Longhu Mountain Guide

As one of the most famed Taoist mountains, Dragon and Tiger Mountain (Longhu Mountain) is well worth a visit because of its rich history, beautiful scenery and tranquil environment. Previously known as the Mount of Splendid Clouds, Long Hu Shan is often referred to as the 'Residence of Celestials' and 'Blest Earthly Abode' because of its beautiful scenery and its status as one of the cradles of Taoism.

The mountain was once named "Mount of Splendid Clouds" until a Taoist Priest named Tian Shi used the mountain to distil his elixirs. During the brewing of these potions, a Chinese Dragon and a Mystical Tiger were seen flying around the area, leading to the name being changed to Dragon Tiger Mountain. According to the record of Taoism, in the middle of the East Han Dynasty (25-220), Zhang Daoling, the first Tian Shi (a Taoist priest), started to distill elixirs at this historic mountain, originally named 'Mount of Splendid Clouds'. As the elixirs were made, a dragon and a tiger would appear. Then the mountain's name changed and became a birthplace of Taoism.

Dragon and Tiger Mountain is home to large number of sacred sites, and perhaps the most famous of the sites is the Cliff Tombs, which date back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. The tombs were first excavated in 1978 when large numbers of jade ornaments and ancient musical instruments were found among the relics. Many coffins were found too, many of which were shaped like boats, including dugout canoe coffins made by carving out a single log, larger boats which would have held the remains of up to 10 people, and "micro-cinerary" caskets which would have been used for second burials, but the exact significance of the site to these ancient people is still not truly understood.

• Tengwang Garrett
• Mt. Lushan
• Longhu Mountain