Huangshan Luohan Peak

　　   Luohan Peak is situated at the eastern end of Huangshan, near Yungu Temple, between Xianglu Peak and Xiandu Peak. It is one of the 36 smaller peaks, with an elevation of 1,157 meters. The peak is covered with uniquely shaped pine trees — tall, sturdy, ancient, and majestic, resembling the appearance of luohan (Buddhist arhats), hence the name. Nearby, there are scenic spots such as Xian Deng Cave, Chengxiang Yuan, and Hongquan Stream. Legend has it that after Monk Qiyun built the “Dipper Bowl Zen Monastery,” he wanted to create eighteen luohan statues in the main hall. However, the clay sculptors were troubled because they couldn’t find any reference images. But when they woke up, they discovered that the mountain peak strikingly resembled a depiction of luohan. So, they asked the sculptors to model the eighteen luohan in the hall after the shapes of the peak — some sitting, some standing, some walking, some lying down, some smiling, some frowning, some angry, some resentful, each with distinct and vivid expressions.

　　   Legend

　　　　      It is said that “what one thinks about in the day, one dreams about at night.” One night, Monk Qiyun suddenly dreamed that an immortal pointed out to him: “Qiyun, why worry? Aren’t you and the peak beside you the very luohan of the Buddhist realm?” When he awoke at dawn and looked at his reflection in the pond, he saw his square face, large ears, thick eyebrows, big eyes, bald head, and curly beard — resembling a “luohan.” When he looked farther, he also noticed that one mountain peak’s shape was identical to that of a luohan. Unfortunately, over time, those eighteen luohan statues did not survive. However, the name “Luohan Peak,” given by Monk Qiyun, has been passed down through the ages.

　　   Reviews

　　　　   A modern poet wrote: “Deep in Chengxiang Yuan, the green water murmurs; a peak lies across the white clouds. Ancient pines form the shape of luohan, as wild cranes and immortal monkeys come and go together.”