What to prepare for a trip to Jiming Mountain

A trip to Jiming Mountain requires some preparation. A mountain's fame doesn't depend on its height, but on its legends. At 1128.9 meters above sea level, Jiming Mountain is considered the highest solitary mountain outside the Great Wall, and naturally, it has many legends and stories. Jiming Mountain is located in Xiahuayuan District, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province. Does the name Xiahuayuan (Lower Garden) imply the existence of Shanghuayuan (Upper Garden) and Zhonghuayuan (Middle Garden)? Yes, during the reign of Empress Dowager Xiao, she admired the scenery and location of this area, so she designated Shanghuayuan, Zhonghuayuan, and Xiahuayuan. Today, Shanghuayuan is a township, Zhonghuayuan doesn't exist as a place name, and Xiahuayuan is a district. Jiming Mountain wasn't originally called Jiming Mountain. Legend has it that a black wind monster was wreaking havoc, so a celestial being used a mountain to block the monster's cave. The mountain appeared overnight, as if it had flown there, hence the name "Feilai Feng" (Flying Peak). Jiming Mountain is also called Moji Mountain, a name derived from a poignant historical story. Numerous emperors and rulers, including Emperor Wencheng of Northern Wei, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Emperor Shengzong of Liao, Empress Dowager Xiao, Emperor Shun of Yuan, and Emperor Yingzong of Ming, have ascended Jiming Mountain. Emperor Taizong of Tang named it Jiming Mountain after hearing a rooster crow. It's best to familiarize yourself with the attractions beforehand. At the foot of the mountain, the path zigzags upwards. No matter how far you've walked, the Three-Story Four-Pillar Archway marks only the starting point. Numerous attractions await, including the Mountain God Temple, Empress Dowager Xiao Pavilion, Mingji (Crowing Rooster), Guanyin Temple, Longguyan (Dragon Bone Rock), Yongning Temple, Wuzhifeng (Five Finger Peak), Luotuoyan (Camel Rock), Shouguifeng (Tortoise Peak), Zhushadong (Cinnabar Cave), Suolumeng (Locked Road Gate), Bifengqiao (Windbreak Bridge), Nantianmen (Southern Heavenly Gate), Yuhuangge (Jade Emperor Pavilion), Bixia Yuanjun Temple on the West Peak, and the Sunrise Viewing Platform on the East Peak. Empress Dowager Xiao enjoyed the scenery from Jiming Mountain. Her pavilion offers a clear view of the constellations above. Emperor Kangxi visited Xiahuayuan four times and climbed Jiming Mountain twice. The stone where he rested is called "Wolongshi" (Reclining Dragon Stone). Notable attractions like Empress Dowager Xiao Pavilion, Wolongshi, Mountain God Temple, God of Wealth Temple, and Yongning Temple are easy to spot. However, the naturally formed attractions like Luotuoyan and Shouguifeng might be missed if you're not observant. As the saying goes, "You cannot see the true face of Mount Lu, only because you are within its mountains." So, don't just look down while walking; look around and you'll discover formations that truly resemble a camel, a testament to nature's artistry. The climb up Jiming Mountain is challenging. No matter how long you walk, the elevation gain appears minimal on the contour lines. Be prepared mentally and physically. Bring plenty of water. You'll sweat a lot while climbing, and there are no vendors along the way. Along with water, pack hydrating fruits like grapes and cantaloupe. When you need a break, stop, enjoy the fruit, take in the panoramic view, and then continue your journey. Most people drive to Jiming Mountain. Bring enough water for the ascent and pack a picnic blanket, bread, fruit, and other food in your car for a picnic after descending. Believe it or not, the scenery is different going up and down, and different people see different things. There's a post office on Jiming Mountain. If it's open, you can send a postcard. Vegetarian meals are available. There's also a large slide.