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 Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated.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.
Baozhong Mountain is located within the Taoyue Mountain area about 35 km west of Xiangxiang City. A mountain rises abruptly from the ground, piercing the sky, wrapped in clouds and mist, hazy and indistinct—this is Baozhong Mountain, anciently called the "First Mountain of Central Hunan." Baozhong Mountain is more than 800 meters above sea level and was once named "Zhennü Mountain." Legend has it that two daughters of the Qiu family remained unmarried their whole lives and cultivated immortality on this mountain. At the end of the Song dynasty, villager Liu Shurong raised troops to resist the Yuan and held the mountain unyieldingly. In the end, with soldiers exhausted and food cut off, he threw himself off a cliff and sacrificed his life. Later generations renamed the mountain Baozhong Mountain to commemorate him and honor his loyalty and righteousness.
The scenery of Baozhong Mountain includes Baiyun Pass, the site of Bao'en Temple, the old site of Xiannü Temple, Sheshen Cliff, Yijian Peak, and Erjian Peak. Among them, Baiyun Pass is the most spectacular. Going up along the small mountain path, a huge stone beside the path is inscribed with the three large characters "Baiyun Guan" (White Cloud Pass). This is the so-called gateway where white clouds enter and exit. Whenever white clouds "leave the pass," mist spreads below the pass while the mountaintop is clear and bright; when white clouds "enter the pass," the mountaintop is covered by clouds and mist while below the pass it is clear as a mirror. This is a wonder of Baozhong Mountain. "Sheshen Cliff" is like knife-cut and axe-hewn, standing towering. Legend says it is the place where Liu Shurong, having retreated there, vowed not to surrender and jumped off the cliff to sacrifice himself.
Baozhong Mountain has layered peaks, swaying fine bamboo, shaded forests, fragrant mountain flowers, and singing birds. In the valleys, clear springs and flying waterfalls, flowing streams murmuring, are like songs and melodies. It is intoxicating. There are many precious tree species such as metasequoia, black-shell nanmu, runnan, and red tung, making it a rare natural botanical garden. It has now been established as Baozhong Mountain Forest Farm.
