《茅山誌》Vol. 6

This passage primarily describes the geographical features and historical origins of Maoshan (also known as Juqu Mountain), a sacred Daoist site. Located east of the Yangtze River near Jinling (present-day Nanjing), the mountain contains numerous interconnected caverns. Ancient people referred to it as the "Void Terrace of the Golden Altar," a blessed cave-heaven (dongtian) where immortals dwell.

The mountain's shape resembles the Chinese character "已," hence its name Juqu ("Curved Sentence"). During the Zhou dynasty, it was called the "Cave of Winding Waters," while the Qin dynasty renamed it the "Golden Altar of Juqu" due to the hundred-zhang golden platform within its depths. In the Han dynasty, the three immortal brothers Mao Ying, Mao Gu, and Mao Zhong (collectively known as the Three Mao Lords) cultivated the Dao here. When locals witnessed them descending on white cranes to three separate peaks, they named these summits accordingly: Great Mao Lord Mountain, Middle Mao Lord Mountain, and Lesser Mao Lord Mountain.

The mentioned Huayang Cave Heaven ranks as the eighth among Daoism's thirty-six major cave-heavens. Encompassing 150 li in circumference, it's formally named "Huayang Heaven of the Golden Altar." The cavern's interior forms a vast space, with its flat ceiling located 13-14 li underground. The entire cave-heaven stretches 45 li east-west and 35 li north-south.

[Note: Parenthetical content explains historical administrative changes, indicating that Jurong and Yanling both belonged to Runzhou during the Tang dynasty. In the Song dynasty, Jurong was reassigned to Jiangning Prefecture, while Yanling was abolished during the Xining reign period. Presently, the mountain's southeastern portion belongs to Jintan County.]

Within Mount Mao (a renowned Daoist mountain located in Jurong, Jiangsu) lies an expansive cavernous space extending approximately 170 zhang in depth. At its base rises an earthen mound with a flattened top resembling a lid. The cave contains two miraculous light sources: the Lunar Radiance (Yinhui, the origin of moonlight governing the night) and the Solar Essence (Rijing, the origin of sunlight governing the day). These luminous bodies, shaped like the sun and moon, hover in the void, illuminating the entire grotto as bright as daylight.

This immortal abode, known as the "Palace of the Jurong Grotto," features five gateways connected by winding stone staircases extending through empty space, resembling earthly paths for celestial beings to traverse. The cave's solar and lunar lights mirror those of the external world, with identical vegetation, flowing streams, darting birds, and swirling clouds and mist, blurring the boundary between celestial realm and mortal world. Such wondrous marvels of this grotto-heaven defy verbal description.

This cave heaven connects extensively in all directions: eastward to the Linwu Grotto-Heaven (one of Daoism's Ten Major Grotto-Heavens), northward to Mount Tai (the sacred Dai Peak), westward to Mount Emei, and southward to Mount Luofu (in Guangdong's Luofu Mountain), all linked by countless crisscrossing pathways. During the Jianyuan era of the Han Dynasty, the Daoist master Zuo Ci (courtesy name Yuanfang), having attained the Dao, heard of this mountain's divine wonders and came specifically to cultivate with utmost devotion. After five years of rigorous practice, he gained permission to enter the grotto-heaven, where three immortal lords in the Lunar Palace bestowed upon him three varieties of divine lingzhi mushrooms. After years of exploration within the grotto-palace, Zuo Ci observed its perfectly square and circular architectural structures and marveled: "Who could imagine such miraculous existence in our world—where deities traverse and govern life and death, mirroring human bureaucracy!"

Regarding the "Golden Mound Earth-Lung" records: According to the Account of Grotto-Heavens and Blissful Lands, among the seventy-two blessed lands under heaven, the Golden Mound (modern Nanjing) Earth-Lung ranks first. It earned the name "Earth-Lung" because its water systems pulsate like the rising and falling of lungs during respiration. Ge Hong (the "Embracing Simplicity Master") mentioned other mountains called "Earth-Lung" in his Inner Chapters, but the Golden Mound recorded in the Inner Transmission remains the authentic one. The Lord of Preserved Life (a Daoist immortal) once stated: "The Golden Mound is the most abundant among grotto-heavens and blissful lands, while Mount Jurong constitutes the core of the Earth-Lung." Yet scarcely one in ten thousand people truly comprehends its mysteries. Other records claim the Golden Mound remains untouched by warfare, floods, or epidemics. The 44th scroll of the Essential Primordial Chapters from the River Chart similarly documents: The hilly terrain within the Jurong Altar (ancient name of Mount Mao) protects inhabitants from disease and flood—precisely referring to this location.

