Mianshan Mountain at night is dazzling when all the colorful lanterns on the buildings and stones are brightly lit. In particular, each cultural spot has a pattern consisting of lanterns. The lantern patterns represent the sun, the moon, constellations, heaven, earth and the Eight Trigrams, showing the well-conceived layout and reflecting different meanings. When night falls, different patterns composed of colorful lanterns present the splendid night scenes. It is the most preferred choice for tourists to stroll along the flat and wide cliff-side road in Mianshan Mountain and appreciate the lantern patterns in different shapes at night. There are eight large lantern patterns on the way from the Dragon Head Temple at the entrance of the mountain to the Cloudy Peak Temple in the rear hill.
I. Paying Homage to Great Emperor Xuantian to Avert Calamities at the Dragon Head Temple
In the Jianwen reign period (1399-1402) of the Ming Dynasty, King Yan, Zhu Di, ascended the throne after a rebellion. He believed that his victory was because of the help of Great Emperor Xuantian. Therefore, he issued an imperial edict that all the places throughout the country build the Zhenwu Temple to worship Great Emperor of Xuantian. Emperor Yongle maintained the Zhu family could rule the whole country because their ancestors once built a road at Zhujia¡¯ao in Mianshan Mountain to pray for Heaven. Therefore, he issued an imperial edict to order his two sons to pay homage to the lantern of Great Emperor Xuantian for the good luck to the whole country. In the following years, the country was peaceful, with an abundant harvest of all food crops; hence the popular saying: ¡°Yongle Governance¡±.
II. Worshipping the Constellation Lantern Pattern for the Harmony and Safety of the Family at the Sacred Milk Spring
In the third year of the Jiayou reign period of the Song Dynasty (960-1127), Emperor Renzong was seriously sick, and the whole imperial family was upset because of the issue on designating the crown prince. Prime Minister Wen Yanbo returned to his hometown to pray for the safety and prosperity of the country. Wen Yanbo set up an altar to offer sacrifices to the lantern pattern of the 28 constellations. Soon afterwards, Emperor Renzong designated his adopted son as crown prince, who ascended the throne soon afterwards. As a result, the imperial family was harmonious and the country was peaceful.