Henan Tourism: A Hundred Cars Rush to Song County's Tianchi Mountain (Photo)
Song County in Henan Province is situated in the southwestern part of Luoyang City, located at the northern foot of the Funiu Mountains and between its branch ranges, the Waifang and Xiong'er Mountains. It is named because it lies at the starting range of the Song Mountains and has a history of over 2,200 years, earning the reputation as the back garden of the ancient capital Luoyang. Within Song County, there are mountain and rock wonders represented by Baiyun Mountain, Yuhuangding Peak, Guanmao Peak, and Feilaishi (Flying Stone), as well as forest landscapes represented by the Tang Dynasty ginkgo forest, primeval forest, alpine rhododendrons, and arrow bamboo forests. Its most famous scenic spots are the magnificent Tianchi Mountain and Baiyun Mountain, known as a "fairyland on earth."
Scenery of Tianchi Mountain in Song County
On April 13, 2006, the Beijing Aiche Sunshine Automobile Culture Club organized a five-day self-driving tour event called "China's Most Beautiful Place - Luoyang Baiyun Mountain Hundred-Car Self-Driving Tour." A reporter was invited to accompany the convoy to gather material, documenting the entire spectacular journey of a hundred cars driving through Song County, Henan, a memory that remains unforgettable to this day.
Scenery of Baiyun Mountain in Song County
At 7 a.m. that day, over a hundred vehicles were divided into five teams—A, B, C, D, and E—and departed from Beijing. By the afternoon, when they arrived at the Zhengzhou Yellow River Bridge, journalists from Henan media such as the Dahe Daily were already waiting in full readiness to welcome the massive self-driving convoy from Beijing.
Passing the Yellow River Bridge (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Cameras and video cameras eagerly captured the magnificent and spectacular scene of the convoy crossing the Yellow River Bridge. The fellow travelers waved small green flags, greeting the journalists on the roadside.
Journalists on the bridge (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Around 2 p.m. on April 14, the convoy successfully arrived at Tianchi Mountain National Forest Park in Song County, Luoyang. Song County is a major ecological tourism county on the southern route of Luoyang, rich in tourism resources with beautiful landscapes and a scenic area covering 600 square kilometers. It boasts both splendid ancient culture and unique, magnificent mountains and rivers.
Approaching Luoyang (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Tianchi Mountain Scenic Area is one of the famous scenic spots in Song County. In 2005, the scenic area invested 46 million yuan to build a "harmonious scenic area," transforming the renovated Tianchi Mountain National Forest Park into not only an ecological tourism destination integrating mountains, rocks, water, forests, and cultural elements but also a unique leisure and vacation resort in the Central Plains region.
Crossing Luoyang City (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Tianchi Mountain Scenic Area covers an observation area of 40,000 mu (about 2,667 hectares), with a forest coverage rate of 98.57% and an annual maximum temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. Currently, four major scenic areas have been developed: Feilaishi (Flying Stone), Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), Yunü Stream, and Erlang Gully. The roads within the scenic area are gentle, and over a hundred scenic spots are distributed in a balanced and orderly manner, making them convenient for sightseeing.
Entering the gate of Tianchi Mountain (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
After lunch at Tianchi Mountain, the fellow travelers chose their favorite scenic areas to explore. The reporter, along with the accompanying crew from Beijing TV's "World Roaming" program, first entered the Erlang Gully Scenic Area.
Entrance to Erlang Gully (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Erlang Gully gets its name from the legend that Erlang Shen once killed a vicious dragon in the gully. It is a canyon along the roadside with a babbling stream. Since it follows the mountain path, it is undulating and quite steep. Visitors stroll on sometimes gentle plank paths and at other times climb ladders. Along the way, they also pass through several caves that can only accommodate one person at a time.
Listening to the Waterfall at Lutang (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Erlang Gully is 1.5 li (about 0.75 kilometers) long, with famous scenic spots such as Shuangxi Fengyue (Double Stream Wind and Moon), Xichen Beach, Longfeng Waterfall, Fangzhou (Ark), Lutang Tingpu (Listening to the Waterfall at Lutang), Kaishan Axe, Liangjing Platform, Jingxin Beach, and Qingfeng Gorge. The area is renowned for its echoes in the empty valley, its steepness and beauty. Its greatest features are the high waterfalls, deep waters, steep cliffs, and mysterious caves, with huge boulders stacked together, rapid torrents and plunging waterfalls, and thrilling gorges, full of masculine vigor.
Slab Bridge Over Water (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Among them, the Dragon Cave is veiled by a water curtain; behind the curtain, the cave is of unknown depth, and below the curtain, the pool is unfathomably deep, creating an eerie atmosphere. Touring Erlang Gully is thrilling and adventurous, with a sense of exploration.
Photo at the Slab Bridge (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
If Erlang Gully is characterized by "danger," then another canyon on Tianchi Mountain, Yunü Stream, is beautiful with "grace." Yunü Stream is twice as long as Erlang Gully, with a total length of 1.5 kilometers. As a granite riverbed, it is one of the main scenic areas of Tianchi Mountain.
Photo in Erlang Gully (Photo by Wang Jue)
Yunü Stream is renowned for its fantastic and enchanting beauty, clear and ethereal atmosphere. Here, the clear water flows gently, the stones are as clean as washed, the green shade is like a canopy, pools and waterfalls are connected, with a pool every five steps and a scene every ten steps, fully displaying feminine softness. Browsing Yunü Stream, "the stream is like a maiden, and the maiden is like the stream; the scenery is like a poem, and the poem is like a painting," as if stepping into a paradise or a blessed land of immortals.
