Yingfeng Ridge

　　On the vast expanse of Qingtongyang, there stands a picturesque mountain peak. Viewed from afar, it resembles an eagle spreading its wings, ready to take flight—hence the name "Eagle Peak." Every year, numerous tourists flock here, drawn by its fame.

　　Heading south from the county town and reaching Yingli Town, you enter the Yingfeng Scenic Area. The first sight to greet you is a dark green eagle silhouette. Against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, the outlines of the eagle’s crest, beak, and wings showcase the vigorous posture and enchanting beauty of the mountain eagle.

　　The Eagle Peak mountain range is winding and towering. The southern slope is covered with lush green grass, blooming wildflowers, entwined vines, and shaded by tall trees; the northern slope features exposed rocky strata, rugged and bizarrely shaped layers—resembling tigers, turtles, bamboo shoots, or eggs… These are all masterpieces left behind after volcanic eruptions. Halfway up the mountain lies a hanging rock, which locals call “Stone Ox Elder.” If you stare at this stone intently for a moment, you can faintly make out the nose, mouth, eyes, and horns of an ox, vividly resembling an old ox lying leisurely under the shade of a tree, chewing grass. There are many legends about the “Stone Ox Elder.” One such story goes: Long ago, a young cowherd from a nearby village rode an old ox up the mountain. After tying the ox, he went to the shady, damp cliffside to search for “Huai Shan” (a type of wild medicinal herb), which he relied on to make a living. After searching for most of the day, he finally found the Huai Shan root by following its vines. As he dug and pulled, he accidentally snapped the root due to too much force. He then rolled down the slope and fell unconscious at the bottom of the cliff. Suddenly, dark clouds gathered, thunder roared, strong winds blew, and heavy rain poured. In his daze, the boy felt as if he were riding the old ox flying up from the bottom of the cliff. When he woke up, he couldn’t find the ox anywhere, but at the spot where he had tied it, he saw a strange rock. Believing the ox had transformed into the rock to save his life, he began worshipping the stone every time he came up the mountain, in memory of the ox. Later, local villagers also began to worship the rock as a “deity” (“gong”). During festivals, people would come up the mountain to burn incense and pray to the “Stone Ox Elder” for disaster relief and good fortune. Now, many visitors to Yingfeng also come to seek out the “Stone Ox Elder,” touching and worshipping it in hopes of peace.

　　Near the mountaintop, there is a protruding rock that strongly resembles an eagle’s beak. On either side of the rock are two caves, just like the eagle’s eyes. The left one is the hidden Shenfeng Cave, near which stands a temple with incense smoke lingering in the air; the right one is called Immortal Cave, with a platform in front of it. The three characters “Immortal Cave” are carved above the cave entrance. According to records, during the late Qing Dynasty, a lay Buddhist named Luo Shifeng from Yingli Market once lived in seclusion in this cave, leaving behind a thought-provoking essay titled “Record of Carving the Cave.” It reads: “When one observes all things under heaven, heaven and earth are but an inn for transient sojourners; when one considers one’s own life, time, too, is but a passing guest. I dwell on this cliff and carve a cave out of the rock. To have shelter from wind and rain is the lifelong wish of this humble man…” This record was originally engraved on the rocks beside the cave. Though the inscriptions are now faded, one can still sense the tranquility, danger, and beauty of Yingfeng. If you visit Yingfeng, don’t forget to admire this “Record of Carving the Cave.”

　　Not far from the Immortal Cave is a sheer cliff with no path forward. Looking down: the mountain scenery is hazy, the verdant forest dense and layered. To the east, you see the sea, its waves vast and dotted with fishing boats. To the west, you witness the afterglow of the setting sun and splashing waterfalls. To the south lies the famous “Madam Xian Temple” and “Gangsu Ancestral Hall.” Below, you gaze over endless fertile fields and well-arranged villages. A gentle breeze drifts by, white clouds float, and mist rises. Truly, it is a “gathering of wonders, a magnificent scene in a painting.”

　　Standing atop the abrupt mountain peak is like flying on the back of an eagle. Gazing into the distance, you see Shili Ridge, Shimao Ridge, and Shuangtiao Ridge, connected and undulating endlessly. To the east lies the sea, its waves mighty and fishing sails dotting the horizon. To the west, you enjoy the sunset glow and splashing waterfalls. To the south, you reach the scenic spots “Madam Xian Temple” and “Gangsu Ancestral Hall.” Looking down, you see vast expanses of fertile land and orderly villages. A warm breeze drifts by, white clouds float, and mist rises. It is truly a “collection of wonders, a grand scene in a painting.”

　　At the foot of the pine trees on the mountaintop stand two stone tablets. One bears a proclamation signed by Xu Wen County Magistrate Chen Tong in the early years of the Republic of China; the other is inscribed with the mountain conservation pact of Yingli Town People's Government from two years ago. Though from different eras, both tablets share a common theme—protecting Yingfeng.

　　After the descent, tired as you may be, you can head deep into the bamboo forest to listen to cicadas chirping and birds singing. If hungry, you can pick mountain bayberries or yangmei. If thirsty, drink a few sips of mountain spring water. At the mountain’s base lies a Dripping Water Cave, from which clear and sweet spring water flows. Visitors often wash their faces and wipe sweat at the cave entrance, drink some spring water, and even bottle some to take along on their journey home.

　　Appendix:

　　Carving

　　of

　　the

　　Cave

　　Record

　　By Luo Shifeng