Zhurong Peak

Zhurong Peak, the highest point on Hengshan, one of the Five Great Mountains of China. Many pilgrims carry incense to be burned in the adjacent fire god temple. We walked up in the Autumn sun, and travelled down enveloped in heavy mists.

Baohuang Cave

Baohuang Cave (抱黄洞) on Yuelu Mountain.

According to the weathered and faded signs, it is sacred to the Taoists because Zhang Baohuang (张抱黄) and Deng Yu (邓郁) studied and ascended to heaven here. There were once Taoist monasteries nearby, and later a pavilion, but they have long been destroyed. Another folktale recalls a snake lived here and stretched its tongue to form a bridge to trick its victims. The snake was killed by Tao Kan and the Fairy Crane.

Pierced Rock Slope

Pierced Rock Slope (穿石坡).

It was here during the Western Jin Dynasty, after the Duke of Changsha Tao Kan (妖蟒 259-334) shot the Python Demon (妖蟒) with an arrow, that he met the White Crane Maiden (白鹤姑娘) and pledged to meet her again 50 years later, according to her dying wish. Tao Kan was long delayed with government affairs so that he missed his appointment. Late in coming, Tao waited for 81 days at the appointed place before he saw her at last. To prevent the White Crane Girl from longing for earthly attachments, a Bodhisattva requested Tao depart from her though a stone door. Tao forced his way through but when he looked back  he saw only this stone wall in front of him. Hence it is called ‘Chuanshipo’ or ‘Pierced Rock Slope’.

It is found along a mountain stream on Yuelu Mountain, below a lake which is also named 'Chuanshipo'.