Xiandu Mountain

　　Xiandu Mountain, also known as Xiangu Mountain, is located 9 kilometers north of Pujiang County, covering a total area of 18 square kilometers. The main peak, Maiden Peak, has an elevation of 728 meters and is said to be named after Yuanxiu, the daughter of the Yellow Emperor, who cultivated herself here and ascended to heaven.

　　　　Xiandu Mountain rose from the earth 150 million years ago during the Mesozoic era, formed through intense faulting, compression, and volcanic activity caused by the Yanshan Movement. It belongs to a low mountain and hilly landform region, with well-developed gentle slopes on the mountaintops. Located in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, the area experiences synchronized rain and heat, complementary light and temperature, distinct seasons, and moderate temperatures. The scenic area is about 5°C cooler than the county town. The mountain vegetation coverage is approximately 90%. Transportation is convenient.

　　　　Xiandu Mountain is famed for its spectacular and elegant peaks and forests. Above 600 meters in elevation, the mountaintops are dotted with steep, towering stone peaks that rise abruptly from the ground. “Like fluttering flags, like precious lotus flowers, like iron horses at the pass.” The Ming Dynasty scholar Liu Bowen once wrote: “Xiandu Mountain stands out as the most peculiar and extraordinary, appearing as if floating in the sky.” Hence, Xiandu Mountain is also known as the “Number One Immortal Peak.” It is divided into four scenic areas: the “Xiandu Peak Forest” in the north, featuring densely clustered and uniquely shaped stone peaks; the “Plum Grove Snow Valley” in the south, where the Ming Dynasty’s Zhao Chongpao planted plum trees for miles; the “Baizhang Valley” in the east, the meditation site of the thousand-year-old monk Baizhang; and the “Fairy Lake Waters” in the west, embraced by mountains and water. There are 24 unique peaks, 14 peculiar rocks and caves, and a total of 120 scenic spots.

　　　　Major scenic areas and features include:

　　　　Peak Forest at the Summit Within approximately 1 square kilometer above 600 meters on Xiandu Mountain, there are 21 towering stone peaks ranging from 50 to 100 meters in height. They come in a variety of shapes: the majestic “Huazhu Peak,” resembling a pillar reaching the heavens; the graceful “Lotus Peak,” like a lotus flower emerging from water; the delicate “Maiden Peak,” standing a hundred meters tall; and the ethereal “Divine Horse Peak,” shaped like a heavenly steed galloping through the clouds.

　　　　The 21 peaks are divided into eastern and western sections: the western 11 peaks are dominated by Huazhu Peak, sturdy and robust, excelling in “grandeur”; the eastern 10 peaks are led by Maiden Peak, tall and uniquely shaped, standing out for their “peculiar danger.” A common feature of both sections is their compact distribution, dense and steep arrangement, forming striking shapes on all sides, offering breathtaking views. Among the Xiandu Peak Forest, Maiden Peak, Xiantan Peak, Yuchǐ Peak, Yugui Peak, and Yusun Peak are the most majestic and elegant. Maiden Peak is the spot where the Yellow Emperor’s daughter ascended to heaven. It is extremely steep and sheer, with iron chains along the cliffs for climbing. At the top is a flat platform where, in fine weather, one can witness one of the Eight Scenic Views of Xiandu, “Pillar Glow.” On the southern cliff face, there is an inscription reading “Number One Immortal Peak.” From the summit, you can enjoy the view described as “Though not seeing the whole world, you take in all of Wu and Yue in one glance.” Looking north, you see rolling mountains, terraced fields, and layers of green and gold stretching as far as the eye can see; looking south, you gaze upon the urban outline of Pujiang, crisscrossing paths, rivers, villages, and houses, all shrouded in a dreamy haze. Xiantan Peak, commonly known as Eryan, stands at 700 meters and is covered with rare flowers and wild plants. It is said to be where the maiden gathered herbs and made elixirs to treat the people. Yuchǐ Peak, at 672 meters, also called Middle Peak, has a majestic presence as if holding up the clouds and embracing the moon. Few visitors climb it. One of the Eight Scenic Views of Xiandu, “Middle Peak Moon Howl,” is found here. Middle Peak faces Yugui Peak (660 meters), with only 1 meter between them. A stone gate is built here, inscribed with “Heaven’s Gate,” “Guangyun Road,” and “Guangshen You.” One of the Eight Scenic Views, “Sword Gorge Delay,” is located here. Passing through “Heaven’s Gate” and ascending “Cloud Road,” amidst drifting clouds, visitors feel as if they are floating among the immortals.

　　　　To the west of the five peaks lies Zhaoling Rock, a cliff wall over 100 meters high and 400 meters long. Stretching from east to west, it crouches and coils, steep and rugged to the north and south, with many peculiar rocks and ancient pines scattered along the ridge. Viewed from below, it resembles an iron fortress, hence called “West Valley Iron City.” Seen from beneath Maiden Peak, it looks like a whale floating on the sea. From Pujiang County, it appears as a heavenly horse galloping through the sky, thus also called “Heavenly Horse Peak.” This area is known as the “West Tour Path.” Along the way, there are also sites such as “West Heaven’s Gate,” “Ferry Immortal Bridge,” and “Guihong Pavilion,” with numerous inscriptions by famous calligraphers. The Xiandu Peak Forest scenic area has many unique rocks, such as White Snake, Literary Turtle, Mother and Son Eagles, Leaping Cat, Laozi, Green-haired Stone Monkey, Welcoming Monkey, Tiger Head, Lovers’ Rock, Ever-smiling, Dream Brush Blooms, and Sea-Pacifying Needle, all remarkably lifelike. There are two notable caves: “Dinghu Cave” (commonly known as Tonghai Cave), where it is said that when the Yellow Emperor ascended to heaven at Dinghu in Hubei, he was so heartbroken over his daughter that the Yellow Dragon dug a path from underground to bring her a golden elixir, which turned into the Golden Elixir Stone; and “Silk Weaving Cave,” said to be where the maiden wove fabric, containing a small spring of clear water believed to have healing properties—called “Immortal Water.” By the spring is a small pavilion called “Jiuxiao Pavilion.”

