Mount Qingcheng

Overview

Mount Qingcheng, located in Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province, approximately 68 kilometers from Chengdu, is one of China's most sacred Taoist mountains. The mountain is celebrated for its lush greenery, ancient temples, and serene atmosphere, earning it the reputation as "Qingcheng under Heaven, the most tranquil" (青城天下幽). With a history spanning over 2,000 years, Mount Qingcheng has played a pivotal role in the development of Taoism as China's indigenous religion and continues to be a significant cultural and spiritual destination.

History

Mount Qingcheng's history is deeply intertwined with the development of Taoism in China. According to legend, during the time of the Yellow Emperor, a Taoist master named Ning Fengzi (宁封子) resided on the mountain, teaching the emperor the "Dragon Climbing Technique" (龙跻之术) for riding wind and clouds. In gratitude, the Yellow Emperor built an altar and honored Ning Fengzi as "The Elder of the Five Sacred Mountains" (五岳丈人), leading to the mountain also being known as "Zhangren Mountain" (丈人山). Anciently, Mount Qingcheng was ranked among the Five Great Immortal Mountains (五大仙山) along with Wudang Mountain in Hubei, Longhu Mountain in Jiangxi, Qiyun Mountain in Anhui, and Jingfu Mountain in Shaanxi.

The most significant figure in establishing Mount Qingcheng as a Taoist sacred site is Zhang Daoling (张道陵). In the early Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), Zhang Daoling began his spiritual practice at Heming Mountain (鹤鸣山) and later moved to Mount Qingcheng. In 143 AD, after completing the Twenty-Four Taoist Books, he established the Five Pecks of Rice Taoism (五斗米道), also known as the Way of the Celestial Masters (天师道), which is considered China's indigenous religion. This act cemented Mount Qingcheng's status as the foremost of China's Four Great Taoist Mountains.

During the Tang and Song dynasties, Mount Qingcheng experienced a golden age of Taoist development. The Tang emperors, particularly after the An Lushan Rebellion (天宝之乱), sought refuge in Sichuan, and Emperor Xizong of Tang ordered grand Taoist rituals to be performed on the mountain. Notable Taoist masters like Du Guangting (杜光庭) and Chen Tuan (陈抟) lived and died here, contributing to the mountain's spiritual legacy. Du Guangting, in particular, spent nearly 30 years on Mount Qingcheng, compiling numerous Taoist texts and establishing the integration of the Celestial Masters tradition with the Shangqing (Upper Purity) school of Taoism.

The Ming and Qing dynasties saw further developments in Taoist practice on the mountain. During the Ming Dynasty, the Quanzhen (Complete Perfection) school's Longmen (Dragon Gate) branch became predominant. After the turmoil at the end of the Ming Dynasty, the Quanzhen Longmen tradition was revitalized in 1669 by Daoist master Chen Qingjue from Wudang Mountain.

In modern times, Mount Qingcheng received formal recognition for its cultural and natural significance. In 1982, it was included in the first batch of National Scenic Areas. In 2000, Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System were jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2007, it was designated as one of China's first 5A-level tourist attractions.

Key Information

Cultural Significance

Mount Qingcheng holds profound significance in Chinese cultural and religious history. As the birthplace of Taoism, it represents the philosophical and spiritual traditions that have shaped Chinese culture for millennia. The mountain's architecture, featuring numerous temples and palaces integrated with the natural landscape, exemplifies traditional Chinese principles of harmony between humans and nature.

The mountain's cultural impact extends beyond religious practice. It has inspired generations of poets, artists, and scholars. The famous Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu wrote: "As a guest of Qingcheng, I would not spit in its waters. For I love Zhangren Mountain, its stone steps near the tranquil meaning." Other poets like Cen Shen, Qian Qi, Jia Dao, Lu You, and Fan Chengda all composed works praising Mount Qingcheng's beauty and spiritual atmosphere.

The mountain is also associated with several cultural specialties. "Dongtian Tribute Tea" (洞天贡茶) was listed as a tribute tea during the Tang and Song dynasties. "White Stew Chicken" (白果炖鸡) is a traditional dish from the region, known for its rich broth and tender chicken. "Qingcheng Pickles" (青城泡菜) are traditional preserved vegetables made according to Taoist methods, and "Dongtian Milk Wine" (洞天乳酒) is a traditional beverage made from kiwi fruit.

Modern Status

Today, Mount Qingcheng remains an important religious center and popular tourist destination. The mountain is divided into two main areas: Front Mountain (前山) and Back Mountain (后山). Front Mountain, approximately 15 square kilometers, is the primary tourist area with numerous temples and cultural sites, including Jianfu Palace (建福宫), Tian Shi Dong (天师洞), and Shangqing Palace (上清宫). Back Mountain covers about 100 square kilometers and is known for its natural beauty, featuring waterfalls, gorges, and forests.

The mountain's religious community continues Taoist traditions, with several active temples including the main Taoist temple at Tian Shi Dong (Celestial Master Cave), which houses statues of Zhang Daoling and other important Taoist figures. The mountain also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, attracting both pilgrims and tourists.

In addition to its cultural and religious significance, Mount Qingcheng is recognized for its biodiversity. The mountain's diverse ecosystems support numerous plant species, including subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests, mixed evergreen and deciduous forests, and warm-temperate coniferous forests. This rich biodiversity has led to its inclusion in the Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

References

1. Steinhardt, Nancy Shatzman. "Chinese Architecture and the Tao" in The Tao of Architecture. Yale University Press, 2002.

2. Lagerwey, John. Taoism: A Religious History. Yale University Press, 2000.

3. Little, Stephen. "Taoism and the Arts of China". University of Chicago Press, 2000.

4. Cahill, James. "The Painter's Practice: How Artists Lived and Work in Traditional China*. Columbia University Press, 1994.

5. Sivin, Nathan. "Chinese Alchemy: Preliminary Studies*. Harvard University Press, 1968.