This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
The former residence of Tao Kan, a general of the Jin Dynasty, is called Taogong Mountain, located at Shizuinao in the urban area of Xiangtan City. Tao Kan once built a small thatched hut on the mountain and cleared land around it to grow vegetables. To the front left of the hut was a depression that collected rainwater to form a pond, where Tao Kan drew water for drinking. Because cats often caught small fish by the pond, it was named "Cat Pond." On the small hill gully behind the hut was a small stone bridge, later called "Taogong Bridge," which was later destroyed.
The side of Taogong Mountain facing the Xiang River is all red sandstone rock. The stone peak bulges and extends toward the Xiang River, just like a teapot spout, hence the name "Pot Mountain," commonly known as "Shizuinao." Viewed from afar, the upper jaw of the stone spout extending into the Xiang River is magnificent in form, like a roaring male lion, commonly called "Lion's Mouth." On the stone mountain spout grows a green parasol tree; behind the parasol tree is Tao Kan's burial mound containing his personal effects and the small garden in front of the tomb house.
Tao Kan's burial mound containing his personal effects was built in the early Yuan Dynasty, perhaps because "in times of national peril, one longs for good generals." Although the tomb structure is simple, it is quite imposing. Going up the stone steps from the riverbank, on the left side by the enclosing wall is a double tomb gate, with a stone plaque embedded in the door frame inscribed with the four characters "Tao Gong Tomb Chamber." Entering the gate, on the right is a row of three black-tiled single-story rooms, which were the residence of the tomb keeper. In front of the tomb is a stone railing, with stone pillars on both left and right, inscribed with the couplet "Rivaling Mount Heng for a thousand autumns without decay, accompanying the Xiang River for ten thousand ages flowing fragrance." In front of the stone railing are a stone incense burner, a stone square table, and "drum-shaped" stone stools. The small garden in front of the tomb is also quite distinctive; besides evergreen shrubs, various vegetables are planted according to the season, as a way to commemorate Tao Kan.
Due to warfare, some ancient sites have been destroyed. However, Tao Kan's burial mound containing his personal effects remains intact, and the seven large characters "Tomb of Tao Huan Gong, Inspector of Jin" carved on the tombstone are clearly visible.
