Published : 23/05/2023
Ancient Chinese architectural wonders abound, such as overhanging temples that "hang" from the wall and aquatic structures that "float" on water.
In the Wudang Mountains, there is a magical "cliff incense burner" - Longtou incense, which is built on an overhanging stone beam with an abyss underneath, which can be described as frightening and thrilling. What is the origin and story of it?
Standing for 700 years on Wudang Mountain
Since ancient times, Wudang Mountain has been a famous Taoist resort, known as the "world's first immortal mountain", Wudang Mountain South Rock, also known as the "Zixiao Rock’" (紫霄石), the amazing "world's first incense" - Longtou incense (龍頭香) was built here.
Why is Longtou incense called the "No.1 Incense in the World"? It is related to its location and origin.
Longtou incense was built during the Yuan Dynasty (1314 AD), with a history of over 700 years. It is located on a dragon-carved stone beam outside the Nanyan Wanshou Palace (南岩萬壽宮) and is named after the incense burner carved on the dragon's head.
The design of Longtou incense is quite exquisite. Ancient craftsmen used a variety of carving techniques to carve two dragons that integrate into one on the stone beam. The design is incredibly realistic and three-dimensional, and it's breathtaking to behold.
According to legend, the two carved dragons were the mounts of the Xuanwu Emperor, and the location of Longtou incense was the place where the Zhenwu Emperor ascended to heaven while practicing in Wudang, filled with strong mythical elements.
It is for this reason that many believers and disciples believe that burning incense at the Dragon's Head is the most effective way to show their devotion and come to Wudang Mountain to worship.
Read more: Why has Shanxi's Haning Temple stood for over 1500 years?
Longtou incense became the most dangerous incense burner
However, paying respect to Longtou incense is not an easy task.
Longtou incense is built on a dragon-carved stone beam in the air. The stone beam extends about three metres from the edge of the cliff, and its width is only 30 centimetres.
There is no protective equipment around it, and under the incense burner is a deep abyss. It is extremely shocking!
Therefore, this "best incense in the world" is also known as "the most dangerous in the world", making it the most dangerous incense burner in China.
To successfully offer incense, people must crawl along the suspended stone beam, then crawl back on their knees. The process is extremely dangerous; a slight carelessness may cause them to fall into the deep cliff and be smashed to pieces.
There's no doubt that since the completion of Longtou incense, countless people have fallen off the cliff, which is really chilling.
It wasn't until the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1673 AD) that the Governor ordered a prohibition on burning incense at Longtou incense and erected a stone tablet to warn people not to risk their lives by climbing Longtou incense to show devotion to the gods, but to cherish their lives.
Now, a platform has been built in front of Longtou incense for visitors to safely offer incense, and it is no longer possible to access Longtou incense itself. People can only look on from the railing.
Only on certain special days, specially trained staff will demonstrate offering incense at Longtou incense. Hence, many visitors still come to Wudang Mountain each year to witness the process of honouring Longtou incense.
Read more: Suzhou Chongyuan Temple: "Buddha's kingdom on water"