The Legend of Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain, fondly known as "Chuanyan Mountain" by locals, reigns supreme amongst the many natural wonders gracing the Bagua Mountain range. My initial encounter with this majestic peak occurred in the 1970s during a trip to Shuanghe to purchase sweet potato noodles. As we traversed the path near Yangjiayuan, the sight of Tianmen Mountain piercing the heavens in the distance took my breath away. It was a mesmerizing tableau of sheer grandeur and delicate beauty, shrouded in swirling mists, ancient trees reaching for the sky, and lush vegetation blanketing its slopes. Heaven and earth seemed to converge at this mystical juncture, hinting at an otherworldly paradise teeming with untold wonders.

Local Tales and Missed Adventures

The villagers whispered tales of Tianmen Mountain, each more enchanting than the last. They spoke of a mountain soaring to heights of nearly 70 feet, crowned with a magnificent archway, or "Tianmen" (Heaven's Gate), measuring a staggering 45 feet wide. The base of the mountain was said to be an enchanted realm carpeted with a vibrant tapestry of exotic flora, strange rock formations, and dense, untouched forests. This primeval sanctuary was alive with the rustle and chirp of rare and wonderful creatures. Colorful pheasants, wild chickens, and bamboo chickens sought refuge in the dense undergrowth, while squirrels scampered through the canopy and birdsong filled the air. It was a paradise that captivated the hearts of those fortunate enough to venture into its embrace, whether they sought breathtaking vistas or rare medicinal herbs.

Years later, in the early 1990s, my son and his classmates, Wang Yong and Wu Jiachang, planned a summer adventure to Tianmen Mountain and the nearby Jiuhua Mountain. Their mission? To collect and catalog an array of medicinal herbs for their school projects. I, for one, was excited for them and readily agreed to find a local guide who knew the treacherous mountain paths like the back of their hand. I even considered asking my son's godfather, a seasoned army doctor, to accompany them and provide an extra layer of safety. However, my wife, ever the pragmatist, put her foot down. No amount of pleading or promises could sway her unwavering stance. Her concerns stemmed from the fact that Tianmen and Jiuhua mountains were notorious havens for dangerous predators like leopards, wolves, and, most alarmingly, venomous snakes. The thought of these young, city-bred lads venturing into such a perilous environment, especially so far from home, filled her with dread. The safety of our son's friends weighed heavily on her mind, and the potential consequences of a chance encounter with a deadly serpent or a prowling beast were simply too great to bear. And so, despite their initial disappointment, the boys heeded her words and abandoned their expedition. To this day, the allure of Tianmen Mountain and its botanical treasures remains a tantalizing "what if" in their memories.

A Serendipitous Encounter with Legend

During a much later visit to the region, we found ourselves seeking respite from the sun and quenching our thirst at a humble farmhouse nestled at the foot of the mountains. Our curiosity piqued by the numerous tales we had heard, we seized the opportunity to inquire about the legendary Tianmen Mountain. The woman of the house, her eyes twinkling with mischief and pride, readily indulged our curiosity, weaving a spellbinding tale that transported us to a time when gods roamed the earth...

Legend has it that after Pangu separated heaven and earth, ten suns blazed fiercely in the sky, scorching the land and leaving a trail of withered crops and suffering in their wake. The people cried out in despair, their very survival hanging in the balance. Touched by their plight, the benevolent Jade Emperor summoned the skilled archer, Houyi, and tasked him with restoring balance to the celestial bodies. With unwavering aim, Houyi shot down nine of the ten suns, bringing much-needed relief to the scorched earth. However, the remaining sun, still a formidable celestial furnace, continued to cast its intense heat upon the land.

Witnessing the continued suffering of the people, the mighty warrior god, Erlang Shen, approached the Jade Emperor with a daring proposition. He proposed a plan to alleviate the sun's oppressive heat by shouldering two colossal mountains and using them as celestial shields to protect the earth. The Jade Emperor, impressed by Erlang Shen's unwavering compassion and audacious spirit, granted him permission to proceed.

