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Journeys in Time six-part Series: Mount Songshan More

Mount Songshan is considered to be the central sacred mountain of China. At the foot of this 1500 metre high mountain, close to the city of Dengfeng in Henan province and spread over a 40 square-kilometre circle, stand eight clusters of buildings and sites. These buildings are reflections of different ways of perceiving the centre of heaven and earth and the power of the mountain as a centre for religious devotion.

--Mount Song shortlisted for World Heritage
--Historic Dengfeng Monuments at “the Center of Heaven and Earth”

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Part 1

Located in Henan Province near the city of Luoyang, Song Shan is one of the five sacred Taoist mountains of China.

Part 2

Although for many years the need for calendar reform had been understood, Kublai Khan saw political benefits in bringing in a new calendar at this time to emphasize how the new regime was replacing the old.

Part 3

In the early spring of the year 110, Emperor Wudi set out to climb Mount Songshan. As they approached to the peak to the east of Qimu stone, the emperor heard a cry, " Long live your majesty".

Part 4

Under the Northern Wei Dynasty, many important temples were built, such as Shengdao, Fawang and Songyue. After Bodhidharma founded the Zen school there, Mount Songshan reached the height of its influence in Buddhism.

Part 5

The Song rulers set great store by the liberal arts. They gave considerable support to both government-run and private schools. Zhao Kuangyin, who founded the Song Dynasty, personally donated books to Songyang Academy.

Part 6

In the year 621, prince Li Shimin of the the Tang dynesty led his army against Wang Shichong. Wang was the ruler of the State of Zheng, one of three rival states fighting for supremacy on the central plains.

Mount Songshan Scenic Spots More

The architectural styles of the historic buildings in Mount Songshan have unique and irreplaceable positions in the architectural history of China. Many of the ancient buildings at Mount Songshan are recorded in the history of architecture, religion, culture and fine arts.

Famous Mountains across China

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