Yaoji (Goddess of Wushan)

According to Song Yu’s 'Gao Tang Fu' ('Rhapsody on the High Terrace') and 'Shen Nü Fu' ('Rhapsody on the Divine Maiden'), King Huai of Chu dreamed of touring Gaotang, where he encountered the Divine Maiden of Wushan, who declared: 'I dwell on the southern slopes of Wushan, amid the lofty hills—each morning I become the rising clouds, each evening the drifting rain; day after day, night after night, beneath the Terrace of Yangtai.' The 'Yongcheng Xianlu' ('Immortal Records of Yongcheng') identifies her as Yaoji, daughter of the Red Emperor, who died before her marriage and was buried on the southern slopes of Wushan. Folklore recounts that when Yu the Great arrived at the Wu Gorge during his flood-control campaign, Yaoji bestowed upon him talismanic charts and magical strategies, enabling him to split obstructive cliffs and guide the river’s course. Upon completing her sacred task, she remained in Wushan, transforming into Shennü Peak—eternally appearing as morning clouds and evening rain, safeguarding river vessels. Thus the Divine Maiden of Wushan became the most poetic and revered guardian deity of the gorges along the Yangtze.