Mianshan—also known as Mianshang or Jieshan, and colloquially referred to as Yanshan—is a branch of the Taiyue Mountains in central Shanxi Province. Historically called Mianshang, it was later renamed Jieshan ("Jie's Mountain") after Jie Zitui—a loyal official to Duke Wen of Jin (one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period)—who lived there in seclusion with his mother and perished in a fire. The name "Mianshan" (literally "Continuous Mountain") derives from the mountain range's expansive, unbroken terrain; it covers an area of over 310 square kilometers.
The mountain has long been celebrated for its unique features: "every peak is extraordinary, every rock is precipitous, every temple is ancient, every cliff is sheer, and every cavern is secluded." In 1987, the Shanxi Provincial People's Government designated Mianshan in Jiexiu as a provincial-level scenic area. Its many attractions include Baiyun Hermitage, Guangyan Temple, Yunzhong Temple, the Ksitigarbha Hall, Shigu Temple, the Dragon King Temple, the "Dragon Cypress," the Dharma-Expounding Terrace, the Chessboard Rock, the Tombs of the Five Dragons, and the Cliff of Self-Sacrifice. There is also a natural "iron pot" spring—a rock basin about one meter in diameter that is constantly replenished by water trickling down the cliff face. The water remains full without ever overflowing, and it is remarkably sweet to the taste; this feature is known as the "One-Pot Spring." To the south of the spring, a zigzagging stone staircase descends 500 meters to the bottom of a deep valley. Here, the "Stone Cavern Spring" complements the surrounding green mountains, peculiar rock formations, exotic trees, and wildflowers, creating a truly delightful and picturesque scene.
In the 1990s, Jiexiu City began developing the Mianshan Scenic Area. It is now a key scenic site in Shanxi Province, a national AAAAA-rated tourist attraction, and the recognized birthplace of the Qingming Festival (associated with the traditional Hanshi, or "Cold Food," Festival). Additionally, Lingshi County has developed the Lingshi Jieshan Scenic Area and the Hongya Canyon Scenic Area.