And so began Erlang Shen's epic journey. With Herculean strength, he hoisted two towering mountains onto his shoulders, one at each end of a sturdy carrying pole. Day after day, year after year, he traversed the heavens, ensuring the earth was shielded from the searing heat of the solitary sun. His tireless efforts were a testament to his unwavering dedication to the well-being of humankind.

One fateful day, as Erlang Shen approached the region now known as Bagua Mountain, his stomach rumbled with hunger, and his throat parched with thirst. He gently lowered the mountains to the ground and, selecting a particularly smooth, flat boulder, used it as a makeshift stove. To this day, this massive rock formation is known as "Zhiguoshi Ridge," a testament to Erlang Shen's brief respite. He then ventured to a nearby stream, its waters crystal clear and cool, to rinse the rice he would use to prepare his meal. This idyllic stream, forever etched in the annals of local lore, became known as the "Ximi River," or "Wash Rice River."

His hunger satiated and thirst quenched, Erlang Shen prepared to resume his journey. As he hoisted the colossal mountains back onto his shoulders, eager to resume his pursuit of the sun, disaster struck. The carrying pole, weakened by the immense weight it bore for countless eons, snapped in two with a deafening crack. The two mountains, once suspended between heaven and earth, tumbled back to the mortal realm. One came to rest amidst the rugged peaks of the Bagua Mountain range, while the other landed far to the south, in the region we now know as Zhangjiajie. Thus, two majestic Tianmen Mountains were born, forever linked by the legend of Erlang Shen's valiant effort.

Despite his initial frustration at the setback, Erlang Shen pressed on, his determination to shield humanity from the relentless sun unwavering. However, without a carrying pole, his efforts proved futile. The sun, as if sensing his struggle, seemed to gain strength, its rays beating down with renewed intensity. The weight of his perceived failure pressed heavily upon Erlang Shen's shoulders, his heart aching for the suffering he felt he had failed to prevent.

Yet, unknown to Erlang Shen, his selfless act of sacrifice had not gone unnoticed. The heavens themselves were moved by his unwavering compassion and herculean efforts. In a gesture of cosmic gratitude, the sun's heat gradually softened, its rays no longer a harbinger of destruction but a life-giving embrace. With the sun's fury tempered, peace and prosperity returned to the land. Bountiful harvests filled the granaries, and the people, eternally grateful to their celestial savior, whispered his name in reverence. Erlang Shen's legend, a testament to the power of compassion and perseverance, became an integral part of the region's folklore, passed down through generations.

As the woman concluded her captivating tale, I found myself utterly spellbound, transported to a realm where gods and mortals coexisted. It was as if I, too, had stood on that mountainside, witnessing firsthand Erlang Shen's awe-inspiring feat.

One day, I vowed silently to myself, I will return to the mystical embrace of Bagua Mountain and finally set foot on the slopes of the legendary Tianmen Mountain. I will lose myself in its verdant embrace, marvel at its towering peaks, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty that captivated the hearts of gods and mortals alike.

Questions and Answers

Q1: What is the legend behind the name "Tianmen Mountain"?

A1: Legend has it that the mighty god Erlang Shen was carrying two mountains to shield the earth from the sun. When his carrying pole broke, one of the mountains landed in the Bagua Mountain range, creating Tianmen Mountain. The massive archway at its peak is said to be the "Heaven's Gate" left behind from this mythical event.

Q2: What makes Tianmen Mountain a popular destination?

A2: Apart from its legendary status, Tianmen Mountain is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring soaring peaks, lush vegetation, unique rock formations, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Q3: Are there any other interesting landmarks near Tianmen Mountain?

A3: Yes, the legend of Erlang Shen extends to nearby landmarks such as "Zhiguoshi Ridge," believed to be the spot where he rested and cooked a meal, and "Ximi River," where he washed his rice.