Mianshan Mountain

Introducing Mianshan Mountain
Mianshan Mountain is located in Jiexiu City in central Shanxi Province. Mianshan Mountain is a majestic mountain range covering a total area of 294.75 square kilometers (114 square miles) and reaching a peak elevation of 8,418 feet. The name “Mianshan” (Cotton mountain) is said to derive from the mountain’s long, unbroken ridgeline, which resembles a piece of silk floss. In ancient Chinese, “mian” referred to silk floss rather than cotton, which aligns more accurately with the historical context and linguistic origins of the mountain’s name.

Renowned for both its natural beauty and cultural significance, Mianshan Mountain is particularly noted for its abundance of cultural and religious relics. It is also recognized as the birthplace of the Hanshi Festival (Cold Food Festival), an ancient Chinese observance during which people avoid using fire for cooking and instead consume cold foods to honor ancestors and celebrate spring.

Mianshan Mountain boasts a sprawling scenic area of 54 square kilometers (20.8 square miles), encompassing 14 distinct tourist zones and offering an impressive array of around 360 attractions. Its beauty transcends description; words and pictures fail to capture its vibrant colors, refreshing air, and the architectural splendor that graces its slopes. This is a destination that begs to be explored with visitors’ own eyes.

Mianshan Mountain Fast Facts
• AKA: Cotton Mountain, Jieshan Mountain
• Chinese Name: Mian Shan 绵山
• Best Time to Visit: Apr, May, Sept & Oct
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 Day
• Opening Hours: 08:00 to 19:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY160 (Sightseeing Bus included)
• Address: Mianshan Mountain, Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province

History of the Mianshan Mountain
The legend of Mianshan Mountain originates in the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 B.C.) with a poignant tale of loyalty and tragedy. It is said that Duke Wen of Jin (697–628 BC), during his exile, was supported by his loyal advisor Jie Zitui, who famously sacrificed his own flesh to feed the hungry Duke. Years later, Duke Wen returned to power and generously rewarded many of his followers, but he inadvertently overlooked Jie.

Feeling overlooked and disheartened by the Duke’s oversight, Jie Zitui retreated to Mianshan Mountain with his elderly mother, choosing a life of seclusion rather than seeking rewards alongside others. Duke Wen, upon realizing his mistake, deeply regretted his neglect of Jie Zitui. He set out to find him, but Jie Zitui, committed to his solitude, remained hidden. In a desperate attempt to lure Jie Zitui out of hiding, Duke Wen ordered a fire to be set on Mianshan Mountain. However, the fire raged out of control, enveloping the entire mountain. When the flames finally subsided, Jie Zitui and his mother were found embracing each other beneath a large willow tree, having perished in the inferno.

Overwhelmed with grief and remorse, Duke Wen established an annual tradition in Jie’s honor. On the anniversary of his death, the Duke decreed that no fires should be lit and only cold food should be consumed, unwittingly sowing the seeds for a tradition that would span centuries. By the Sui Dynasty (581-618), the Cold Food Festival was observed throughout much of China, eventually merging with the ancient Tomb Sweeping Festival in the Tang(618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. This captivating blend of history and legend continues to draw visitors to Mianshan Mountain, eager to experience the mountain’s unique spiritual aura.

What to Expect at the Mianshan Mountain
Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual aura of its mountainside temples or simply crave views that defy description, Mianshan Mountain offers an experience unlike any other.

Daluo Palace
Perched atop Mianshan Mountain, the Daluo Palace, also known as the Temple of All-Embracing Heaven, reigns supreme as the largest temple on the mountain. This sprawling architectural complex, encompassing over 30,000 square meters (7.41 acres), is an awe-inspiring testament to imperial patronage and spiritual devotion.

The palace’s current 13-story structure is the ambitious restoration efforts commissioned by Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) in 732 AD. Its grandeur and architectural splendor have often drawn comparisons to the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa, solidifying its status as a significant Taoist landmark.

Beyond its visual impact, the Daluo Palace is a repository of profound religious and cultural significance. Here, one can find a stone inscription of Lao-tze’s influential philosophical text, the Tao Te Ching alongside a rare Tang Dynasty stone inscription of the Buddhist Diamond Sutra, showcasing a harmonious blend of different faiths. This spirit of inclusivity and reverence for knowledge is further reflected in the palace’s sutra library, rumored to hold the largest collection of sutras in all of China, attracting scholars and spiritual seekers alike.

