Five facing the top

Author: Yang Chun'e
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This series primarily focuses on the inner world of travelers' observations and reflections, rather than the external landscapes and skylines. In these books, readers can see the author's disciplined philosophical thoughts, a generally sound academic background in history, as well as the ingenuity and keen insight displayed in the writing. History and landscapes, landscapes and the indigenous people who built them, undergo a relatively complete historical and cultural evolution in each book. Readers can immerse themselves in this cultural emotion, either flowing with it or jumping through it, giving rise to an alternative, lingering sense of contemplation and continuity that they can further reflect on. This alternative sense of lingering continuity is both speculative and emotional; both exhilarating and indescribable. It is a cultural emotion that can no longer be newly created, replicated, or reconstructed—a sentiment that touches upon deeper emotional or psychological aspects when one sees historical sites that live up to their reputation. Such as the genuine experience of ancient architecture, the novel sensations of another regional culture, and the authentic encounters with the residential complexes of the Ming and Qing dynasties in Shanxi—such as "Confucian Merchant Family—Chang Family Courtyard," "Trustworthiness in the Middle Hall—Qiao Family Courtyard," "Red Six Great Houses—Wang Family Courtyard," and "Rural Imperial City." The amazement at the order, regulations, beauty, tranquility, and preservation of world cultural heritage sites and historical cities in China, such as "Northern Wei Yungang," "Detailed Explanation of Pingyao," and "Riding to Yanmen." The enchantment in "Wutai Mountain Awaiting the Top," "Jinci Dreaming," and "Hengshan Divine Craft," where one becomes lost in the experience without realizing it. The profound, almost invisible emotional impact of the root culture, a candidate for world intangible cultural heritage, as seen in "Hongtong Ancestral Roots," where one feels moved by the snow-like, unspoken emotion. Etc.
Experiencing these above-ground cultural relics on the Shanxi Plateau nourishes the soul of an ancient civilization that we have gradually forgotten, and preserves the image of historical and cultural continuity. The "People Speak of Shanxi" series of books is an extremely authentic and reliable read. Its deeper meaning lies in various aspects of culture, particularly in the ability to interpret beauty, ancient architectural art, and traditional culture. Each book informs readers of the origins of these beautiful and instructive landscape values. In reality, each book also allows for a mental journey through the landscapes.
Most of Mount Wutai is located within Wutai County of Xinzhou City. Wutai refers to: North Peak Wudoufeng, the highest peak in North China; East Peak Wanghaifeng, where one can see the sunrise while climbing; South Peak Jinxiufeng, resembling brocade in its beauty; West Peak Guanyuefeng, covered in snow year-round; and Central Peak Cuiyanfeng, standing like a majestic lion. Mount Wutai is home to numerous temples, with an average summer temperature of 17–19°C, making it an ideal summer retreat. Along the main highway from Taiyuan to Mount Wutai, one may encounter devout men and women in peculiar attire, their expressions solemn, carrying extremely simple backpacks. They take a step forward and bow in a sincere "head-to-the-ground" gesture, driven by the desire to witness the solemn and mysterious statues up close and hear the soul-stirring celestial music and Buddhist chants.