Yutai Mountain

A Brief Introduction to Yutai Mountain

Yutai Mountain lies 12 kilometers east of the Fuling District of Chongqing and 119 kilometers away from the main city of Chongqing with the highest peak of 862 meters high. In Chinese, "yu" means rain. Yutai Mountain is the place where the ancient people prayed for rain. So it is called Yutai Mountain. Now, Yutai Mountain is a good resort for touring and visiting, health and vacation, as well as business conferences characterized by the rain-praying culture.

Cultural History of Yutai Mountain

Long long ago, Yutai Mountain was called Hongdu Mountain. In the East Han Dynasty, Gongsun Shu (he called himself Baidi, meaning the White Emperor) once stationed his troops in the mountain and thus it was called Baidi (white emperor) Mountain.

In the Tang Dynasty, it is said that once an immortal came here and planted many pine trees on the mountain. So it was called Zhongsong (planting pine trees) Mountain.

In Chong-Zhen the 16th year of Ming Dynasty, Zhang Xianzhon-the leader of peasant rebel army came to Sichuan area. He climbed on the top of the mountain to observe the military situation here and planted flags on it. As a result, it is also called Chaqi (planting flags) Mountain.

There are many sloping fields in Fuling area, leading to frequent droughts here and people always came to the mountain to pray for rains. So it was also called Yutai Mountain. In the ancient times, the ceremony of praying for rains had already been held.

Attractions of Yutai Mountain

The whole scenic area of Yutai Mountain occupies an area of more than 1,300 mu (1 mu=666.67 square meters) with cliffs in three sides and one steep slope in one side. Lush pine trees and bamboos are planted on the mountain with frogs croaking, birds singing and crickets chirping. The vegetation coverage of the mountain is above 96%. Flowers are always blooming luxuriantly all year around with fresh air. It is a perfect place for you to contact with nature closely.

There are many charming attractions on the Yutai Mountain, among which is the most typical one-Praying for Rain Platform. The Praying for Rain Platform is the commanding height of Fuling District with an elevation of 862 meters. Here on the platform, you can have a full view of the whole Fuling District. You can also overlook the Yangtze River. (more details)

Folk Customs of Yutai Mountain

With a long history and a profound cultural foundation, there are many folk customs in the scenic area of Yutai Mountain. From May to October of each year, the Bate Culture Festival is held in the natural outdoor bathing place. From the seventh month to the eighth month of Chinese lunar calendar, the qualification trials to select the saintess for the ceremony of praying for rain are held here. In spring, the temple fairs are held here on the Yutai Mountain.