　　　　In ancient times, there was a temple on the mountaintop of Xiandu, later rebuilt at the foot of the mountain. Legend has it that in the first year of the Jiatai era (1201 AD), Jiangnan suffered a severe drought, especially in Pu County. The county magistrate prayed for rain here, and his plea was answered. In the third year (1203 AD), Emperor Ningzong bestowed the name “Zhaoling” on the temple. The present “Zhaoling Palace” was relocated and rebuilt in 1993. Here, the peaks surround as if bowing, with floating clouds lingering around, guarding day and night—it is the “Zhaoling Immortal Trace.” To the east of the new Zhaoling Palace lies a pool of clear water reflecting the immortal peaks. Legend says that at dawn, one can see the silhouette of the maiden combing her hair, a magical and wonderful sight—hence the name “Fairy Peak Mirage.”

　　　　The five peaks and Zhaoling Rock form the spectacular sights at the summit of the scenic area. Viewed from near and far, high and low, front and back, the scenery shifts with every step, presenting different moods in morning and evening light, and changing with the seasons. After a heavy snow in winter, when the sun comes out, the contrast between the rocks and snow makes the locals eager to witness the “Xiandu Rock Snow.”

　　　　Valleys Conceal Ancient Temples To the east of Xiandu Mountain are the Shidang and Baizhang gorges, flanked by sheer cliffs thousands of feet high and peaks stretching to the clouds. The valley floors are strewn with stones and clear streams, producing refreshing sounds. The spring water in the valley is cool and sweet, sometimes gushing down like scattered pearls and jade, other times surging forth from the earth like an eruption. Due to erosion by the flowing water, many caves have formed in the rock faces along the valley, though not large, they are dry and pleasant. It is said that scholars such as Lü Zubin once studied in these caves. In the middle section of the Baizhang Valley stands Baizhang Temple, said to be where the monk Baizhang cultivated himself until he passed away at the age of 1072. With steep cliffs on either side and a long-flowing clear stream, the valley is often shrouded in mist and rosy clouds, with serene mountain hues and occasionally drifting purple mists, creating an air of mystery.

　　　　Emerald Waters Reflect Verdant Peaks At the main entrance to Xiandu Mountain lies an artificial lake called Xiandu Lake, covering an area of 1.1 square kilometers. The lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by layered mountains and peaks, with winding shorelines and extending capes. There are two islands in the lake, covered in lush trees, like emeralds scattered across the water. The reflections of verdant peaks in the water create a mystical scene. Legend says that on moonlit nights, fairies can be seen bathing—truly magical and beautiful.

　　　　Plum Grove Snow Valley Located south of the “Xiandu Peak Forest” and east of the “Xiandu Lake Waters,” this area covers 2.09 square kilometers. Historically, it was where Zhao Chongpao planted plum trees for miles, but today many of those have been replaced by popular fruit trees like the peach-shaped plum. Plans are underway to build the “Pu County Expo Museum” in this scenic area, along with extensive planting of plum and wintersweet blossoms, restoring the original charm of the “Plum Grove Snow Valley.”

　　　　The recognition of Xiandu Mountain’s scenic value began in the early Tang Dynasty. According to records, in the 15th year of the Zhenguan era (641 AD), the Indian monk Baizhang traveled through the regions of Liang and Zhe and arrived at Xiandu Mountain. He was deeply impressed by its unique, secluded, and exquisite beauty, praising it with the verse: “Having traveled all four hundred regions of China, this place is uniquely suited for Taoist cultivation.” He then built a hut and cultivated himself here until the second year of the Xianqing era (657 AD), passing away at the age of 1072. Later, scholars from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties came here, inspired by his legacy, some writing travelogues, others retreating into nature to compose poetry. During the Song Dynasty, Fang Feng (1241–1322) authored the “Eight Scenic Views of Xiandu” here. In the late Yuan Dynasty, Song Lian (1310–1381), having declined an invitation to serve as an editor in the Hanlin Academy, retreated into Xiandu Mountain’s Longmen area to practice Taoism, praising Xiandu’s majestic beauty as “truly the most exquisite place under heaven.” Scholars such as Lü Zubin, Xie Ao, Wu Siqi, Liu Guan, Wu Lai, and Liu Ji all visited here, leaving behind over a hundred poems and inscriptions, as well as four cliff carvings, enriching Xiandu Mountain with profound cultural significance.

　　　　Xiandu Mountain Scenic Area neighbors the national-level “Two Rivers and One Lake” (Xin’an River, Fuchun River, Qiandao Lake) scenic area to the west and the national-level “Shuanglong” scenic area to the south. The Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway and provincial highways such as Hang–Jin and Jiangyi (Tonglu–Yiwu) pass through the county. Yiwu Civil Aviation Airport is located at the Pu–Yi border, giving the area notable locational and transportation advantages.

　　Source: Jinhua Government Website