Lishan Mountain, situated 70 kilometers southeast of Yicheng county, spans a total area of 220 sq km and lies at the crossroads of Linfen’s Yicheng, Yuncheng city’s Yuanqu county, and Jincheng’s Qinshui. Renowned as the “Green Lung of North China” and a “Treasure Trove of Biodiversity”, it holds significant ecological and cultural value. Lishan is steeped in legend as the site where Emperor Shun is said to have cultivated the land and governed. According to tradition, Shun tamed elephants to assist in farming and, during his time here, compiled the Seventy-Two Climate, a phenological calendar of the Yellow River Basin. This rich historical connection gave Lishan Mountain its name.

Recent studies confirm Lishan Mountain’s natural wealth, boasting over 1,700 species of higher plants and 580 species of wild animals, making it the most biodiverse nature reserve north of the Qinling Mountains. Today, Lishan Mountain has transformed into a scenic tourist destination, offering opportunities for vacationing, summer retreats, scientific research, recreation, and exploration. It is recognized as one of Linfen city’s top 10 scenic spots, proudly bearing national titles such as the “Source of China’s Calendar” and “China’s Natural Oxygen Bar”. The area is further enriched by its historical and cultural heritage, including a nationally recognized historical town, two historical villages of national significance, and eight traditional villages.