Guangzhi Mountain

　　Commonly known as Guangzhinao and also called Zhongyang Mountain, Guangzhi Mountain is located at the border of Licheng and Xiangyuan counties, with an elevation of 1,807 meters. This majestic and precipitous mountain features cliffs as sheer as if cut by a knife, with peaks soaring into the sky. In spring and summer, the area is covered in lush green forests, filled with birdsong and floral fragrance, creating an enchanting landscape. Amidst these verdant mountains and pine trees lies an ancient temple — the Temple of Laojun. Originally built in the first year of the Jiaotai era of the Southern Tang Dynasty (958 AD), it is one of the oldest temples in the Shangdang region. The temple is dedicated to Laozi, the founder of Taoism, who is also known for forging Sun Wukong into an iron-clad figure with fiery golden eyes. The existing structures of the Temple of Laojun include a dressing tower, a theater stage, and several side rooms. Hiking up the mountain via the mountain trail from the Temple of Laojun, you will encounter layers of rugged rocks stretching across the wild landscape. After walking about two li, you will reach the summit, which consists of two peaks about 20 meters apart, connected by a 9-meter-high man-made sky bridge. These two peaks tower into the clouds, each hosting a grand structure — the Jade Emperor Hall and the Bixia Palace — that complement each other beautifully and create a spectacular sight. On a clear day from the mountaintop, one can gaze across the vast Taihang Mountain range, with its countless peaks and valleys covered in layered greenery. Traditional temple fairs are held twice a year, on the 15th day of the fourth lunar month and the first day of the tenth lunar month, attracting large crowds of worshippers. Guangzhi Mountain not only boasts beautiful scenery and captivating folk tales, but is also a revolutionary site rich in glorious history. During the War of Resistance Against Japan, the Eighth Route Army advanced to the North China front lines, establishing the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan Base Area with the Taihang Mountains as its stronghold. The rear hospital of the Eighth Route Army headquarters was stationed here.

　　 Changzhi City, Shanxi Province