Yunhua Mountain

　　Yunhua Mountain is located in Shao Yu Township, about 15 kilometers northeast of Xihe County, connected to Tazishan Mountain, and sits at an altitude of 2,100 meters. Its shape resembles a jade tablet, and it was historically known as Guifeng (Jade Tablet Peak). When the bright moon hangs high and all is quiet, the view is vast and majestic—this is the famous “Autumn Moon over Guifeng” scenic wonder. Yunhua Mountain stands alone as a solitary peak, with steep cliffs rising on all sides. It is surrounded by open air except for one side, which connects to the “Sky Bridge” of the Tazishan Mountain range. This lone path seems like a celestial bridge leading to the Jade Pool. The Sky Bridge is extremely perilous, with no supports on either side, and walking across it makes you feel as if the mountains are spinning and clouds are swirling around you, as though you are standing on the edge of a deep abyss. In terms of terrain, it is even more rugged and precipitous than Huashan (the Western Great Mountain). At the summit there is a temple, laid out in a charmingly irregular fashion, covering an area of less than 20 square meters. Cement steps and railings have now been installed on the steep slope in front of the temple. A horizontal plaque hanging above the mountain gate reads “Between Heaven and Earth.” Inside the temple, visitors can find couplets and inscriptions by renowned calligraphers and painters on the temple doors and pillars. These works praise both ancient and modern virtues, condemn evil, and showcase calligraphy styles ranging from Han Li to the styles of the “Two Wangs” (Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi), offering a visual feast. All the halls are adorned with painted flying Apsaras or murals depicting stories from the Buddha’s previous lives. During traditional festivals and seasonal celebrations, the sounds of morning bells and evening drums resonate from the top of Yunhua Mountain, audible for miles around. Hence, it has earned the folk praise “The Bell Sounds of Yunhua Mountain Echo Through Western and Li Counties.” (Note: Western and Li refer to Xihe and Li County.) Climbing to the summit of Yunhua Mountain, you’ll be greeted by crimson cliffs like rosy clouds, drifting colorful clouds, and a truly magnificent sight—one that feels like stepping into a mystical immortal realm.

　　Because Yunhua Mountain is a side peak of Tazishan Mountain (anciently known as Jitou Peak), legend has it that it was a place where Emperor Qin Shi Huang worshipped his ancestors. The mountain became famous because of the person, and Yunhua Mountain has long been a place people yearn to visit. The main peak temple of Yunhua Mountain enshrines the god Xuanwu. According to research by Professor Zhao Kuifu, a distinguished scholar at Northwest Normal University, the deity Xuanwu evolved from the image of Gun, the father of Yu the Great. Initially, it transformed into “Xuanming,” and later came to be called “Xuanwu.”

　　“Xuanming,”

　　“Xuanwu” is the water deity, while “Gun” is the divine name. Gun was one of China’s earliest experts in water management and architectural engineering. The deity Xuanwu is depicted with disheveled hair, bare feet, and standing atop a turtle and snake—a symbol of his association with water control. It is also proposed that Xuanwu is linked in star lore to the constellations of Altair (the Cowherd) and Vega (the Weaving Maid), which ties into the Qiqiao Festival traditions of Qin and the cultural connections of Xihe. Professor Zhao offered several highly enlightening suggestions that hold significant meaning for the tourism development of Yunhua Mountain. He was deeply impressed by the spectacular scenery of Yunhua Mountain and composed a couplet on the spot: “Three peaks rise from the earth forming Taiji; One ridge cuts through the sky dividing Yin and Yang,” with the horizontal inscription: “Gazing Upward to the Mysterious Heaven,” as a gesture of care and support.