Created 2-Feb-07
Modified 2-Feb-07
Situated in the very south of China, Mount Luofu (惠州市罗浮山) is regarded as one of the four important mountains of Guangdong province. Its history and heritage is closely linked to the famous Daoist master Ge Hong 葛洪 (Baopuzi 抱朴子), who is said to have lived and died here in the 4th century (probably around 343). Some say he retreated into a cave never to be seen again, others say he transformed into a butterfly after having ingested his own alchemical elixir. A grave site with his (alleged) remains was pointed out to me of which I took some photographs.
Mount Luofu is not only famous for its connection to Ge Hong, but also because it produces many plants which are of great value in a pharmaceutical context. Artemisia annua for example is found here, now (after a recent clinical trial which involved Quinine) widely regarded as the most effective cure for malaria (and discovered by Chinese herbologists perhaps even before Ge Hong).
Visited early 1985, when it was still used as a retreat by the Chinese Liberation Army.
Kodak film (both color negatives and b/w) scanned with an Epson 4990 scanner, post-processed for color restoration and sharpness.
Images uploaded February 2nd, 2007
Thomas H. Hahn, Ithaca NY
© Thomas H. Hahn Docu-Images
