Quannan Tianlong Mountain

　　   Quannan Tianlong Mountain, named for its mountain ridges that rise like a soaring dragon, is located 9 kilometers east of the county seat at the border with Longnan County. It is one of the important scenic and historic sites in Quannan County. The mountain features perilous and uniquely shaped cliffs, with three sides standing sheer and rugged rocks jutting out. In the sixth year of the Wanli era during the Ming Dynasty, the enlightened and benevolent Zeng Maoda built Tianlong Mountain Temple on the main peak. With eminent monks presiding and their profound Buddhist practice, the temple enjoyed immense popularity and fame for hundreds of miles. The Ming Dynasty philosopher Wang Yangming, upon ascending Tianlong Mountain and beholding its peculiar rocks, spontaneously composed a poem: “The peaks of Tianlong Mountain pierce the clouds; the meandering Taoh River encircles the hills. Evergreen through all seasons, the land produces heroes.” In June 1940, Mr. Chiang Ching-kuo visited Tianlong Mountain during an inspection tour and praised it in his travel notes as: “Truly a fine land among the southern ridges, a beautiful peak of the southern realm, indeed a blessed site of Tianlong.”?

　　    Legend has it that before the formation of this mountain, the area was an expanse of flat land. Later, the daughter of the Dragon King of the East Sea fell in love with a poor young man from Tianlong Village. Their love was so intense she refused to return to the palace. The Dragon King, furious, sent a dragon son accompanied by shrimp soldiers and turtle generals to capture her. Unexpectedly, this story of enduring love moved the Jade Emperor, who intervened to mediate and even bestowed many copper coins upon the poor young man. The Dragon King had no choice but to order the sea to retreat three hundred li, and thus the dragon maiden remained by the side of Tianlong Mountain—now known as the majestic peak called Apojie. A tuft of green at the summit resembles the traditional hair bun worn by Hakka women today. Legend says the Hakka women’s custom of wearing buns was inspired by the dragon maiden’s hairstyle, making Apojie, in a way, the grandmother of the Hakka people.?

　　    On the main peak of Tianlong Mountain grows a unique tree species: its trunk stands straight without branches, shaped like an umbrella. In autumn, it flowers and bears fruit. The blossoms hang in clusters, resembling strings of copper coins. When shaken gently, the coins-like blossoms fall down, prompting locals to aptly name it the “Money-Shaking Tree.” Legend says this tree was planted by the same poor young man from Tianlong Village after receiving the copper coins bestowed by the Jade Emperor.?

　　    On the western side of Tianlong Mountain’s main peak, within the reclining rock formation, lies a coiled dragon ridge stretching toward the main peak. This dragon ridge is said to be the dragon prince himself, who, witnessing his sister’s unwavering devotion to love, was deeply moved to tears. The spring water that flows ceaselessly in front of the Reclining Dragon Rock is believed to be formed from those emotional tears. About twenty meters away from the Reclining Dragon Rock lies a massive stone turtle resting on the water pond, poised as if crawling toward the main peak. This turtle is none other than the turtle general who accompanied the dragon prince.?

　　    Tianlong Mountain’s fame today is also closely linked to Jin Yong’s internationally renowned novel “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.” Local elders say that the legendary tales of battles between celestial troops resemble the fierce fight scenes depicted in “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.” This is likely something even the great writer Jin Yong could not have foreseen.?

　　    It is said that Tianlong Mountain is highly auspicious. Back when the temple’s incense was thriving, a greedy monk secretly tried to flee at night with a sack of copper coins. No matter how far he walked, he ended up back at the same spot every time until dawn when he was discovered. From then on, the monk devoted himself wholeheartedly to the temple and eventually became a renowned high monk. Within the Tofu Rock on the western side of the main peak lies another tale. In 1944, a defeated Japanese army unit passed through Tianlong Village, committing arson, murder, and looting. One village group of over 400 people from Tianlong Village hid under Tofu Rock, just ten meters from the Japanese soldiers, yet they went completely unnoticed. Locals marvel that it was the divine protection of Tianlong Mountain that saved the villagers.?