Yunfeng Temple
The sprawling Yunfeng Temple, with its impressive network of over 200 rooms, boasts a rich history dating back to the Three Kingdoms period in the 3rd century. The temple is dedicated to the revered Tang Dynasty Buddhist monk, Tian Zhichao (田志超), remembered as the “Kongwangfo (Buddha of Emptiness)” after his death. Tian Zhichao’s presence is still felt through his clay-entombed mummy statue (包骨真身), a unique Buddhist practice where the remains of a revered monk are preserved and encased within a statue as a mark of profound respect and veneration. This remarkable statue, enshrined within the main hall, serves as a powerful focal point for devotees.

Jiezitui Ridge
Jie Zitui’s legacy in China is unparalleled. Honored with a festival (Cold Food Festival), mountain (Mianshan Mountain), and county (Jiexiu), he embodies loyalty and selflessness. Pilgrims flock to Mianshan Mountain to connect with his spirit.

Jiezitui Ridge, a prominent tourist zone in Mianshan Mountain, stands as a testament to this enduring veneration. The most awe-inspiring landmark within this zone is undoubtedly the Jiezitui Shrine. This colossal grotto temple, the largest of its kind in China, features a cavernous space 22 meters (72 feet) high, 40 meters (131 feet) wide, and 25 meters (82 feet) deep, supported by two massive ellipsoid columns. At its heart stands an 11-meter-tall (36 ft) idol of Jie Zhitui, flanked by smaller representations of his mother, symbolizing the familial devotion that defined his life. The surrounding columns and walls are adorned with intricate reliefs, each narrating a chapter from Jie’s celebrated tale.

Beyond the shrine’s grandeur, Cypress Ridge offers a serene escape. This picturesque expanse, carpeted in cypress trees, features a path of 2,000 stone steps leading to Jie Zitui’s tomb, a demonstration of Duke Wen of Jin’s remorse. Adjacent to this lies the Stele Forest, where over 100 inscriptions immortalize the mountain’s legends. Emperors, generals, and scholars have lent their calligraphy to this impressive display. A particularly moving inscription, penned by a renowned Tang Dynasty poet, describes Jie Zitui’s spirit as “a cypress standing tall amidst the fleeting seasons.” These words ensure the memory of Jie Zitui and the spirit of Mianshan Mountain endure for generations.

Nun Lee Cliff
Known as Nun Lee Cliff, this enchanting area bears the name of Princess Changzhao (长昭公主), sister to the powerful Emperor Taizong of Tang (who reigned from 626-649 AD). In the spring of 641 AD, during a visit to the mountain with her brother, the princess experienced a transformative vision of the Buddha, prompting her to renounce worldly life and embrace the path of a nun.

In honor of his sister’s devotion, Emperor Taizong commissioned a temple to be built in her name, forever linking her story to this sacred site. Today, the area remains adorned with exquisite Tang-era sculptures, their timeless beauty harmonizing with the native cypresses and pines.

Sky Bridge
For those seeking a taste of adventure, the Sky Bridge offers an unforgettable experience. This thrilling plank road stretches over 300 meters (984 ft) in length, clinging precariously to the mountainside. Measuring less than a meter (3.28 ft) wide, it hangs suspended a dizzying 200 meters (656 ft) below the ridgeline and a breathtaking 300 meters above the valley floor. As if conjured from a mythical tale, mist and clouds often gather beneath the bridge, creating an ethereal spectacle that transports visitors to a realm where earth and sky converge.

Guteng Valley
The Guten Valley, also known as the Stream Gully, beckons travelers with its promise of untamed beauty and tranquil seclusion, serving as the verdant gateway to the summit of Mianshan Mountain. Life teems within the valley: vibrant pheasants call from hidden glades, nimble squirrels leap amongst boughs draped in emerald vines, and the very air breathes with the fragrance of countless medicinal herbs. Everywhere the eye alights, colorful shrubbery and delicate wildflowers paint the landscape in a living tapestry.

Yet, amidst this symphony of nature, it is the namesake vines that truly captivate the imagination. Thick and ancient, they weave their way through the valley, embracing towering trees. Seemingly endless, they drape over medieval stone carvings like living history. The interplay of light and shadow filtering through this emerald canopy creates a dream-like atmosphere, transporting visitors to a realm untouched by the modern world.

How to Get to Mianshan Mountain
• Mianshan Mountain is located approx. 56 km (34.8 miles) away from Pingyao County
• Charter a car/bus from GoGrandChina to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Pingyao to Mianshan Mountain.