Mount Mao (also known as Mount Juqu) is a renowned sacred site in Daoism, counted among the blessed grotto-heavens. According to the Taiyuan Neizhuan (Inner Transmission of the Great Origin), this mountain contains a treasured land called "Jinling" (Golden Mound) spanning approximately 37-38 qing (about 250 hectares), likened to the lungs of the earth. The soil here is exceptionally fertile, the well water sweet, and those who dwell in this place may attain the Dao and achieve immortality. The Hetu Yaoyuan Pian (Essential Chapters of the River Chart) similarly describes the Jintan burial grounds within Mount Juqu as possessing extraordinary water and soil quality, making it a sacred site for ascension to immortality.

The immortal Dinglu Jun (Lord of Fixed Records) once described Jinling's soil as resembling that of Mount Beimang and the Beigu Pass—firm yet ideal for cultivation, with well water comparable to the pure springs outside Fengmen Gate in Chang'an. Even those not practicing Daoist cultivation could prolong their lives by drinking this water over time. The mountain's left side cradles the Willow Valley stream, while the right side holds the Sunny Valley spring. To the west lies the "Crouching Dragon" site—recorded in Kongzi Fudi Ji (Confucius' Records of Blessed Lands) as an elevated ridge that protects against floods and diseases, making it a true land of longevity.

The Perfected Lord Wang Youbi (Right Assistant) observed that compared to the Golden Court Palace on Mount Tongbai, Mount Juqu's Jinling offers superior conditions for self-cultivation and attaining the Dao. Even facing floods five times greater than Emperor Yao's legendary deluge or catastrophic upheavals of the Eastern Sea, practitioners could safely take refuge here.

Regarding Great Mao Peak (the mountain's summit): this is where Siming Jun (Director of Destinies) keeps his white cranes. Dinglu Jun revealed that buried eight chi deep beneath the summit—covered by a massive flat stone—lies an exquisite bronze cauldron from Emperor Xuan's reign (referring to Zhuanxu, grandson of the Yellow Emperor), with a capacity of 4-5 hu (approximately 240-500 liters). Legend states Emperor Xuan commanded the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea to conceal this cauldron here. The mountaintop frequently manifests numinous phenomena.

(Note: The hu was an ancient measurement unit equivalent to 60-100 liters; Emperor Xuan refers to Zhuanxu, one of the Five Sovereigns who governed the north and is venerated in Daoism as the Northern Deity.)

The Divine Light is also known as the Elixir Radiance or Celestial Lamp. In the past, this site had a stone altar and stone chambers, but now temple halls have been constructed to enshrine ancient stone statues of the Three Mao Lords (immortal Daoist figures Mao Ying, Mao Gu, and Mao Zhong). On the eighteenth day of the third lunar month and the second day of the twelfth month—when the Director of Destinies deity makes his inspection—devotees from all directions pilgrimage to the mountain to conduct grand Lingbao Zhaijiao rituals (Daoist ceremonies for blessings and calamity prevention), a tradition maintained unbroken since ancient times.

Middle Mao Mountain stands north of Accumulated Gold Mountain, its towering peak distinct among the undulating ridges. The Lord Dinglu once transmitted Daoist teachings here. On Middle Mao's Mystic Ridge, the Director of Destinies buried cinnabar from the Jade Gate region of the Western Territories—buried two zhang deep beneath four massive boulders. The mountain's twin springs flow with faintly reddish water beneficial to drinkers. Several level areas at its base remain suitable for constructing meditation huts. Among residents of the Three Yang villages (Zhuyang, Taiyang, and Beiyang), many enjoy remarkable longevity.

Little Mao Mountain lies north of Middle Mao. The Inner Transmission of Great Primordiality records: On the wushen day of the seventh month in the third year of Wang Mang's Dihuang era, envoy Zhang Yong was dispatched with gold, white jade, and five bronze bells as offerings to the Three Immortal Lords of Juqu Mountain. Later, on the dingsi day of the third month in the seventh year of Emperor Guangwu's Jianwu era, envoy Wu Lun brought gold, jade artifacts, and silks to present to the Three Lords.

