Mount Andai

　　Mount Andai is located in Najin Town, Taonan City, belonging to the foothills of the Greater Khingan Mountains, with an elevation of 480.4 meters. The mountain is covered with trees such as wild apricot and elm, and is abundant in wildlife such as pheasants and hares, hence its name (Andai Mountain, which means "Hunting Mountain" in Mongolian). There are five scenic spots: First is the Qunchang Reservoir Recreation Area. Qunchang Reservoir is a water conservancy project on the Najin River, with clear water, flat sandy bottoms, and many wild fish. It is home to a large number of birds, and features a swimming area and fishing spots within the reservoir. Second is the Qunchang Martyrs' Cemetery. The cemetery is situated on a highland between the foot of Mount Andai and Qunchang Reservoir, planted with numerous trees and flowers. Third is the Eagle’s Nest scenic spot on Mount Andai. The Eagle’s Nest is on the southern slope of the mountain, where apricot trees and elms grow densely, alongside lush wildflowers and grasses. Fourth is the Stone Forest scenic spot on Mount Andai. The stone forest is located at the mountain’s highest peak, offering views of the stone formations and the entire scenic area from the summit. Fifth is the Six Sisters Trees scenic spot. A large forested area provides visitors with a place to rest and cool off.

　　The undulating Greater Khingan Mountains, like a graceful and affectionate maiden, stretch all the way, meeting the vast Horqin Grassland in Taonan, known as the “Ancient City of a Thousand Years, Prefecture County of a Hundred Years.” Their tender embrace has given birth to the charming Mount Andai. Facing the Greater Khingan Mountains to the north and overlooking the Horqin Grassland to the south, Mount Andai stands tall amidst blue skies and green grass, quietly witnessing an eternal romance.

　　Nestled in Taonan, a place renowned as the "century-old county," and embraced by the vast Horqin Grassland, lies the enchanting Andai Mountain. Facing the Greater Khingan Mountains to the north and overlooking the Horqin Grassland to the south, Andai Mountain stands tall amidst the blue sky and emerald grasslands, quietly witnessing an eternal romance.

　　Stepping into the Mount Andai Scenic Area, you can not only touch the curves of its rolling peaks but also embrace the serenity of its shimmering waters. The soaring eagles over the Eagle’s Nest, the spectacular Stone Forest with its myriad forms, the inseparable Six Sisters Trees, the solemn Qunchang Martyrs’ Cemetery, and the tranquil Qunchang Reservoir—these five wonders of the scenic area perfectly blend natural beauty, historical legends, and contemporary culture on this land. It attracts you like a magnet, making you linger, enchanted by nature’s masterpieces, your heart stirred by ripples that anchor your longing, never wanting to leave.

　　Mount Andai is located in Najin Town, the ancient city of Taonan, belonging to the foothills of the Greater Khingan Mountains, with an elevation of 480.4 meters. The mountain is teeming with birds and beasts. “Andai” in Mongolian means “prey,” hence the name, meaning “Hunting Mountain.” According to local historical records of Taonan, during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, hunting season would see the Prince of the Sartu Banner of the Right Wing of Horqin frequently leading nobles here, galloping on horseback, drawing bows and arrows, patrolling and hunting in the mountains. Today, the mountain is still alive with bounding hares and darting pheasants.

　　The southern slope of the mountain is gentle and flat, covered with dense trees and lush grass. Because of the eagles soaring and nesting here, it is called the “Eagle’s Nest.” In spring, as flowers bloom and life revives, wild apricot blossoms cover the slopes, red as fire, pink as rosy clouds, white as snow, fragrant and vibrant, refreshing the heart and lungs. Endless green grass is dotted with dozens of wildflowers, resembling a finely woven tapestry, delicate and colorful. Bees and butterflies dance, birds chirp. Standing here, even if “spring hastens away,” one still “finds joy in lingering.”

　　Following mountain trails through wind-swept grass and green trees, you ascend to the highest peak of Mount Andai. At the summit, the mountain wind brushes by, chilling your hair. Looking around, the entire panorama of the Mount Andai Scenic Area unfolds before your eyes. The unique Stone Forest lies atop the main peak. The stone formations are rugged and varied in shape—some like a maiden grooming herself, some like a strong man holding up the sky, some like trees shading the sun, some like birds skimming the wings… vivid and lifelike, each with its own charm. Let your imagination soar among these breathtaking sights, and you will sincerely marvel at nature’s ingenious ideas and the wondrous craftsmanship of creation.

