Tianzhu Peak

    Tianzhu Peak is located in the eastern part of Mount Jiuhua UNESCO Global Geopark, within Dongqiao Village, Zhubei Town, Qingyang County, at the northwest of Qingqiao Bay. It has an elevation of 1,004 meters and a relative height of approximately 700 meters. According to the Gazetteer of Mount Jiuhua of the Qing Dynasty:“Tianzhu Peak rises abruptly to an immense height like a pillar leaning against the sky; it is the foremost peak in the eastern part of the mountain.”The peak resembles an enormous turtle’s head, with a summit that appears to be a pillar thrusting straight into the clouds. Standing solitary among the surrounding peaks, it presents a majestic and imposing sight.

Tianzhu Peak is surrounded by encircling peaks, creating a unique landscape. To its west lie Shuangfeng, to the south is Dagu Peak, to the northeast is Cuicui Peak, to the northwest stands Wulao Peak, and to the southwest is Liexian Peak. At the summit of Liexian Peak, grotesque rocks stand in strange formations, some shaped like human figures walking, bowing, looking back, or dancing. As light mists and clouds brush past the rocks, they resemble immortals drifting through the sky, hence the name. On the southern side is a peak called“Xiangshilao”, which is said to produce wonderful sounds on rainy days. To the northwest, Wulao Peak resembles a plum blossom, with five small petals clustered at the summit like a plum blossom containing buds, commonly known as the“Five Elders Peak”. The encircling peaks around Tianzhu Peak look like celestial elders traveling through the heavens to pay homage to the pillar, hence the name“Celestial Trace of Tianzhu”. This scene was listed as one of the“Ten Scenes of Jiuhua”during the Qing Dynasty.

Tianzhu Peak has profound historical and cultural heritage. The great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, undeterred by the dangerous terrain, set out from Lingyang, climbed over peaks and ridges, and ascended Tianzhu Peak, where he wrote the poem Ascending Tianzhu Stone at Lingyang Mountain in Response to Imperial Censor Han’s Invitation to Visit Mount Huangshan. After arriving in Xuancheng, Li Bai spoke of the beauty of Lingyang to his friends, praising the elegance of Mount Jiuhua and the majesty of Tianzhu Peak, and even invited them to revisit the area. Thereafter, literati and scholars often came to explore the secluded sites and pay tribute to the“Exiled Immortal”(Li Bai), leaving behind many poems. The Ming Dynasty scholar Wang Yangming once wrote:“The soaring cliff stands ninety thousand fathoms tall, unevenly exuding morning chill. An immortal beckons me to go, waving his hand in the blue clouds.”

At the foot of Tianzhu Peak, numerous cultural relics remain. Cheng Jiuwan, the“Duke of Qingyang for Founding the State”in the Song Dynasty, lived and studied at the foot of Shuangfeng before passing the imperial examinations. His son, Cheng Huai, built a study house beside Tianzhu Peak named“Hongsu Shutang”. Their descendant, Cheng Mao of the Ming Dynasty, lived in seclusion at Hongsu Shutang and lectured there. Shi Da (courtesy name Xia Zhi) of the Ming Dynasty had a deep love for Tianzhu Peak and was known by the world as“Master Tianzhu”. He built the“Tianzhu Shutang”(Tianzhu Scholar’s Hall, now known as Tianzhu Guan) where he lived in seclusion, gave lectures, and wrote books, adding a strong cultural atmosphere to Tianzhu Peak.

Tianzhu Peak is also associated with a famous legend. According to the Tang Dynasty work Miscellaneous Records of Sanshui, a Daoist priest named Zhao Zhiwei built a hermitage in front of Fenghuang Ridge and cultivated the Dao for several decades. On the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Xiantong period (871 CE), it had been raining continuously for days since the beginning of the month. In the evening of the 15th day, Zhao Zhiwei suddenly ordered his attendant to prepare wine and fruit, and summoned his disciples, asking if they would like to ascend Tianzhu Peak to admire the moon. Although the disciples agreed, they privately doubted the possibility due to the thick clouds and persistent rain. Shortly afterward, Zhao Zhiwei walked out with his staff, and his disciples followed. When they opened the door, the sky had cleared completely, and the bright moon shone as bright as day. The group climbed to the summit by grasping vines, drinking wine, reciting poetry, strumming zithers, and whistling clearly. They did not return until the moon set. Back at the hermitage, the wind and rain outside were as dreary as before. Only then did the disciples marvel at the depth of their master’s Daoist powers. The Song Dynasty poet Chen Yuyi, when unable to see the moon on a Mid-Autumn Festival, sighed:“In this mortal world we lack a Zhao Zhiwei, no more ethereal journeys to Tianzhu Peak,”expressing his admiration for this lofty figure.

Tianzhu Peak has lush vegetation and a high forest coverage rate, with forests of Chinese fir and Mount Huangshan pine, creating a sound ecological environment. From the summit, one can gaze into the distance at the surrounding peaks and watch the sea of clouds at sunrise, presenting a magnificent landscape. As an important part of the Mount Jiuhua UNESCO Global Geopark, Tianzhu Peak is renowned for its unique granite fault-block landform and is a classic destination for outdoor exploration on the rear mountain of Mount Jiuhua.