Accumulated Gold Mountain rises behind Yuanfu Palace. Lord Dinglu's teachings mention: In the Long Valley region connecting Great Mao Mountain's rear and Middle Mao Mountain's front stands the ancient Stone-Linked Accumulated Gold Mountain. This area suits human habitation—ideal sites for meditation huts lie near water sources, combining comfort with optimal conditions for elixir refinement and advanced Daoist cultivation. Tao Hongjing (styled the Recluse) identified this as his current dwelling place. To the east stretches a rocky ridge pitted with extraordinary perforated stones. Southwest stands a massive cliff, split vertically, containing a cave that narrows after several zhang until impassable, though rushing wind sounds persist within.

Gold Mushroom Mountain forms a solitary hill in the eastern depression of Accumulated Gold Mountain. Lord Dinglu once noted that among Juqu Mountain's branches stood a celebrated Mushroom Peak. Tao Hongjing observed that modern people no longer recognize it—this mountain likely stands isolated like a mushroom or resembles a rounded granary. In Long Valley behind Great Mao Mountain, this distinct hill in Accumulated Gold's eastern depression rises like a Boshan incense burner, adjacent to the main peak, undoubtedly the very site.

Mount Hua'ao lies south of the Chongxi Palace, where legend tells of the ancient female immortal Sun Hanhua cultivating Daoist practices. A shrine dedicated to her once stood on the mountain, though now it lies in ruins. Strange luminous phenomena often appear here at night, which local villagers attribute to the spiritual radiance (Qi) emitted by immortal elixirs and lingzhi mushrooms—a sight frequently witnessed by residents.

Mount Dinggong sits behind the Chongxi Palace, associated with the Han dynasty immortal Ding Lingwei's ascension to heaven. Some question why this Liaodong native would travel so far to this mountain. Perhaps after achieving immortality through Daoist cultivation, he gained the ability to manifest multiple forms and traverse distances at will.

Ding Mountain stands east of Gongchen Valley, while Tiger Claw Mountain lies to its west. Mount Leiping rises above Leiping Pond, where the immortal Dinglu Jun once transmitted Daoist teachings to Chief Officer Xu. The current buildings face east toward this small mountain—a site where, during the Zhou dynasty, a man surnamed Lei raised dragons.

Mount Yugang, northeast of Lesser Mao Peak, derives its name ("Lush Ridge") from its dense forests and is also called Great Horizontal Mountain. Dinglu Jun clarified that while locals call the area east of Leiping Mountain "Great Horizontal," its proper name is Yugang. The ancient perfected person Li Ming once refined elixirs here before ascending to Mysterious Isle (Xuanzhou), with ruins of his alchemical compound still visible by the water's edge.

Mount Fangyu lies between the northeast of Leiping Mountain and southeast of Mount Liangchang, comprising three small peaks resembling a swallow's beak. Ancient Daoist practitioners frequently refined the Nine-Cycle Golden Elixir (Jiuzhuan Jindan) here. After achieving immortality, Officer Xu (Xu Mi) often retreated to this secluded spot—the text's reference to a "reclusive person" being his modest self-designation after transcendence.

Mount Liangchang forms the northern cave entrance of Mao Mountain, connected to Mount Juqu. Historical records note Emperor Qin Shi Huang's southern inspection tour in the tenth month of his 37th year (210 BCE), when he sacrificed to Emperor Shun at Yunmeng Marsh before sailing east along the Yangtze through Danyang to Qiantang. This mountain's significance is documented in the Daoist scripture Taiyuan Neizhuan.

When Emperor Qin Shi Huang toured the Zhejiang region, he observed the turbulent waters and proceeded westward for 120 li, crossing at a narrow section of the river. He ascended Kuaiji Mountain to offer sacrifices to Yu the Great, erecting a stele by the South Sea to extol the virtues of the Qin dynasty. Chancellor Li Si was tasked with composing the inscription, after which they performed rituals at various mountains and rivers.

On the northern slope of Juqu Mountain (present-day Maoshan), the emperor buried a pair of white jade discs and hosted a banquet for his officials. He remarked, "Of all the pleasures in touring the realm, none surpasses journeying through mountains and seas. Henceforth, such imperial tours shall become regular practice." The ministers raised their cups in agreement, chanting "Regular practice shall it be!" Drums and music resounded through the mountains, the celebrations continuing for an extended period.

