Xinshao Baiyun Rock

　　Baiyun Rock, commonly known as "Baiyun Qiaoyin," is one of the Twelve Scenic Spots of Baoqing. It is located in Baiyun Village, Jukoupu Town, Xinshao County. The mountain stands hundreds of feet tall, stretches for miles, and features winding terrain with towering peaks, deep caves within high cliffs, and ancient trees covered in greenery. Legend has it that at night, the majestic rocks are veiled in white clouds, appearing as bright as day, hence the name.

　　Baiyun Rock has long been a sacred Buddhist site. According to the "Baoqing Prefecture Records": "During the Baoyou years of the Song Dynasty, Monk Baojian braved thorns and bushes to enter this mountain. Upon seeing the lifelike stone statue, he realized it was a place of destiny, so he sat cross-legged inside, neither eating nor speaking. Later, a woodcutter who saw him was moved by his divine aura and began to make offerings, thus opening up the cave. Later, the monk attained nirvana while sitting there..." This marked the beginning of Baiyun Rock as a Buddhist sanctuary. Since then, its spiritual influence has been profound, shaking the entire region of Hunan. Its reach extends nearby to counties in central Hunan, and as far as eastern Xiang, southern Qi, northern Meixi, and Xupu. Literary figures from the Xiao and Xiang regions often came here to travel and sightsee, while devout worshippers flocked to pray and burn incense. Speaking of the historical origins of Baiyun Rock, later generations wrote a poem: "The white clouds on Baiyun Rock are wondrous, the cave opening embraces the divine closely; Master Baojian is buried in the ancient temple, his spiritual influence rivals that of Mount Emei."

　　Baiyun Rock boasts lofty mountains and verdant forests, with elegant and diverse scenery. At the foot of the mountain lies the "Ci Temple," commonly called the "Foot Hermitage." Though the temple is now in ruins, only the incense burner remains. Ascending about half a mile along the stone steps leads to the "Guanlong Pavilion," where two mountains stand opposite each other, overlooking a deep ravine with steep cliffs and cascading springs — a spectacular sight. Outside the pavilion, a dragon stands proudly upright, creating a very majestic view. Legend has it: The renowned Buddhist site of Mount Emei's Great Buddha's Hall in Sichuan was once guarded by a green and a white dragon. Later, the green dragon left the hall alone, wandered across the land, and finally settled at Baiyun Rock. To ensure the green dragon stayed, people carved a white dragon to accompany it, facing each other, and built a pavilion at the dragon’s tail, hence the name "Guanlong Pavilion" (Dragon Containment Pavilion). During the Cultural Revolution, the pavilion was demolished, and the dragon’s head was destroyed, but it has since been restored.

　　A short walk of two zhang beyond the pavilion leads to a stone arch bridge called the "Huixian Bridge" (Immortals’ Meeting Bridge). The bridge arches like a rainbow, and beneath it lies the "Wangyue Pool" (Moon-Gazing Pool), situated right under the dragon’s whiskers. The water is crystal clear, with visible fish, and the reflections of the dragon’s head and surrounding mountains create an effect like a heavenly paradise. Crossing the bridge and ascending the steps leads to the "Guanyin Pavilion," also known as the "Flower Hermitage." The statues inside the temple are exquisitely lifelike, while outside, exotic flowers and plants bloom vibrantly, occasionally adorned by pheasants and finches — a truly marvelous sight.

　　During the ten years of catastrophe, the main hall was destroyed, the side halls were dismantled, and the flowers and birds disappeared. Now, the side halls have been renovated, the deities are solemnly enshrined, and pilgrims continue to arrive in an unending stream, with incense burning in thriving abundance. Ascending another two zhang along the stone steps leads to the "Kunlu Temple," also known as the "Middle Hermitage," which is the center of Baiyun Rock. The temple is built along the mountain, layer upon layer, with purple smoke lingering in the air and the sound of bells echoing. Visitors and worshippers come continuously. Climbing over a thousand more winding stone steps leads to the "Miaoyin Temple," situated at the mountaintop of the rocky peak, hence also called the "Top Hermitage." The temple is built inside the rock, with the main hall’s door aligned with the cave entrance. The cavern is deep and spacious like a hall, with soaring upturned eaves rising over two zhang high — a majestic architectural wonder that inspires awe.

　　The hall doors span five zhang wide and extend over ten zhang deep, with the rocky surface uneven and flowing stalactites solidified in place. In the center of the hall sits Guanyin, drawing worshippers from near and far, with incense burning ceaselessly. In the middle of the cave lies a tomb, said to be the burial place of Master Baojian. About five meters from the tomb is a small pool that remains crystal-clear all year round. Outside the cave, steep cliffs and grotesque rocks rise around ancient, towering trees and lush flowers, with secluded stone paths winding through the majestic scenery. A single rock houses a hundred scenes, each uniquely beautiful — these are the distinctive natural landscapes of Baiyun Rock, making it an enchanting destination for tourism, sightseeing, and spiritual worship. On the lunar dates of the 19th of February, June, and September, Baiyun Rock sees a surge of worshippers and visitors, sometimes attracting tens of thousands.

　　Baiyun Rock is famed for producing "Gui Ding" tea, historically served as tribute during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It tastes sweet, cool, and refreshing, and stays fresh even when stored for long periods. The area’s water tofu is also delicate, delicious, and well-known across central Hunan.