Mount Laoding

　　    Highlights:       Ascending to the summit of Laoding offers panoramic views of the urban landscape nearby and an unobstructed vista of the Shangdang Basin in the distance. On the northeastern peak of Laoding lies a naturally formed rocky peak known as Lion Ridge. Climbing here at dawn when the sky is tinged with pale blue gives one the feeling of watching the sunrise from Mount Tai.     From the observation deck on New Peak, you can admire the grandeur of Laoding, the elegance of Jade Emperor Peak, and the breathtaking beauty of Grandma Peak.      Introduction:       Located seven kilometers northeast of Changzhi City, Mount Laoding, also called Baigu Mountain or Five Peaks Mountain, consists of five peaks stretching from north to south: Laoding, Nanding, Jade Emperor Peak, Grandma Peak, and New Peak. Laoding is the highest of the five, with an elevation of 1,378 meters, making it one of the main peaks in the southwestern part of the Taihang Mountains.     Heading southeast, you’ll find a “Sky-Mirror Rock” where you can observe the “rippling surface of the Dead Sea” phenomenon. To the south of Laoding rises a mountain peak with a flat top — this is Nanding, also known as Dressing Table. Further south on another peak lie five massive rocks resembling five jade pillars reaching toward the sky, commonly referred to as “Five Peaks Holding Up Heaven.” Jade Emperor Peak and Grandma Peak are located behind Digu Temple Village, featuring gently rolling and continuous terrain. Jade Emperor Peak sits above Grandma Peak and is made up of a single huge natural rock, measuring 17 meters long and 19 meters wide. It houses the Jade Emperor Temple, commonly called the Nine-Gate Nine-Temple. Grandma Peak is situated on a gentle slope halfway up Jade Emperor Peak, where the original “Palace of the Goddess Bixia Yuanjun” once stood; now, there is a torch tower. The two peaks complement each other amid lush greenery, offering serene and profound scenery. New Peak is lower and flatter, surrounded by dense cypress trees, creating an elegant environment.     In addition to its scenic hills and lush forests, Mount Laoding boasts numerous natural caves, each with distinct features. There are over 30 caves of various sizes, mostly located along steep cliffs, deep valleys, and secluded gullies.     Beyond the many caves, Mount Laoding also features a “Supreme Cold Spring Wonder.” Beneath the government office building of Laoding Mountain Township in Digu Temple Village lies a sweet, clear spring. The plaque above the cave entrance bears Qing Dynasty calligraphy reading “Ancient Cold Spring.” This ancient cold spring is also known as Baigu Spring or Divine Farmer Spring. At the cave entrance, there is a Song Dynasty-style carved stone dragon head, and the mouth of the spring features a reclining dragon sculpture. The dragon’s mouth is open, leading down to a circular stone-carved well — a cleverly designed layout.     On Baigu Mountain stands a grand Memorial Hall dedicated to Emperor Yan, which features a massive 39-meter-tall bronze statue of the Yan Emperor — said to be the tallest of its kind in Asia. Other attractions centered around the statue, including an altar, halls, the Divine Farmer Well, Divine Farmer Spring, Baigu Garden, Plow Cave, Divine Farmer Village, and inscribed stelae, are currently under construction.  　    Ticket/Opening Hours:      30 yuan

　　 Changzhi City, Shanxi Province