Qin Shi Huang renamed the northern slope of Juqu Mountain as "Liangchang Mountain," a name that endures to this day. Legend holds that the southwestern slope of Liangchang Mountain contains a dwelling site once used by the Lord of Destiny (Si Ming Jun, a Daoist deity governing life and death), also considered an auspicious location for alchemical practices. To the southeast lies another habitable area where naturally stacked rocks resemble furnaces, with occasional epiphytic trees whose canopies arch like carriage covers—a modest but sufficient space for cultivation. The northwestern slope, though uneven, proves suitable for auxiliary structures.

Taiwang Mountain stands northeast of Liangchang along the Dingjiao route, a pointed peak with winding paths where the emperor once paused to survey the land.

Longwei Mountain (Dragon Tail Mountain) extends as a branch of Great Mao Mountain into Jintan territory, its form resembling a reclining dragon. Sanjiao Mountain (Triangular Peak) lies north of Huagai Peak, while Haijiang Mountain rises above Qingyun Cave, and Yundui Mountain (Cloud Pile Mountain) stands south of Huangfu Valley.

As recorded in the Zhen'gao scripture, Xianfei Mountain (Immortal Verdant Mountain)—now commonly called Jiushan (Leek Mountain)—was where Jiang Shumao cultivated five pungent vegetables to trade for cinnabar. Situated west of Great Mao Mountain, it remains abundant with giant leeks. Further west stand Shilong Mountain (Stone Dragon) and Biezu Mountain (Turtle Foot), with Great Ling and Lesser Ling Mountains beyond them, and Zhushan (Bamboo Mountain) south of Dieyu Peak.

According to the recluse Tao Hongjing (known as the Hermit of Wu Mountain), the mountain ranges extend southward from Great Mao Mountain through Jiushan, Zhushan, Wushan, and Fangshan, connecting continuously to Tianmu Mountain in Wuxing. Fangshan, also called Siping Mountain (Four-Level Mountain), lies about twenty li southwest of Great Mao Mountain, featuring caves at its base.

The Windwheel Peak is an eastward extension of Great Mao Mountain. Relevant records can be found in the "Investigating Ancient Traces" chapter.

Five Clouds Peak lies southeast of Accumulated Gold Peak. Legend states that the Three Perfected Lords Mao Ying, Mao Gu, and Mao Zhong (honorific Daoist titles) each manifested atop this peak riding auspicious clouds, witnessed by local villagers. When regional officials reported this to the imperial court, the emperor issued an edict praising: "Resplendent clouds of good omen, distinct immortal forms, with five-colored radiance evenly distributed, crowning the three Mao Lords." At that time, Chief Clerk Xu (Xu Mi, important figure in Shangqing Daoism) in the capital would often gaze into the distance, frequently remarking: "Contemplating the three immortal mountains in silent meditation allows resonance with the lofty Perfected (enlightened immortals) - this is the fruit of focused mind."

The Dao Ancestor Peak stands north of Accumulated Gold Peak. Jade Stack Peak lies east of Great Mao Mountain. Canopy Peak is east of Jade Stack. White Cloud Peak sits west of Middle Mao Mountain. Embracing Simplicity Peak forms the northward mountain range of Great Mao.

Long Seclusion Ridge, also called Crouching Dragon Ridge, was described by Tao Hongjing (styled Hermit) as a gently sloping, concealed ridge along the southern shore of Perfected Guo's Pond, hence its name. The ridge's rocky terrain makes it uninhabitable except for certain livable areas near its southeast section between Chief Clerk's Residence and Thunder Plain. Local residents like Jiang Fuchu of Yixing built dwellings about four or five li from Chief Clerk's Residence at the ridge's base.

Cypress Branch Ridge lies south of Huayang Grotto. Peach Blossom Vale, located north of Lesser Mao Mountain, features deep mountain forests that bloom spectacularly in spring, rivaling the beauty of Wuling's Peach Blossom Spring.

