Mount Yanzhe, once popularized by the legendary figure Zhang Sanfeng, stands as a sacred mountain in Zhang County, Dingxi City, Gansu Province. Today, visitors can climb its slopes and meander through its beauty as if traversing a living painting. The verdant mountain range is often enveloped in a fine mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The secluded and tranquil trails, the murmuring brooks within the forest, all contribute to a refreshing and uplifting experience. The ancient trees that block out the sky and sun provide an instant coolness to the heart. From a high vantage point, one can behold the continuous mountain ranges, waterfalls, streams, and ancient trees, all creating a scene of pristine natural beauty.
During the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, Mount Yanzhe was a renowned tourist destination in Longshang. The mountain still preserves relics such as Sanskrit scriptures, inscriptions by celebrities from the Song and Ming dynasties, traces of Lu Dongbin’s three drunken stones, and the eternal mystery of Zhang Sanfeng’s disappearance.
Upon entering the mountain gate, one is greeted by the towering statue of Zhang Sanfeng, the founder of the Wudang Sect. He is depicted with large ears, round eyes, and a beard like a halberd. Zhang Sanfeng was known for his wandering ways, making his whereabouts elusive and difficult to pinpoint.
At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, war and the destruction of the Wudang Mountain temples led to Zhang Sanfeng’s departure to wander the world. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty sent people to search for him in the 24th year of the Hongwu era, but they failed to find him. Later, it was said that he was resurrected at the Jintai Temple in Baoji, which greatly enhanced his fame.During the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Di sent people to search for Zhang Sanfeng in the west, but they were unsuccessful in their quest. He then mysteriously disappeared again.
Later, Zhang Sanfeng wandered to Mount Yanzhe, specifically to ‘Xiaokongtong’, where he dedicated himself to practicing and preaching. The local people in Zhang County and Min County still recount the magical legends of Zhang Sanfeng, such as releasing ducks in the well, licking the bottom of an overturned pot, and burning a plowshare to heat a kang. Eventually, Zhang Sanfeng ascended to immortality on the Yushun Peak of Mount Yanzhe.
Mount Yanzhe is composed of three parts: West Stream, East Stream, and Yimen Mountain. The West Stream, which includes Jinjia Gully and several small canyons, spans 7.5 kilometers and represents the heart of the mountain’s tourism. It features numerous inscriptions from the Song and Ming dynasties, many of which have faded over time. However, the inscriptions of ‘West Stream’ and ‘Yunso Cave’ by the renowned Northern Song poet Zhang Shunmin remain clearly visible. Zhang Shunmin was an upright and incorruptible official, known for his candor, which led to many adversaries and ultimately his framing and exile to Mount Yanzhe, where he lived in seclusion. Additionally, there is a seven-character quatrain by Fang Yuanyi of the Ming Dynasty on the ‘Inscription Cliff’. These elements indicate that Mount Yanzhe was a popular place for cultivation in ancient times, drawing an increasing number of visitors.
The flora of Mount Yanzhe dances in the rain, with clear streams along the creeks adorned with wildflowers, occasional wild mushrooms in the forest, and the possibility of encountering small animals like squirrels.This place is ideal for leisure and vacation, breathing the freshest air, and purifying the soul.
Due to the rain, we only walked a part of the mountain and did not complete the entire trail, which is a pity. We will have to wait for the next visit to climb the heavenly ladder, view the alpine meadows, and cross the sky pit canyons. The area is now a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and a haven for rock climbing.
Although we did not fully explore Mount Yanzhe, we discovered a very unique homestay at the foot of the mountain. Due to the rain, we stayed here for the night. The Huazhu-Yanzhe Tianhua Hotel Homestay is located at the foot of the mountain inside the scenic area, with 11 uniquely shaped independent cabins that offer panoramic views of Mount Yanzhe. The窗外 is green grass and blue mountains, with continuous bird songs in the forest, delicious food that warms the stomach and heart, and sitting on the outdoor terrace lounge chair feeling the gentle breeze, one feels refreshed and at ease.
Each room is a unique, standalone structure with different shapes, predominantly large beds. There are triangular domains, nest-like designs, space capsules, starry mystery duplexes, forest-themed large beds, and even shark-shaped rooms, all of which are highly innovative. The exterior designs were so appealing that a decision to stay was made without hesitation.
I stayed in the Triangular Domain Starry Room, which was surprisingly spacious once inside. It featured a large bed, a sofa, and a triangular glass ceiling that allowed me to lie in bed and count the stars at night.The bathroom was distinctively designed in a pure wooden triangular style, offering a clear separation of wet and dry areas and providing all necessary toiletries. From the terrace, I could enjoy the beautiful views of Sunshade Mountain and chat with friends staying across, creating a comfortable and relaxed experience. On cool evenings, a blanket was necessary, but air conditioning was not required.
Even in the rain, the morning view was unique; Sunshade Mountain was visible through the window, its peak shrouded in misty clouds, exuding an ethereal aura. A complimentary breakfast of exquisite Western-style pastries was provided, with one portion per person.
Staying in such a beautiful homestay, far from the city’s hustle and bustle and nestled in the mountains, made the trip worthwhile. Sometimes, it’s not the scenery that matters, but the enjoyment of the journey itself. Encountering bad weather on the road but finding the best homestay is a contentment that comes from being satisfied with what life offers.
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