Could the mountains before us be the mythical Huaguo Mountain? This place may be the birthplace of Sun Wukong. The Monkey King is a protagonist in the novel Journey to the West. We are standing before \u7334\u5c71. It is a place possibly linked to the legend of Sun Wukong.
Many real-world locations connect to the Mount Huaguo story. The mountain in Lianyungang is most commonly identified as its source of inspiration.
According to folklore Guanyin Bodhisattva once meditated on a large rock here. She passed through Flower Fruit Mountain. The stone miraculously gave birth to Sun Wukong.
The novel describes a mountain in the country of Aolai. This is in the Eastern Continent of Superior Deity. It is known as the Pūrvavideha Continent. The mountain has many demons and monkeys. It contains many hidden areas. The Shuilian Cave is one of these hidden areas. Sun Wukong bravely rushes through a large waterfall into this cave. Then every individual in the mountain acknowledges him as their king.
After Sun Wukong became king, the mountain became civilized. It was well-trained for future conflicts. Sun Wukong often left this mountain. He had to protect the Tang monk Tang Sanzang on his journey to India. The mountain continued to thrive even after 500 years of conflict. This was due to the natural and civilized ways set by Sun Wukong.
A Water Curtain Cave features in the novel Journey to the West. Sun Wukong becomes the king of this cave early on. It is used for the monkeys to train. It is also a place for them to rest. Wukong nominated himself to rush through the great waterfall. He wanted to see what was behind it.
He discovered emerald moss and white clouds. He also saw a quiet house with peaceful windows. Dragon pearls hung in niches. Exotic blooms were all around. Stone chairs and beds were adorable. There were even better stone plates and bowls. One or two tall bamboos swayed in the breeze. Three or four sprigs of plum blossom added color. A few pines attracted rain.
Wukong took a good look. He scampered to the middle of the bridge. He noticed a stone tablet. The tablet read: HAPPY LAND OF THE MOUNTAIN OF FLOWERS AND FRUIT CAVE HEAVEN OF THE WATER CURTAIN. The stone monkey rushed away. He shut his eyes. He crouched. He leapt back through the waterfall.
Sun Wukong returned to the Water Curtain Cave. He came back for miscellaneous reasons. He was either returning from his celestial master or because of an issue with his enlightened master Sanzang.
Scholars have widely discussed the subject. They have named several real-world mountains as real Flower Fruit Mountains. These have become tourist attractions in China. There is no consensus among Chinese academics. They disagree regarding the true prototype of Flower Fruit Mountain.
Other Huaguoshan locations include one in Loufan, Shanxi. Another is Baoshan Mountain in Shunchang, Fujian. Mount Tai in Shandong has also been suggested. Another contender is Huaguoshan in Yiyang, Luoyang, Henan. Also, there is Yangxian Mountain in Yixing, Jiangsu. Siming Mountain in Ningbo, Zhejiang, may also be the inspiration.
Could this \u7334\u5c71 be the true inspiration? It is a place of legend. The monkeys have even influenced ancient Chinese martial arts. Monkey Kung Fu incorporates the movements of monkeys and apes.
The monkey is the ninth of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. People born under this sign are playful. They are mischievous and intellectually curious. Monkeys are fond of practical jokes. They are quick-witted and sociable creatures.
As we stand here let your imagination run wild. Picture Sun Wukong leaping through waterfalls. Imagine monkeys training for battle. Feel the magic of this legendary place \u7334\u5c71.