Dragon Whisker Mountain

　　   Dragon Whisker Mountain is located on the eastern bank of Dengyuan River in Jixi, Anhui. It connects to Qigu Mountain in the east and features twin peaks. The main peak, Long Peak, stands at an elevation of 1,048.6 meters and has a Dragon Pool at its summit that never dries up throughout the year. The secondary peak, Baisha Peak, boasts attractions such as Dragon Terrace Rock, Stone Gate, Stone Stairs, and Waterfalls. The Ming Dynasty poet Chen Zhang once wrote: “The great and small peaks are sharp as iron, their summits scraping the sky in striking wonder. Where has the Taoist built his cloud bridge? Ascend straight to the peak to see the dragon’s den.”

　　   In ancient times, there was the Longfeng Temple and Guqiao Village on the western foothills, both now in ruins. It is said that Longfeng Temple was where Hu Zongxian, a prominent figure of the Ming Dynasty, studied. The mountain is home to Dragon Whisker Grass, which was used to make fine paper known historically as Dragon Whisker Paper. Li Yu, the last ruler of the Southern Tang Dynasty, greatly cherished this paper, storing it in his "Chengxin Hall," thus making Dragon Whisker Paper famous across the land, even surpassing the famed papers of Bashu. The mountain derives its name from this unique grass. Dragon Whisker Mountain features many peculiar peaks and oddly shaped rocks, lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, sea of clouds, and radiant rosy clouds, making it one of the notable mountains in the region.

　　   Dragon Whisker Mountain boasts many peculiar peaks and oddly shaped rocks, lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, sea of clouds, and radiant rosy clouds. On the western foothills, there were once the Longfeng Temple and Guqiao Village, both now destroyed. It is said that Longfeng Temple was where Hu Zongxian of the Ming Dynasty studied. The mountain is home to Dragon Whisker Grass, which was used to make fine paper known historically as Dragon Whisker Paper. Li Yu, the last ruler of the Southern Tang Dynasty, greatly cherished this paper, storing it in his "Chengxin Hall," thus making Dragon Whisker Paper famous across the land, even surpassing the famed papers of Bashu. The mountain derives its name from this unique grass.

　　   The Ming Dynasty poet Chen Zhang wrote: “The great and small peaks are sharp as iron, their summits scraping the sky in striking wonder. Where has the Taoist built his cloud bridge? Ascend straight to the peak to see the dragon’s den.” Dragon Whisker Mountain is a windswept, sandy mountain. In narrow sections along the ridgeline, there is only enough space for one foot, with cliffs on either side. Most of the rocks on the ridge have eroded into gravel and white sand, and some areas can be quite slippery.

　　   Scenic views can be enjoyed on the ridgeline in front of the main peak and at the observation decks around the saddles. The mountain paths to the northwest offer scenery unlike any other nearby peaks, characterized by numerous strange rocks and waterfalls, making the views truly spectacular. The hike mostly takes place along the ridgeline of Baisha Peak, with panoramic surroundings. In the northwest direction, one can clearly see Qingliang Peak, Dazhang Mountain, Baizhang Cliff, Zhanshan Grand Canyon, and the winding mountain path leading to Lüjing. Layer upon layer of mountain peaks unfold before you, while several ancient villages — Yulongchuan, Beicun, Hucun, and Fuling — are dotted among vast fields of rapeseed flowers.

　　   There is a small cliff on the mountainside, and several sections of the trail run along the edge of cliffs, about four to five meters high. From the mountaintop, one can clearly see sights such as Qingliang Peak and Zhanshan Grand Canyon. Some parts of the ridgeline resemble the famous “Crane’s Back Ridge” of Huangshan, flanked by sheer drops on either side. At the mountain’s base, a clear river meanders through the landscape. Its surface reflects the lush green spring trees along the banks, and not far away, emerald mountains loom under a thin veil of mist — truly a breathtaking scene.

　　   This is a unique landform, where the mountain is covered with wind-eroded rock and gravel, forming a striking contrast with the lush green mountains nearby. It’s truly a mountain with character. Compared to other nearby peaks, Dragon Whisker Mountain stands out prominently, bearing the desolate and proud aura of millennia of erosion.