Yuntai Scenic Area

　　Yuntai Mountain is situated in Dazhao Township, Yuanba District, Guangyuan City, 15 kilometers from Jianmenguan and 20 kilometers from Zhaohua Ancient City. Legend says it was formed from the decapitated head of Wei General Deng Ai after he was wrongfully executed, hence it is also called "Human Head Mountain." The most commonly seen spectacle is the rosy clouds sweeping over the mountain peak when the rain stops and the sky clears, which is why it is also named "Yuntai Mountain" (Cloud Terrace Mountain). From the mountaintop, visitors can enjoy the sunrise at dawn and the sea of clouds at dusk, experiencing a transcendent joy as if ascending to immortality. For this reason, Yuntai Mountain has long been referred to as the “Little Emei.” The *Da Qing Yi Tong Zhi* (Comprehensive Gazetteer of the Great Qing) records: Human Head Mountain is located 45 li west of Zhaohua County, with prominent ridges resembling a human head. In the early Changxing era of the Later Tang Dynasty during the campaign against Shu, Wang Hongzhi entered via Bawei Ridge behind Human Head Mountain and exited south through Jianmen—this place is the one referred to.

　　Yuntai Mountain features towering, cloud-like boulders and is the highest peak among the surrounding mountains, with an elevation of 1,254 meters. It is surrounded by steep cliffs, clustered peaks, grotesque rocks, perilous paths, lush ancient trees with unique shapes, hardy grasses, and habitats for birds and beasts. The “One-Line Sky” area is extremely steep and is also known as “Caijun Cave,” with a legend stating that Laozi once refined elixirs here. The “Guanyin Hall” boasts an innovative design: spring water from inside the mountain rock is channeled out from the jade vase held by the Guanyin statue, flowing intermittently yet rhythmically all year round. Every visitor who hikes here drinks a few sips and washes their face and hands, as the water is said to cure illnesses, ward off disasters, and even have beautifying effects. At the mountaintop, there are structures such as the Lookout Tower and the Chuanzhu Temple. The Chuanzhu Temple originally enshrined Li Bing and his son, celebrated for their achievements in water control. Locals worship here throughout the year to pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests. The Lookout Tower was first built in the 19th year of the Daoguang reign by then-official Mao Shiji. The mountain also has a “Prayer for Children Cave” rock; according to legend, newlywed couples who wish for a child should stand with their backs to the cave, turn around, and throw a stone backward—if it lands inside the cave, they will bear a “dragon child.” Other attractions include a release pond and the Ninety-Nine Cloud Ladder.