Its stature spans the borders of Wu and Chu,
Standing guard towards Tong'an, firm and true.
A blessed land, set apart from the dusty sphere,
A deep heaven, where cavern mansions broad appear.
In rank it rivals the sacred Mount Heng's might,
Its roots entwined with Mount Huo's enduring height.
The dust of ages here is seen pure white,
And rosy clouds from towering cliffs take flight.
In autumn, cliffs vie in steepness, sheer and bold,
When rain clears, peaks stand jagged, manifold.
The sun turns, warming the Incense Burner's crest,
The wind rises, chilling the Jade Mirror's breast.
Stone dwellings level with the county wall,
The Sky Pillar leans where cloud banks rise and fall.
Few travelers reach the summit's utmost bound,
And birds find crossing the high air hard and profound.
Wind and thunder brew in separate ravines deep,
Stars and Dipper round the layered ridges sweep.
Cold and heat within its crags are not the same,
Cardinal points from its ridges one may claim.
Its rains bring moisture to all lands within the sea,
Its inverted shadow presses on the plain's tapestry.
Sandy prints mark where the apes have passed along,
The pond floats feathers from the crane's flight strong.
Smoky vines and creepers weave a dense, dark shade,
The waterfall plummets from where the flying stream is made.
The stony path is slippery with moss and mold,
The pine roots, struck by thunder, dry and old.
Strange rocks seem like crouching tigers, still and grim,
Dangerous pools are where coiling dragons swim.
Its finest scenes are best enjoyed in spring's soft light,
Its secluded charms fit to view with snow, pure white.
Mist steams, tender are the buds of tea,
Fragrance lingers, though chrysanthemums wither, you see.
Green shoots soar skyward, trunks that reach the blue,
Red blossoms droop, orchids bathed in morning dew.
The Zen abode neighbors the Patriarch's pagoda high,
The immortal realm meets Zuo Ci's altar nigh.
How many guests have sung of this mighty peak?
And who has chanted of the recluse's life, unique?
Emperor Xuanzong once raised a temple here,
Emperor Wu also had phoenix carriages draw near.
In this sage age, from where does its glory extend?
The sacred shrine's upkeep has no foreseeable end.
Green-paper prayers are sent by officials in haste,
Ritual robes descend, by palace eunuchs graced.
In the ancient charts and classics, through endless years,
Its lofty name shall stand, indelible, free from fears.