Heming Mountain | Explore the Mysteries of Nature

Heming Mountain, also known as "Huming Mountain," is one of the birthplaces of Taoism in China. It is located in Heming Township, Dayi County, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, and is a southern branch peak of the Qingcheng Mountain area on the eastern slope of the Qionglai Mountains.


• Location and Environment:
Heming Mountain is over 1,000 meters above sea level, with Qingcheng Mountain to the north, Mount Emei to the south, and Wuzhong Mountain to the west. It extends to the western Sichuan Plain and is about 70 kilometers from Chengdu City. The mountain is majestic, with lush forests and two streams encircling it, resembling a crane about to take flight. The scenic area is a famous tourist destination and summer resort, with pine and cypress forests, verdant greenery, and babbling mountain streams.


• Taoist Cultural Background:
According to historical records, during the reign of Emperor Shun of the Eastern Han Dynasty (126–144 AD), Zhang Ling (Zhang Daoling) advocated the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice (also known as the Way of the Celestial Masters) on Heming Mountain. He revered Laozi (Li Er) as the founder and used the "Tao Te Ching" as the main scripture, marking the formal establishment of Taoism. Heming Mountain is thus recognized worldwide as the birthplace of Taoism in China and a pilgrimage site for Taoists, known as the "Taoist Capital" and the "Ancestral Court of Taoism."


• History and Legends:
Before Zhang Daoling founded Taoism, Heming Mountain was a place for hermits to cultivate. It is said that Guangchengzi (Machengzi) of the pre-Qin period and Zhou Yishan of the Western Han Dynasty both ascended to immortality here. Many famous Taoists throughout history, such as Du Guangting of the late Tang and Five Dynasties, Chen Tuan (Xiyi) of the Northern Song, and the famous Ming Dynasty Taoist Zhang Sanfeng, also practiced here.


• Historical Sites:
Heming Mountain Scenic Area has many historical sites, including the Three Palaces Temple, Wenchang Palace, Taiqing Palace, Jieyuan Pavilion, Bagua Pavilion, Yinxian Pavilion, and the under-construction "Taoist Holy City." There are also twenty-four caves on Heming Mountain, known as the Twenty-Four Caves.


• Culture and Influence:
Heming Mountain is not only a Taoist holy site but also a place visited and praised by literati throughout history. Many famous figures, such as Tang Qiu, Du Guangting, Wen Yuke, Lu You, and Yang Shen, have visited the mountain and expressed their sentiments through poetry.

Heming Mountain, with its profound Taoist cultural history and beautiful natural scenery, attracts visitors and Taoist believers from around the world.

Post by TimeTrekker_567 | Jan 4, 2025