A Tour of Fuding's Taimu Mountain
Taimu (mǔ) Mountain is located in the northeastern part of Fujian Province, 45 kilometers due south of Fuding city, approximately near 120°E longitude and 27°N latitude. It stands majestically on the coast of the East China Sea, surrounded by the sea on three sides and backed by mountains on one side. The main peak is 917.3 meters above sea level. To its north lies Yandang Mountain, and to its west lies Wuyi Mountain; the three mountains form a tripod-like posture.
Legend has it that during the time of Emperor Yao, an old woman grew orchids in the mountain and encountered a Taoist, after which she ascended to immortality. Hence the mountain was originally named "Taimu" (Great Mother), later changed to "Taimu" (Great Grandmother).
The landscapes of Taimu Mountain are all naturally formed, a masterpiece of nature that captivates visitors. Its viewing area covers 92.02 square kilometers, and the protected area is 200 square kilometers. It is characterized by granite peak forests and rock caves, integrating mountains, seas, rivers, and cultural landscapes. It is renowned for its steep peaks, grotesque rocks, unique caves, beautiful streams, swift waterfalls, dreamlike clouds, and rich cultural attractions such as ancient temples, stone carvings, cliff inscriptions, and steles. The scenic area includes five major scenic spots: Taimu Mountain Range, Nine Carp Creek Waterfalls, Qingchuan Seaside, Fuyao Archipelago, and Sangyuan Emerald Lake, as well as two attractions: Lengcheng Ancient Castle and Ruiyun Temple.
The rocks of Taimu Mountain are granite, which through long-term weathering have formed over 360 rock formations in various shapes. Some resemble people, such as Couple Peak, Two Buddhas Discussing Sutras, Two Immortals Playing Chess, Maitreya Baring His Belly, Novice Monk Worshipping the Moon, Arhat Rock, and Bajie Stone; some resemble objects, such as Nine Carps Leaping Skyward, Immortal Sawing a Board, Golden Turtle Climbing a Wall, Jade Monkey Looking in a Mirror, Golden Cat Pouncing on a Mouse, Jade Hare Listening to the Tide, Golden Rooster Announcing Dawn, A Piece of Tile, and Oxback Stone; some have mythological connotations, such as Taimu Ascending to Heaven Stone, Cloud Marker Stone, Flying Stone, and Immortal-Watching Bridge. Each rock is remarkably lifelike, and the scenes change with every step. An ancient poet praised: "Taimu has no ordinary rocks; each seems a divine work. As one's mind perceives, myriad scenes emerge in the heart." Particularly impressive are the two groups of formations, "Nine Carps Leaping Skyward" and "Two Buddhas Discussing Sutras," which stretch for a kilometer and present a magnificent sight.
There are over 100 caves of various kinds on Taimu Mountain. To visit all of them would take 28 days. Some caves take a whole day to go in and come out. Each cave has its own characteristics, and among them the most miraculous are the Yixian Tian (Thread of Sky), Qixing Cave (Seven Star Cave), and Jiangjun Shiba Cave (General Eighteen Caves).
