Baozhang Valley

　　Located east of Xiangu Mountain in Pujiang, formerly known as Lipu Mountain. The valley features towering cliffs on both sides and rock formations that seem to touch the clouds. At the bottom, stones lie beside flowing streams, producing a gentle, melodious sound. The spring water in the valley is cool and sweet, sometimes cascading violently like scattered pearls and jade, and other times gushing forcefully from the ground, bubbling and surging as if boiling. Baozhang Temple was built within the valley. In the 15th year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (641), the Indian monk Master Baozhang traveled across much of China before settling here. He once composed the verse: “Having journeyed through four hundred regions of China, this place alone is truly fit for a Taoist wanderer.” When he neared the end of his life, he claimed to have lived 1072 years and earned the title “Thousand-Year Monk.” With steep cliffs on all sides and a long-flowing clear stream, the valley is often shrouded in misty clouds, its mountain hues ethereal and mysterious, with occasionally drifting purple air adding an aura of wonder. It is a celebrated destination for sightseeing and pilgrimage.

　　Baozhang Valley is located three kilometers north of the county town and consists of two gullies: Shidang and Baozhang, stretching a total length of 3.1 kilometers. Towering cliffs rise on both sides and rock formations reach into the clouds. The area is known for its springs, rocks, caves, and temple, forming a picturesque landscape. Its “Baozhang Cold Spring” was one of the ancient “Ten Scenic Spots of Puyang” and has been included in the Chinese Scenic Spots Dictionary.

　　In Baozhang Valley, the spring water is cool and sweet, sometimes gushing violently like scattered pearls and jade, and other times surging forcefully from the ground, bubbling and churning. Due to erosion by flowing water, many small but dry and comfortable caves have formed along the valley walls. Legend says that figures such as Lü Zuilian once studied in these caves. Midway through the valley lies Baozhang Temple. Historical records state that in the 15th year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (641 AD), the Indian monk Baozhang traveled through Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Upon arriving here, he was deeply impressed by the valley’s uniquely beautiful and serene scenery, and composed the verse: “Having journeyed through four hundred regions of China, this place alone is truly fit for a Taoist wanderer.” He then built a hut and practiced Buddhism here until the second year of the Xianqing era (657 AD), passing away at the claimed age of 1072. Afterward, notable figures from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties visited the site, either writing about their travels or retreating to the valley to compose poetry and express their sentiments. With verdant cliffs and a long-flowing clear stream, the valley is often cloaked in misty clouds, its mountain hues ethereal and enigmatic, creating a mysteriously mystical atmosphere.