Chicken Foot Mountain Chronicle

Author: Gao Anying (Qing Dynasty), annotated by Rui Zengrui
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Jizu Mountain in Yunnan, bordering four counties (Dali, Dengchuan, Binchuan, Yongbei), shaped like a chicken's foot, naturally majestic and profound, renowned both at home and abroad for centuries. For three thousand years, despite being visited and praised by famous scholars, eminent monks, and distinguished figures, who left behind numerous poems and records, there has been a lack of comprehensive documentation, leaving no trace for later generations, which has been a source of regret for those who appreciate its beauty. In the Ming Dynasty, Xu Xiake of Jiangyin had the ambition to compile a local gazetteer but only completed the first four volumes before stopping due to illness. The Venerable Daxue thus completed it, achieving eight volumes, and created a map to guide visitors. I once saw this work at the residence of the layman Dong Hongxun, admiring its rarity but regretting its brevity. After the Xinhai Revolution, Mr. Li Yinquan and Venerable Shao stayed in the mountain. When I was about to resign from my post as the magistrate of Yongchang, passing through Fengyi, I ordered a carriage to come and welcome me, but due to my busy schedule, I could not go. Later, I read the supplementary gazetteer of Jizu Mountain compiled by the two gentlemen during their stay, which brought great comfort. In the 20th year of the Republic of China, while compiling the gazetteer of Yao'an County, I obtained a manuscript of 14 volumes, totaling 13, written by the local scholar Gao Xuejun. The illustrations were exquisite, detailing the mountain's landscape, the evolution of temples, notable figures, scenic spots, and local products, along with numerous poems. Over dozens of maps made it easy to understand at a glance, as if one were standing amidst the scenery. Alas, how magnificent it is!