the dragon’s tail and the higher southwestern part being the dragon’s head. Beneath a cliff on the southern side of the dragon’s head lies a cave several zhang deep, with a wide mouth. The front section of the cave resembles a hall that can accommodate hundreds of people. Further inside, a large square rock blocks the way, which visitors can bypass by squeezing sideways. A few meters deeper, the cave widens. Visitors have noted: “...(YunGuang Cave) resembles an underground Buddhist temple. Looking around, one sees corridors, side rooms, caisson ceilings, seated Buddhas, attendants, the shapes of chimes and drums; going further in, there are depictions of dogs, horses, lions, and tigers, as well as dripping eaves where water falls into stone basins for visitors to drink. Locals say this place is a ‘sea eye’—during floods, mountain waters rise sharply. In ancient times, ducks were released into the crevices and later emerged in the Panlong River’s Shibapan section. This phenomenon is clearly a geological marvel and will undoubtedly enhance the beauty of the local landscape.”

　　    The most eye-catching attraction in Jingziyu is the “Three Pure Ones Temple,” built during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Centered around the Three Pure Ones Temple, the site includes architectural complexes such as the Three Stars Hall, Jade Emperor Pavilion, Hua Tuo Pavilion, and Sanqi Tower, all designed in a simple and elegant style. To the west of the Three Pure Ones Temple lies the “Realization Cave,” and beneath the rocks to the east is the “Twin Dragons Spring.” There is also another spring, Scorpion Valley, and Yun Guang above the valley, all adding a mythical touch to Jingziyu.

　　    Jingziyu originally belonged to Yixian County. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Yixian’s officials, scholars, and literati often came here to escape the summer heat, and it was perennially frequented by both tourists and pilgrims. It was once the site of a Confucian academy known as Jingziyu Academy. Many notable figures from Yixian (such as the Tian family of Nanshi, the Xue family of Xishigou, and the Cui family of Qicun) studied here. According to the “Yixian Annals”: “Jingziyu, fifty li northwest of the county, is flanked by steep cliffs. The northern rock face curves like a bent table, with layered and staggered palaces and halls, tall trees shrouded in mist, and overhanging rocks like a roof. A clear and sweet spring pool serves as a well, neither drying up nor overflowing, often floating on the surface. The tranquil surroundings made it a favorite place for locals to read or escape the summer heat. The coolness was so refreshing, no breeze was needed.”

　　   On the eastern cliff of the Three Pure Ones Temple, two wells are aligned from north to south and are called the “Twin Dragons Spring.” The two springs are about four steps apart, share an underground water system, do not overflow during heavy rain, nor dry up during droughts, and produce clear, sweet water. Residents of Jingziyu have drunk from these springs since ancient times, resulting in a population known for robust health and longevity. A local rhyme says: “Jingziyu, with its clear springs, has long-lived villagers throughout history.”

　　   Jingziyu has many cypress trees, among which the largest is a three-person-embracing red cypress, said to have been planted in the Han Dynasty. In the 24th year of the Republic of China (1935), this tree faced a crisis. At the time, Yixian authorities planned to sell the temple’s trees as funds for a rural teachers' school. The villagers of Jingziyu united to petition the Shandong provincial government, and thanks to an order from Education Minister He Siyuan forbidding the sale, the Han cypress was preserved. In gratitude, the locals erected a merit stele for He Siyuan, which still stands today. Panlong Mountain has nine peaks, and the fortress walls encircle six of them. Because Yuan Jinqi from Shigouying Village led the construction during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi eras of the Qing Dynasty, it was later called Yuan Family Fort, and Panlong Mountain became commonly known as “Yuan Fort Mountain.” The fortress walls follow the mountain’s contours, stretching over 10 kilometers in total, 2 meters wide and 3 meters high, with four gates to the east, west, south, and north—the northern gate being the tallest and sturdiest.

　　    Legend has it that the original site of Yuan Fort has a history of over two thousand years. The reconstruction during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi eras of the Qing Dynasty was just a restoration. Today, over ten ancient beacon towers from two thousand years ago still exist within the fort. These towers served two purposes: as signal communication points and for night combat illumination. A battlefield of old, now a scenic spot. Whether initially built during the late Han Dynasty or restored in the Xianfeng and Tongzhi eras, Yuan Fort was constructed for defense and warfare. It was also beautified and expanded during peaceful times, with involvement from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, giving Panlong Mountain and Jingziyu a rich historical and cultural heritage and distinctive ethnic character. Records indicate: Panlong Mountain had peach, jujube, apricot, pear, tea, pomegranate, and medicinal plant plantations, with few other fruit trees. The annual temple fair in Jingziyu on the ninth day of the first lunar month has a thousand-year history. Due to the gathering of pilgrims, vendors selling incense and candles multiplied, later adding fireworks, firecrackers, lanterns, toys, and more. Right after the Spring Festival, as the weather warms but farming hasn’t yet begun, nearby villagers flock to Jingziyu in small groups to join the festivities. Over the years, attendees grew in number, with antique dealers, root carvers, storytellers, martial artists, and food vendors joining in. Local specialties like fried dumplings, spicy soup, and tofu pudding are traditional fare; peanuts, walnuts, pomegranates, and jujubes are abundant, while candy figurines and candied haws are quick sellers. The sound of children’s bamboo horns fills the air, and elders who prefer less crowding go to the hillsides to listen to drum storytelling or enjoy the mountain views. With economic development, Jingziyu is bound to become even more bustling and prosperous.

　　   Jingziyu boasts a long history, precipitous and unique mountain terrain, deep caves, and flowing springs,

　　   ancient towering trees, birds singing in the lush forests, and the most beautiful scenery in late autumn.

　　   Wildflowers bloom competitively across the mountains, and grain flourishes on the slopes.

　　   Fruit-laden trees abound, and mountain streams babble softly,

　　   where ancient relics preserve rich cultural heritage,

　　   and modern development ushers in a golden age of opportunity.

　　   The shimmering lake and mountain views are a much-longed-for destination for travelers,

　　   which appear even more beautiful and vibrant in this prosperous era.

　　   Recently, honey peaches, green bamboos, herbs, eucommia, and iron tea have been planted, forming a “Seven-Garden” layout. These gardens hold both high economic value and ornamental appeal, adding charm to Jingziyu. (Liu Zongying)