Baoyu Mountain

　　   Baoyu Mountain is situated at Yangyinguang Pass at the northern foot of the Qianshan Range, a branch of the Kunlun Mountains, where the counties of Lin and Feng meet. It lies 30 kilometers north of Fengxiang County, on the left side of the Fengling Highway. According to a white marble stele on the mountain, it was built in the first year of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty. The temple complex is divided into the Central Assembly, Southern Assembly, and Northern Assembly, covering hundreds of acres. On the ninth day of the first lunar month, the third day of the third lunar month, and the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, devout men and women from dozens of counties across Shaanxi, Sichuan, Gansu, and Ningxia come to worship and sightsee, keeping the incense burning year-round. The temple fair in July is especially lively. The area enjoys a cool climate, making it an ideal summer resort.

　　   Legend has it that the Nine Heavens Holy Mother enshrined in the main hall was originally Yunxiao from the Investiture of the Gods, who, after her death in battle, traveled south with Laozi and was reborn into the family of Yang Yuanwai in Emei County, Sichuan. Orphaned at a young age and mistreated by her sister-in-law, she made a living by herding sheep and spinning thread. At the age of sixteen, in pursuit of her true spiritual form, she endured eighty-one trials, crossed ninety-nine mountains, forded a hundred rivers, and traveled over a thousand li. Along the way, she received help from the residence of Magistrate Bao and porters at the Dahuaicommunity before finally arriving at Baoyu Mountain to shed her mortal form in the Flesh Body Cave. Enshrined alongside her are the Primordial Ancestor, the Supreme Old Lord, the Jade Emperor, the Medicine King, and others. The mountain resort includes over a hundred structures such as temples, halls, sheds, towers, pavilions, terraces, platforms, and caves.

　　   Baoyu Mountain faces west and is surrounded by ridges on its southern, eastern, and northern sides, resembling the shape of a gourd. The southern peak at the mouth of the gourd stretches long and undulates like nine dragons coiled together; the northern peak stands tall in front and reclines behind, resembling a white tiger crouching beside the mountain gate. The deep valley is shaded by towering trees and dense foliage, with uniquely shaped rocks and crystal-clear streams. Winding paths crisscross babbling brooks, and rare flowers and plants cover the ground while birds sing from the branches—offering visitors a refreshing and uplifting experience. The Baoyu Mountain Natural Scenic Area welcomes tourists and boasts eight scenic spots for your enjoyment: the Watershed Overlook for a view of Western Shu; the Black Jade Stele mirrored against the forest; the Flesh Body Cave concealing the golden visage; the Eight Trigrams Pool for prayers for rain; the Jade Emperor Pavilion where a hundred birds pay homage to the phoenix; the Incense Burning Platform shrouded in mist; to the left, the Nine Dragons emerging from the forest edge; and to the right, the White Tiger lying beside the mountain.