Han Mountain

　　Han Mountain was historically known as "Han (Dry) Mountain," hence the interchangeable use of "Han" and "Dry." It wasn’t until the 27th year of the Republic of China (1938), due to the superstition surrounding drought, that the county government of Nanzheng officially announced and changed its name to "Han Mountain."

　　Han Mountain is located ten li (approximately five kilometers) south of Nanzheng County (Zhoujiaping). It rises abruptly and stands tall, with its base stretching about sixty li in circumference and its summit reaching an elevation of 1,743.3 meters. A newly built road from Qingshuzi Street leads eastward up the mountain, winding and twisting through eighty-one bends before finally reaching the mountaintop, spanning a total length of 12.5 kilometers.

　　Han Mountain has a long history. The *Book of Songs·Major Odes* states, “Behold the slopes of Han,” referring to this very mountain. The name of Hanzhong is also derived from it. According to the *Hanzhong Prefecture Annals*, “The prefecture faces the sunny side of the Han River and looks toward Han Mountain, hence the name Hanzhong.”

　　Han Mountain is also the barometer of the Hanzhong Basin. The *Nanzheng County Annals* record: “When clouds gather at the top of (Han Mountain), rain will follow.” A local Hanzhong proverb says: “If Han Mountain’s peak shines bright, you’ll be baked in the sun; if Han Mountain wears a cap (clouds gather), heavy rain is on its way.”

　　At the top of Han Mountain lies Tuer Terrace, also called “Han Youxian.” Twelve stone oxen once stood nearby, but they no longer exist. However, a stone pool with water still remains partially intact. The slopes are dotted with terraced fields that produce red rice. Below the mountain, the forests are lush, thriving rapidly thanks to the moisture brought by clouds and rain from above, growing faster than in other areas.

　　In the past, due to the winding paths, connected stone steps, steep and rugged terrain, and the dense forests of the mountain, local farmers would often form groups during agricultural off-seasons to hike up the mountain. While gathering firewood, they would sing loudly in chorus—calls and responses echoing through the valleys, creating a joyous scene where they sang with abandon. At dusk, a collective shout would ring out, followed by unified singing as they shouldered their firewood and dashed down the mountain. This formed what is known as one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Hanzhong”—“Han Mountain Woodcutters’ Songs.” A Qing Dynasty poet wrote in *Praising the Forest Songs*: “Han Mountain’s heights resound with songs, echoing through the valleys with great resonance. Their voices rise together, creating layers of sound, so delightful one forgets fatigue. At dusk, a cheer goes up, and all voices join as they carry their firewood, racing down the mountain—this is what’s called the ‘Woodcutters’ Song of Hanzhong.’ The lyrics are rich and profound, deeply rooted in local culture, offering listeners a rich artistic experience. I encourage everyone to come to Han Mountain and enjoy these new vibrant songs—the ‘Han Mountain Melody.’”