Shangzhou Daiyun Mountain

　　Daiyun Mountain is located fifteen li northwest of Shangzhou City. It lies to the left of the road from Shangzhou via Banqiao to Luonan, and today the Shangluo TV Station’s carrier wave station is built atop it. The mountain is also known as “Dayun Mountain.” Here, the character “大” is pronounced dài, and some people suspect that “戴” should be a phonetic variation of “大.” Historical records say that Dayun Mountain earned its name because when rain was about to fall, clouds would gather around the mountain first. Locals commonly refer to it as “Shuodao Mountain.”

　　Shangzhou City is “surrounded by mountains on all sides,” yet among them, Daiyun Mountain stands out remarkably. Not only is the mountain steep and towering, but it is also often shrouded in misty woods, with clouds gathering before rainfall. Whether the sky is overcast or clear, it presents a picturesque view. In ancient times, major local mountains were often referred to as the “protectors” or “towns” of a prefecture or county seat. Thus, after explaining the origin of the mountain’s name in the first line, Wang Shixu goes on to describe how Daiyun Mountain, solemn and dignified like a fearless sentinel, guards the northwestern side of the city, protecting its safety and becoming a strikingly beautiful scenic feature on the outskirts of Shangzhou.

　　In ancient times, Daiyun Mountain was also an important tourist attraction around Shangzhou City. A temple dedicated to the Dark Emperor (Xuan Di) was once built on the mountain. Behind the mountain lies Daiyun Cave, which was used as a shelter from bandits and soldiers in the past. A grand temple fair was held on the third day of the third lunar month. There must have been many interesting sights, but what the author fondly recalls at this moment is his childhood impression upon reaching the summit — “endless mountains surge like flowing waves,” meaning the continuous ridges and peaks surrounding Daiyun Mountain resemble the ceaseless, surging flow of a mighty river.

　　Metaphor is an important tool in figurative thinking. Liu Xie, an ancient Chinese literary theorist, said, “Although there are many types of comparisons, the most valuable are those that are apt.” “Though things may be as distant as the northern Hu and southern Yue, when united they are as close as liver and gall.” That is to say, although there are many kinds of metaphors, the most important thing is that they be fitting. Though the northern Hu and southern Yue are far apart, they can be closely linked like liver and gall. By comparing seemingly unrelated things, one creates a beautiful artistic conception and produces captivating charm. The poem’s final line uses “flowing waves” to describe the mountain range, leaving room for the imagination. Gazing into the distance, one not only seems to see the scene but also hears its sound, transforming the otherwise still mountain ridges into something dynamic, creating a vivid, lifelike, and powerful impression.