Yancheng Ziyun Mountain

　　Ziyun Mountain is an earthen hill that was originally the tomb of Gu Yuan, the Left Chancellor of the Shandong Provincial Administration during the late Yuan Dynasty, covering an area of 10.66 mu. In the 25th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1597 AD), a Taoist temple called the Three Officials Treasure Hall was built on the earthen hill. During the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era, it was converted into a Buddhist monastery known as Ziyun Chanlin, commonly referred to as Ziyun Mountain.

　　Legend has it that long ago, in Liuzhuang by the vast sea, there was a vicious dragon that harmed people. Upon learning of this, the Fairy Ziyun resolved to rid the people of this menace. She battled the dragon in a magical duel for seven full days and nights. Eventually, the Fairy Ziyun transformed into an earthen hill, permanently subduing the dragon. Ever since, locals have called this earthen hill Ziyun Mountain.

　　The mountain gate of Ziyun Mountain is built from white jade, engraved with four large golden characters reading "Ziyun Chanlin." Two stone lions stand guard, solemn and majestic. Inside the South Tower, the Divine Official Buddha appears to smile and weep, while the Skanda Buddha faces north. Visitors ascend the tower via thirteen stone steps and find themselves back on level ground. Passing through a large courtyard and circling a pagoda-shaped incense depository, they then climb nine more steps to reach the main hall of Ziyun, also known as the Three Officials Treasure Hall. This hall features three tiers of flying eaves soaring into the clouds, with bronze bells hanging from the corners of each eave, chiming melodiously in the breeze. The roof ridge is adorned with a gourd-shaped treasure finial made of brass, gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight. The hall enshrines three Buddha statues: the Yuan Emperor, the Wu Emperor, and the Wen Emperor — commonly known as the Three Supreme Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water. All are crafted from wood and clay, with golden hearts and silver cores, standing over ten feet tall and radiating awe-inspiring dignity. Flanking them are twelve other statues, including those of the Thunder God, Lightning Goddess, Wind Crone, and Rain Master — all vibrantly colored wooden and clay figures reaching heights that seem to touch the ceiling. There is also the “Autumn Listening Pavilion,” nestled by the hill and water, with winding paths leading to serene spots. In summer and autumn, willows sway gently, cool breezes blow, the fragrance of lotus fills the air, and frog croaks echo — creating a scene full of poetic charm. Officials, scholars, merchants, and travelers all flock here to visit, finding a unique and delightful experience.