The Peaks of Panshan

The Five Peaks recorded in Zhipu’s “Pan Shan Zhi” differ slightly from those listed in the “Imperially Commissioned Pan Shan Zhi.” Beyond the Five Peaks, there are numerous other summits; the Five Peaks are mentioned only as the most prominent. Guayue Peak: the principal peak of Pan Mountain, standing at an elevation of 864.4 meters. Its summit is sharp and its base steeply truncated, resembling a conical spire or a bamboo shoot thrusting skyward, reaching into the azure heavens and piercing the blue void—so striking that it seems fit to hang the moon, hence its name, Guayue Peak, also known as Zhongtai. Hong Sheng’s poem, “Ascending Guayue Peak and Sending It to Zhu Zhutuo, the Compiler”: “Each of the Five Peaks vies in splendor, yet Guayue alone reigns supreme. Gazing upward, the pagoda seems close to the heavens; looking down, the world below churns like a restless tide. This mountain stands as the eastern bulwark of the old Jiliao realm, the northern gateway to the Central Plains between mountains and sea. Alas, I wish I could take you far to gaze upon the scene, and, basking in the breeze, let out a long cry from the very roots of the clouds.”

Tourism Leads the Way on the Belt and Road | Panshan: Scenic Beauty Along the Route, Companionship All the Way!

Tourism Leads the Way on the Belt and Road | Panshan: Scenic Beauty Along the Route, Companionship All the Way!

After a heavy rain, Panshan is especially beautiful!

After a heavy rain, Panshan is especially beautiful!

Tiancheng Temple

Tiancheng Temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty. It was originally known as “Fushan Temple,” also called “Tiancheng Fushan Temple,” and was sometimes referred to as “Tiancheng Dharma Realm.” At the temple gate stands a pavilion that overlooks the foothills, its vista resembling a winding alleyway; the mountain streams, moss‑covered rocks, and myriad details are all clearly visible. From afar, the clustered peaks form a breathtaking landscape, like a painting come to life. Some say that the four mountains converge to create a natural fortress, which is why it was once named “Heavenly City.” Later, the character “city” was changed to “achieve,” evoking the idea of a “heavenly masterpiece,” hence the name Tiancheng Temple. Behind the temple rises a towering peak called Cuiping Peak; at its base, an ancient pagoda gleams in the light, and before it stands a fragrant cypress tree as old as the pagoda itself. Flanking it are two tall, stately ginkgo trees, together composing a scene straight out of a celestial painting.

Gǔn Xuě

Here lies the “Aoxue” area of Panshan, where jagged, towering boulders are piled one upon another. From these stones, waterfalls cascade down the rugged cliffs, tumbling like rolling snow—hence the name. At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, in 207 AD, Emperor Wu of Wei, Cao Cao, while leading a northern campaign against the Wuhuan, beheld this place: towering trees reaching for the heavens, majestic peaks rising steeply, and deep ravines roared with rushing waterfalls that tumbled through a sea of rocks, their spray glittering like ice and snow. The scene resonated deeply with his grand, heroic spirit, and he swiftly inscribed the two characters “Gunxue” on the stone wall. Later, floods and torrential rains washed away the original inscription, leaving no trace; today, the words have been re-carved to restore the landscape of yore. As for why the character “Gun” in “Gunxue” lacks the three‑dot radical for water—its left side is replaced by the image of a waterfall. On this point, some people…

Cloud Pavilion, Pear Shadows

Woyunlou, built against the mountainside and by the water, is a two‑story structure with three bays, featuring a high ridge and soaring eaves, ornate carved beams and painted rafters, and an air of solemn grandeur. It was rebuilt in 1984. On summer days, after a rain clears and the sun breaks through, one often sees streaks of rosy clouds; gently stirred by the breeze, they either veil the building or drift right past it, creating a most intriguing spectacle—hence its name. Opposite Woyunlou stands an ancient opera stage, restored and reconstructed in 2005. The inscription “Yunlou Lǐyǐng” was penned by Emperor Qianlong. “Yunlou” refers to Woyunlou, “Lǐ” denotes the old opera platform, and “Yǐng” evokes the lotus pond. The opera stage, the lotus pond, and Woyunlou echo one another from afar, together composing the scenic vista known as “Yunlou Lǐyǐng.” When people think of the “Li Garden,” many are reminded of traditional Chinese opera, which is commonly called…