Qingming Mountain

　　Qingming Mountain is located about sixty li northwest of Shangzhou, north of Dajing Town, with an elevation of over 1,200 meters. It is a widely renowned scenic spot in the northwest of Shangzhou.

　　Qingming Mountain, originally named Xuanwu Mountain. Legend has it that when the town was first established, there was the saying of “Zhuque (Vermilion Bird) in the south, Xuanwu (Black Tortoise) in the north, Qinglong (Azure Dragon) on the left, and Baihu (White Tiger) on the right.”

　　Qingming Mountain is the terminal peak of Xiyu Mountain, a branch range of the Eastern Qinling Mountains. With its majestic presence and beautiful scenery, it resembles a soaring dragon lying amidst the mountains north of Dajing. As soon as you enter the mouth of the Dajing Valley, you can gaze upon the majestic head—looming Qingming Mountain—shifting subtly with the floating clouds. Behind it lies the approximately 30-li-long East-West Yu Grand Canyon. Walking two li from the bustling Dajing Town,

　　wade across the crystal-clear, fish-filled Qingming River, and you’ll find yourself on the winding, rugged path of Qingming Mountain, fragrant with wildflowers. At the mountain’s entrance, the first to greet you is the “Mountain Guardian Temple.” Passing through terraced fields mixed with crops and dense walnut groves, you’ll reach the mountainside where the slope steepens. A peak suddenly rises, surrounded by sheer cliffs, shaded forests, and twisted rocks. The Temples of the Holy Lord and Holy Lady, the Medicine King Hall, the Black Tiger Spirit Palace, and the Horse King Temple are situated one after another at this transition between gentle and steep terrain. Here, visitors can pay respects to the statue of the Medicine King, who healed and served the people, admire the benevolent faces of the Holy Lord and Holy Lady, appreciate the ornate carvings and artistic beauty of the ancient temple structures, or take a short rest to prepare for climbing to the highest peak.

　　Ascending to the towering main peak of Qingming Mountain, the resplendent Temple of the Dark Warrior Emperor and the Temple of the Boundless Patriarch are built at the highest point of the summit. There are varying accounts of when the temple was first built. Legend says where there is a mountain, there is a temple, indicating its great antiquity. To the east are the Eight Immortals Above and the Heavenly Emperor’s Temple; just a few steps further east, atop the sheer cliff, is the Goddess of Childbirth Temple, with the Boundless Patriarch’s Retreat Palace behind it; to the west behind the mountain is the Taibai Divine Cave, and at the foot of the Patriarch is the Mountain Guardian Temple. Standing at the peak, the pastoral scenery of the Dajing Valley unfolds before your eyes, and looking around, the rolling mountains stretch out in layers. Behind Qingming Mountain is the main peak of the tens-of-li-long Manshan Ridge—Hongyanzhai—which under the sunlight resembles the glowing forehead of an aged elder, fond of wine and tipsy. The scenery of Qingming Mountain changes with the seasons, offering different colors at dawn and dusk. In the sunny spring, wildflowers bloom in competition; in the lush green summer, the forests thrive; in the crisp golden autumn, red leaves dot the landscape; in the harsh winter, snow blankets the green cypresses. People can enjoy the colorful unique scenery and nature’s bounty all year round.

　　Qingming Mountain was damaged during the “0” movement in 1966. After years of searching, only one black-lacquered golden wooden couplet from in front of the Holy Lord and Holy Lady Temple was recovered:

　　“A heart as pure as water, shining brightly through the ages;”

　　“The holy presence remains eternal, casting light upon the land’s edge.”

　　In 1993, the Dajing Town government put the development of Qingming Mountain as a tourist attraction on its agenda. They organized locals to rebuild the Temple of the Boundless Patriarch, the Cliff Goddess Temple, the Medicine King Hall midway up the mountain, the Black Tiger Spirit Palace, and the Mountain Guardian Temple at the original sites on the mountaintop. Artisans were invited to repaint and recreate the golden statues of the Dark Warrior Emperor and various deities. The mountain paths were also restored, guardrails installed, and electricity brought up the mountain to ensure visitor safety.

　　The newly rebuilt temples and halls have retained, as much as possible, the overall layout and ancient architectural artistry of the past, highlighting their unique cultural landscape. Especially notable is the Temple of the Boundless Patriarch of the Dark Warrior Emperor at the main peak—its design is simple yet distinctive. The statue of the Dark Warrior Emperor, clad in blue robes and holding a sword, has delicate features and a noble, dignified presence. He is accompanied by Duke Zhou and Lady Peach Blossom, with the Turtle and Snake Generals standing on either side. On the two walls are dozens of vivid murals depicting the moving story of the Dark Warrior Emperor leaving home to pursue ascetic practice. There is also a decorative painting of “Liu Hai Playing with the Golden Toad” and another of “The Harmonious Immortal Couple.”

　　Every year during the Qingming Mountain Festival, performances of Qinqiang opera and Hanju opera are held for three days. After the deities are welcomed into the Offering Hall, worshippers come and go in an endless stream. The festival grounds are packed with people of all ages, bustling and lively. During the festival, a wide array of local Dajing delicacies is available, along with street vendors and variety acts. All of these add to the festive atmosphere. At night, fireworks are set off, featuring a complete range of types and an abundance of displays, lasting late into the night. The colorful fireworks soaring into the sky are dazzling and breathtaking.

　　That night, the scattered lanterns on Qingming Mountain resemble tens of thousands of golden stars scattered across the mountain,

　　creating a spectacular sight. The Qingming Festival falls during the peak of spring blossoms, attracting people from hundreds of li away. Its scale, the number of attendees, and the level of excitement are unmatched by other temple fairs.

　　Every year on Qingming Festival, people flock to Dajing Town to climb Qingming Mountain. The local government has used this traditional festival to host several spring trade fairs, facilitating the exchange of goods and dissemination of economic and technical information, which has greatly contributed to the economic development of Dajing Town and neighboring areas.