North Star Valley, alternatively named North Star Fort, sits northeast of Middle Mao Mountain. After Master Liu (Liu Hunkan) encountered auspicious signs here, the court ordered construction of Yuanfu Palace and deployed two hundred Jiangning soldiers for patrol and maintenance, establishing a military camp in the valley - details recorded in the Song History. Huangfu Valley is at Triangle Mountain. Hawthorn Valley lies north of Triangle Mountain. Black Tiger Ravine runs between Middle and Lesser Mao Mountains, west of Long Ridge.

Regarding the meaning of "grotto" (洞), Perfected Ones explain: The emptiness of heaven is called "void" (空), hollows in mountains are called "grottoes" (洞), and cavities in the human body are called "chambers" (房). The hollow in a mountain's core is the "Grotto Court" (洞庭), while the hollow in one's head is the "Grotto Chamber" (洞房). Thus Perfected Ones move freely between heaven-earth, mountains-rivers, and human forms. The Inner Transmission of Great Mystery records: The grotto-palace of Juqu Mountain has five openings - two southern side gates, one each on east and west sides, and one great northern gate, totaling five. Tao Hongjing said...

The Great Grotto on the southern side of Mount Mao (a renowned Daoist mountain) serves as the western side gate of the southern entrance, while the eastern side gate should be located near the Bozhi Valley. The northern Liangchang Grotto functions as the northern side gate, though the exact positions of the eastern and western side gates remain unclear. According to the teachings of Lord Dinglu (a Daoist immortal), the eastern side gate lies at a small mountain pass east of Middle Mao Mountain, suggesting the western side gate should correspond to what is now called the "Stone Tomb."

The Huayang Southern Grotto is situated in the Bozhi Valley at the foot of Great Mao Mountain. During the Tang dynasty, Pei Su (courtesy name Zhongming), Governor of Yue Prefecture, erected a stone altar dedicated to pine nuts here to worship the true immortals. The Mao Grotto beneath the stone altar of Yuanyang Temple serves as the western side gate of the southern entrance. Lord Dinglu taught that there is a small cave on the southern face of Great Mao Mountain called the Southern Side Gate. With sincere fasting and focused prayers to the Director of Destinies (Siming), especially when facing the mountain deity with supplications on the second day of each lunar month, one may naturally behold the immortals. With utmost sincerity, what in the hidden palaces cannot be seen? Did not Zuo Ci (the famous Eastern Han dynasty fangshi) achieve this very thing?

Regarding the eastern side gate of Huayang Grotto, Lord Dinglu taught that there is a small cave east of Middle Mao Mountain—no larger than a dog's burrow—barely allowing human entry, yet widening progressively inside. The entrance is blocked by a massive rock with only a cup-sized opening, guarded by the mountain deity. This rock occasionally opens, and the spot is called the A-Gate of the Hidden Palace. Through diligent fasting and searching, entering here proves more convenient than via Liangchang Grotto. The latter mostly contains sandy, winding paths through remote areas, with inconvenient water crossings and considerable distance. This small cave entrance, by contrast, descends directly three or four li to reach the Eastern Xuanye Gate of the Hidden Palace. Yet none but perfected immortals can find this entrance.

The Huayang Western Grotto lies beneath the eastern ridge of Mount Jijin, where Tao Hongjing (styled the Recluse) described "the howling winds within Jijin Mountain's cave." Throughout dynastic history, imperial courts conducting Golden Register (Jinlu) purification rituals (zhaijiao) would cast dragon tablets (longjian) here—marking this as the western side gate.

The Liangchang Grotto serves as the northern side gate of Huayang Grotto, governed by Lord Baoming. Lord Dinglu taught: The northern entrance of Liangchang Grotto faces the mountain ridge directly. Two hundred paces south lies a pair of white jade discs buried by Qin Shihuang, covered by a small rock slab. Li Si inscribed the discs: "The August Virtue (De) of the First Emperor pacifies and distinguishes mountains and rivers; patrolling the azure waterways, he engraved these pristine jades." This was Qin Shihuang's...

Mount Mao (a sacred Daoist mountain) is dotted with numerous caves of profound Daoist significance, each bearing unique histories and legends:

The Perfected Xu (Xu Zhenren) once burned incense and paid homage at the stone altar north of the cave, ultimately achieving ascension to immortality here—this is the site recorded in the Zhengao (Declarations of the Perfected) as the "Northern Cave's Final Revelation." The Luogu Cave, located west of Golden Mushroom Mountain, was where the female immortal Luo Yu cultivated her practice. The Gaoju Cave neighbors Luogu Cave, separated by a stone wall.

