Wuzi Mountain

　　   Wuzi Mountain, also known as Wuzhi Mountain. Anciently referred to as Wuhua Mountain, Bijia Mountain, and Jingzhao Mountain, it stretches across the northwest border of Jiange County and belongs to the Longmen Mountain Range. It runs in a southwest–northeast direction. The western part extends into Jiangyou County, while the northeastern part connects with Jinzi Mountain. The mountain has five peaks, with sharp, round, and towering summits that rise like swords and stand firmly against the sky. The area is covered with lush forests and undulating ridges, presenting a majestic sight visible from dozens of kilometers away. Both the Xi River and the Wenxi River originate from the southern foothills of Wuzi Mountain. Beneath each of the five peaks lies a cave: the one under the first peak is called “Laolong Cave” (Old Dragon Cave), whose depth is unfathomable. Inside, there are attractions such as the Embracing Stone, Black Water Pool, Ghost Gate Pass, King Yama Cliff, and One Bowl of Water. Legend has it that the water here can predict the abundance or scarcity of the coming year’s harvest, hence it is named “Lingqiu” (Spirit Pool), and “Dragon Cave Spirit Pool” was once one of the eight scenic spots of the prefecture and county.

　　   “Wuzi Clear Mist,” one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Jiange Prefecture, refers to this very place. The Qing Dynasty poet Yang Zhan wrote: “Five brothers stand as the Five Peaks / Holding up the sky and touching the sun, distinctly bright. / When thunder and rain just sweep the mountaintops / Boundless verdant life springs forth everywhere.” The natural scenery on the mountain is extremely beautiful. The mountain ridges above 1,000 meters in altitude roughly form an upside-down “上” shape, stretching about 13 kilometers in length and 1–3 kilometers in width, covering a total area of nearly 34 square kilometers. The highest peak is the second peak on the right of Wuzi Mountain, standing at 1,330 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak within Jiange County.

　　   In terms of geological structure, Wuzi Mountain belongs to the Longmen Mountain Fold-Thrust Belt and the Yanmen Depression Fold-Thrust Belt. Its geology consists of Jurassic purplish-red mudstone and sandstone interbedded with marl. The northern side of the mountain is steep while the southern side is gentle, sloping gradually toward the south. The mountain is densely forested with good vegetation, and is rich in forest and by-products, mainly including wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, daylilies, and kiwifruit. At the foot of the mountain lies Cuìyù Lake, a famous scenic tourist area in Jiange.