Luonan Yunmeng Mountain

　　The Yunmeng Mountain Scenic Area is located in Maping Town, about 15 kilometers north of Luonan County. Yunmeng Mountain is the highest peak among the mountains of Luonan. Its main peak stands at an elevation of 1745 meters, with towering peaks piercing the clouds, surrounded continuously by misty mountains like endless strands of silk, hence the name “Yunmeng Mountain,” also known as “Shutang Mountain.” It is called Shutang Mountain due to a beautiful and moving legend that once took place here.

　　According to the "Yong Sheng Lue," in ancient times, one day, a hunter discovered a sika deer in the dense forests and valleys of Shutang Mountain. The deer had many branches on its antlers, a strong and well-proportioned body, a red coat with white spots, and slender, powerful legs. Upon noticing the hunter, the sika deer leaped several zhang (a traditional Chinese unit of length), darting through the woods and over the ridges, running faster and faster. The hunter pursued relentlessly. When they reached two caves behind Shutang Mountain, the deer suddenly vanished. The hunter looked around and saw peach blossoms in front of the caves as brilliant as brocade, blooming vibrantly like spring. From within the caves, he heard ethereal celestial music and the clear sound of reading, as if poetry were being recited to music in a scholarly hall. It was the middle of winter with snow and rain, yet such a scene appeared, which was truly extraordinary. Puzzled, the hunter wanted to get a closer look, but saw an ancient pine growing upside down at the cave entrance, its leaves swaying in the wind like a dragon soaring and dancing. Inside the cave were exquisite and lifelike rocks resembling tables, chairs, stools, pots, bowls, chopsticks, stoves, and more, vividly realistic. Another cave had a lofty and unfathomable interior. The cave walls featured images like painted landscapes, flocks of birds paying homage to the phoenix, and immortals celebrating longevity. Incense smoke drifted within, accompanied by the sounds of bells and chimes, creating a solemn yet elegant atmosphere reminiscent of a scholarly hall. The hunter found it all very strange, quickly exited the cave, and carved a mark on a peach tree with his knife. The next day, when he returned to the mountain to find the spot, all the trees on the mountain bore knife marks, but the cave of scholarly study could no longer be found. Thus, the name “Shutang Mountain” came into being.

　　Shutang Mountain is rich in cultural relics and captivating legends. It is said that mythical figures such as the Dragon God of Rain and the Red Pine Immortal once wandered here; after helping Liu Bang establish the Han Dynasty and overthrow the Qin, the Han dynasty’s Zhang Liang sought retirement and seclusion here; the Taoist master Sun Biyun once built a thatched cottage here for meditation. “Yunmeng Viewing Splendor” and “Shutang Snowflakes” are both renowned scenic wonders. On clear days, when the sun rises in the east, standing atop the mountain and looking north toward the Qinling Mountains, one can see the majestic peaks of Huashan—Sunrise Peak, Wild Goose Landing Peak, and Lotus Peak—stretching layer upon layer, with famous sights laid out vividly before one’s eyes, lifting the spirit and filling the heart with awe. In early spring, while heavy snow blankets the mountain, the foothills are covered in blooming peach blossoms, creating an exceptionally enchanting scene. “The distant hues of the mountain ranges are unobstructed by the Qinling range; Shutang Mountain remains, with snow flowers still visible in the caves”—this couplet vividly captures these two magnificent landscapes.

　　Nowadays, during the March spring outings and the Double Ninth Festival climbs, visitors come in an endless stream. Standing on the mountain fills one with a sense of openness and inspiration. Looking north toward the Qinling Mountains, the peaks stand like emerald screens in a ring, lotus flowers piercing the clouds; looking down, the Luo River surges mightily, flowing eastward in a vast expanse, while the southern mountains stretch endlessly in a vast, lush sea of peaks, with all the scenic beauty of mountains and rivers spread out before one’s eyes. One’s mood instantly brightens, spirits lift, and the desire to take in the splendid jewel that is the Shang and Luo Mountains and Waters grows even stronger.

　　Scenic Area Address: Within Maping Town, Luonan County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province

　　Transportation: Take a bus from Luonan County to Maping Town. After arriving in Maping Town, if there is no further transportation, you can hike up the mountain.