Near Huayang Cave lies the Jade Pillar Cave, its interior adorned with stalactites and so narrow that only one person can pass through at a time. The Huamao Cave earned its name after Sun Hanhua attained the Dao (enlightenment) here. Records of the Fengdu Cave appear in texts related to the Ziyang Temple. The Small Azure Dragon Cave sits above the Cinnabar Spring on the western slope of Lesser Mount Mao.

The Biyan Cave is crowned by the Qinyin Pavilion, surrounded by ancient trees. Legend holds that the Female Immortal Cave was where the daughter of Perfected Ren achieved ascension. Deep within the Baizhi Cave, one can mysteriously hear the winds and waves of Lake Taihu. The Black Tiger Cave and Yellow Dragon Cave flank the Nine Honors Stele on either side.

The Yankou Cave has a wondrous tale: during the Chunyou era of the Southern Song Dynasty, when officials and Daoist priests cast their Dragon Tablets (ceremonial objects used in Daoist rituals) into the cave, thunder suddenly roared, and the cave entrance opened by itself. Those who entered encountered a Daoist priest who bestowed upon them immortal fruits, after which they no longer needed to eat. The Fangyu Cave has two entrances, one being Yankou Cave itself—it is also known as the Fangyuan Retreat.

Interestingly, there is the Confucius Cave, named after the sage despite his never having visited the Wu region. The Fangtai Cave has two exits and connects to Huayang Cave; it was a hermitage for enlightened adepts and is locally called "White...".

(Note: The Zhengao mentioned is a crucial Daoist scripture; "ascension" and "attaining the Dao" refer to achieving immortality through cultivation. "Casting Dragon Tablets" was a Daoist sacrificial rite.)

The Azure Dragon Cave (青龙洞 Qinglong Dong) is located on Mount Qiaze (now locally called Yatou Mountain), about ten li from Fangshan, within the boundaries of Liyang Prefecture. Daoist hermits residing there say the cave entrance is quite spacious. In earlier years, when explorers ventured deep inside, they encountered a massive green serpent, which led locals to name it the Azure Dragon Cave. The interior is vast and profound, with every accessible area having been thoroughly explored.

The Canopy Cliff (华盖岩 Huagai Yan) sits above the Inkstone Pool. During the late Southern Song dynasty, an imperial decree ordered Magistrate Zhang Luan to select a dwelling place before this cliff for permanent residence.

The Immortal-Waiting Cliff (候仙岩 Houxian Yan) lies just a few steps east of the Emerald Cliff Cave (碧岩洞 Biyan Dong). The Mist-Leopard Cliff (雾豹岩 Wubao Yan) is situated below the Emerald Cliff Cave. The Jade Cliff (碧玉岩 Biyu Yan) rests upstream from the Cinnabar Valley Spring (丹谷泉 Dangu Quan). The Cliff of Assembled Adepts (众真岩 Zhongzhen Yan) adjoins one side of the Thatched Cave (茅洞 Mao Dong).

The Scripture-Chanting Cliff of Adept Qian (钱真人诵经岩 Qian Zhenren Songjing Yan), located above Swallow-Mouth Cave (燕口洞 Yankou Dong), marks where the Daoist adept Qian Zhenren once recited scriptures and practiced cultivation.

The Golden Bull Hollow (金牛穴 Jinniu Xue) lies east of Cypress Branch Cave (柏枝洞 Baizhi Dong). Legend states that during the Qin dynasty, miners extracting gold here unexpectedly discovered a golden bull. When a woman accidentally touched it, the bull broke free and fled. Pursuers chased it to Dingjiao (later giving rise to place names Upper Fence and Lower Fence). Another version claims the bull galloped into the sea and was never seen again. This account is also recorded in the geographical text Records of Lands (舆地志 Yudi Zhi).

The Winding Water Hollow (曲水穴 Qushui Xue) is situated beneath the Emerald Cliff.

[This passage primarily documents historical legends and geographical locations of various cliffs and caves on Mount Mao (茅山 Maoshan), forming part of the detailed topographical records in Volume 6 of the Gazetteer of Mount Mao (茅山志 Maoshan Zhi). The term "Zhenren" (真人) refers to Daoist honorific for accomplished adepts, as these sites often served as ancient hermitages for cultivation.]