Luofu Mountain, Huizhou – A Fairy Mountain

Bailian Lake, named for the abundance of white lotuses believed to have been planted by immortals and hermits in ancient times, has become a stunning sight filled with blooming lotus flowers. According to legend, a remarkable story is associated with this lake: During the Song Dynasty, a local man named Zhang Songqing was born. His father dreamed of a poem gifted to him, with the opening lines: “On the white lotus pond, the white lotus blooms; he becomes famous, known throughout the world.” True to this prophecy, Zhang Songqing, born in Luofu Mountain, dedicated himself to his studies for ten years. He eventually achieved the highest honor in the imperial examination and became the governor of Zhaoqing, proving the mystical connection between the lake and his destiny.

Zhuming Academy was established by the renowned Ming Dynasty educator Zhan Ruoshui in the 20th year of the Jiajing era (1541) after he retired from public office. He chose the picturesque Qingxia Valley in Zhuming Cave, Luofu Mountain, as the location for his academy, known as Ganquan Academy. The scale of the academy is documented in the text “Record of Zhuming Cave,” which describes its layout: “There were five rooms for sleeping, five halls for teaching, and a door as spacious as the dormitory. The two wings housed eight additional rooms, surrounded by a continuous flow of water.” It also noted that the academy had about 3,000 disciples, showcasing the vibrant state of Confucian education at that time.

Haohan Slope, with an elevation of 957 meters and approximately 119 meters long, features a total of 313 steps. According to legend, the famous alchemist Ge Hong and his companion, Bao Gu, often climbed this slope while foraging for medicinal herbs and studying medical principles together. Their joint efforts led them to create a green liquid known as “Baicao Yaoyou” (Herbal Oil), inspired by the legend of Shennong, who tasted various herbs. This slope came to be known as “Haohan Slope,” symbolizing that those who reach the top with determination are true heroes.

Huanglong Temple is situated at the southwestern foot of Luofu Mountain, beneath Yunu Peak, within Huanglong Cave. It is one of the renowned eighteen cave wonders of Luofu Mountain. Covering an area of approximately 15,000 square meters, Huanglong Temple is the largest temple complex currently in existence on Luofu Mountain and boasts the most impressive architectural scale. It is also the most significant Taoist temple of the Quanzhen Longmen sect in South China, rich in religious and cultural ambiance, making it a major site for Taoist worship and learning in the region.

Sulao Temple is located in Sulao Village, Changning Town, Boro County, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province. Facing northwest, the temple spans 75 meters in width and 36 meters in depth, covering a total area of 2,700 square meters. Key structures include the twin pavilions “Jingri” and “Yinyue,” the main hall, Penglai Pavilion, dining hall, guest hall, and Taoist residences. The courtyard follows a traditional siheyuan layout, with dozens of small rooms for Taoist priests, storage, and dining flanking the main area. A nine-tier stone staircase leads to the entrance, which is adorned with a stone plaque inscribed with “Sulao Temple,” written by the calligrapher Bao Jun from Xiangshan during the Daoguang period.

Ge Xian Temple is dedicated to the worship of the immortal Ge Hong, a prominent figure from the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Legend has it that he visited the village of immortals to share his elixirs and gain wisdom from enlightened beings. An old red stone archway still stands in Xinxu Village, engraved with the words “Ge Fang Li.” The nearby river, known as Ge Shui or Xianxi, is named in his honor. To commemorate Ge Hong, a temple was built with collected donations. The temple underwent significant renovations during the sixth year of the Tongzhi era (1867), and its layout remains largely unchanged after over 140 years. The architecture is symmetrical, resembling a Taoist temple, and features a statue of Ge Xian on the altar.

Chongxu Ancient Temple is situated at the entrance of Zhuming Cave. Built between 326 and 334 AD during the Eastern Jin period, it was established by Ge Hong, a noted Taoist theorist, chemist, and pharmacologist, who chose this location for his practices and teachings. He founded the Lingbao sect of Taoism, attracting many disciples to the mountain. Ge Hong expanded the temple with three additional pavilions on the northwestern side for teaching and writing. After his death, the site was renamed a temple in 405 AD, receiving official recognition for worship. In 1087 (the second year of the Song Yuan era), it was granted the title “Chongxu Temple,” a name that has continued to this day.