　　“Rooted together, hearts united, forever in bond; every branch and leaf speaks of deep affection.”

　　Standing before the Six Sisters Trees, touching their branches, sunlight filters through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows that dance on the ground. Like true sisters sharing one root, they stand united, supporting a shared sky. Legends have always been vessels of emotion for our Chinese nation. The human love told by the Six Sisters Trees surely carries a breathtakingly beautiful story, one that will be passed down through generations.

　　　At the foot of Mount Andai, solemn and dignified, lies a cemetery shaded by lush pines and cypresses—

　　the Qunchang Martyrs’ Cemetery. Revolutionary martyr Yan Qunchang rests his head on the green hills, lying in eternal peace here, quietly guarding this land. The towering memorial stele points straight to the sky.

　　Opening the first page of the history book, we read about a hero who, with the mighty pen of his life, wrote boundless loyalty to this land.

　　Yan Qunchang, born in 1921 in Anping, Hebei, came to the northeast in September 1945 with Huang Kecheng’s troops. Following Comrade Mao Zedong’s directive to “establish solid rural bases in the northeast,” the northeastern Party organization actively organized armed work teams to go deep into the countryside. Yan Qunchang was assigned to work in Baicheng County, Liaobei Province (now Taonan City, Jilin Province), serving as the district chief of Najin District. Undaunted by the rampant reactionary armed forces and under extremely harsh revolutionary conditions, he bravely led local people in the land reform struggle, dealing heavy blows to the reactionary landlord class. On August 4, 1946, while convening a district cadre meeting in Wangfutun, the village was surrounded by bandits due to a tip-off from reactionary landlords. He and his orderly Gao Wenyuan were besieged in a barn by over 300 bandits while covering the retreat of district cadres. Outnumbered and out of ammunition, they were unfortunately captured. Before the enemy, he remained unyielding; no torture could shake his iron will, and he was ultimately executed. Before his death, deeply moved by his character and heroism, local people wept bitterly. He said firmly, “Don’t be sad, everyone. Though the body dies, the spirit lives on. The world belongs to the people, and victory is near…”

　　The martyr rests underground, but the land he nourished with his blood now blooms with flowers of freedom, democracy, and happiness. To commemorate him, the locals renamed Wangfutun to Qunchangtun and built a cemetery to forever honor this hero. The surging Tao’er River ceaselessly recounts the hero’s moving deeds.

　　Indeed, those who care for the people are forever remembered by them. The Qunchang Reservoir, a water conservancy project built on the Najin River in 1972, is named after the hero. From the summit of Mount Andai, the Qunchang Reservoir shines like a brilliant pearl inlaid in the scenic area, with its surrounding dam resembling a dancing ribbon of jade. The moon-like lake brings vitality to the entire scenic zone. Indeed, mountains without water are always incomplete; mountains and water together are the eternal ideal.

　　The Qunchang Reservoir, the finishing touch to this land, embodies the heroic spirit of the people of the ancient city as they struggled against nature. Built over three years, it represents the sweat of countless locals, resulting in thousands of acres of fertile land free from flooding. Here, people are creating happy lives with their own hands.

　　Standing on the reservoir dam, one is filled with wonder—the scenery before you matches perfectly the description in “Record of Yueyang Tower”: “Sandpipers gather and fly, colorful fish swim; bankside orchids and reeds grow thick and lush.” Fish swim in the clear water, “as if floating in empty space.” Visitors swim in the water, paddle boats across the lake, or fish by the shore—

　　what joy it is. As time passes, the sunset paints the western sky, “blue skies, green waters, fragrant grass, a blaze of sunset and birdsong,” “sunset clouds fly with a lone duck, autumn waters merge with the boundless sky.” The lake surface shimmers,

　　with birds resting or flying, misty waters stretching far, fishing boats returning at dusk, the lingering charm endless—a scene full of poetic charm.