Entrance to Yunü Stream (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Yunü Stream features over a dozen scenic spots, including Diji Rock, Wangpu Double Butterflies, Xieyu Penzhu (Jade Spilling and Pearls Scattering), Juxi Tingtao (Giant Lizard Listening to Waves), Kuaiyi Gorge, Liyu Lianshui (Carp Yearning for Water), and Shangtianlong (Ascending Dragon), integrating clear streams, secluded valleys, emerald pools, exotic trees, and strange rocks, accompanied by beautiful and moving legends. Walking along, above are interlaced layers of green leaves, and below is the leaping and murmuring stream.
Scenery of Yunü Stream (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Those who have visited Yunü Stream say it is a place where immortals relax. The talk of immortals relaxing is just a fanciful comparison; there are no immortals in the world. But the water, the rocks, the forests, and the trees are truly presented before our eyes, visible, audible, smellable, touchable, enjoyable, felt, and contemplative.
Beauty of Yunü Stream (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
The most famous scenic spot here is "Shangtianlong (Ascending Dragon)," located in the middle section of Yunü Stream, east of Feicui Pool, where there is a steep rock wall covering an area of a hundred zhang (about 333 meters) in circumference. In the middle of the rock wall, from top to bottom, is embedded an ancient tree 17 meters high. The crown is fluffy and spread out like a peacock's tail, while the roots twist and are exposed on the rock wall like a dragon floating, seen from a distance across the valley, as if ascending in the misty clouds, hence the name "Shangtianlong."
Shangtianlong in Yunü Stream (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
"Shangtianlong" also has a legendary story. It is said that in Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) lived a bluish-brown dragon, gentle and loyal. When the Queen Mother of the West held a Peach Banquet at the Upper Heavenly Lake, she diligently helped in the kitchen; when the Jade Emperor came to view the Middle Heavenly Lake, it actively cleaned the environment; when the Weaving Maid bathed in the Lower Heavenly Lake, it carefully guarded her. It was beloved by all the gods in the heavenly palace. The Jade Emperor, considering its loyalty and bravery, appointed it as the Dragon Guard of the Jade Void Palace. On the day it was about to ascend to its post, it heard of a vicious dragon causing trouble downstream in Yunü Stream. Fearing that the evil dragon would harm the Heavenly Lake and disturb the fair maiden, it abandoned its prestigious position as the Dragon Guard and transformed into an auspicious tree, clinging to the rock wall, guarding the peace of Yunü Stream on Tianchi Mountain day and night.
Group Photo at Yunü Stream (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Generally, visiting Tianchi Mountain Scenic Area takes at least a full day. Therefore, that evening, the convoy dispersed and stayed in several hotels on Tianchi Mountain. That night, on the square of Tianchi Mountain Scenic Area, a lively bonfire party brought immense joy to the fellow travelers. Everyone gathered around the blazing bonfire, holding hands and reveling heartily. The intense and rhythmic disco music ignited the passion of the young travelers.
Revelry at the Bonfire Party (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
The convoy spent their second night on Tianchi Mountain after departure. On the morning of April 15, the fellow travelers visited the other two scenic areas: Feilaishi (Flying Stone) and Tianchi (Heavenly Lake). The Feilaishi Scenic Area is the most important scenic area of Tianchi Mountain National Forest Park. It is located on the southern slope of Xiong'er Mountain. Over a long geological time, through sun exposure, freezing, water erosion, and weathering, the granite rocks have been carved by nature into various forms, creating many pictographic rock landscapes. The main scenic spots in this area include: Feilaishi (Flying Stone), Weiren Woxiang (Reclining Statue of the Great Man), Gongxin Peak, Stone Rabbit, Stone Eagle, Sanxing Peak, Baimang Fanshan (White Python Crossing the Mountain), etc.
Scenery of Tianchi Mountain (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Feilaishi is the treasure of Tianchi Mountain Scenic Area. It has a maximum length of 22 meters, a maximum width of 21 meters, and a maximum height of 24 meters, with a volume of 7,564 cubic meters and a weight of 21,558 tons, sitting at an altitude of 1,443 meters. Its contact area with the ground is less than 10 square meters, and it leans in one direction. Viewed from a distance, it seems to be on the verge of toppling over in a gentle breeze, as if about to fly again. Therefore, it has been called by relevant experts: the highest altitude, smallest contact area, and largest volume, making it the largest single monolithic odd stone known in China, hailed as the world's number one flying stone.
Number One Longevity Stone (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
It is understood that according to on-site surveys by experts from the National Geological Department, the Feilaishi on Tianchi Mountain was formed about 100 million years ago. The area experienced volcanic eruptions and glacial movements, resulting in this single giant boulder. The upper part of the giant stone is granite, while the lower part is a copper ore belt and angular breccia. After wind and rain erosion, it gradually oxidized and peeled off, eventually forming the wonder of a suspended flying stone. Even more peculiar is that Feilaishi presents different shapes from different angles, resembling a peach, a lotus flower, a conch, a golden toad, or a Peking Man skull, etc.
Many Strange Rocks on Feilai Peak (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
There are two giant rocks on Feilai Peak: one looks like a human head (with a big back-swept hair, eyes, nose, and head faintly visible) and the other like a body. The proportions of head and body are appropriate, with a sturdy physique and dignified bearing, strikingly resembling Chairman Mao Zedong, not only in appearance but also in spirit, evoking deep respect. Therefore, this scenic spot is called "Weiren Yangwo" (Reclining Great Man). On the abdomen of the reclining statue, there are three giant rocks. The axes of these three rocks are parallel to the line connecting Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. The volumes of the three rocks are roughly proportional to the areas of these three places. Whether it is a coincidence or fate, it is a fact. Local villagers say it reflects a moment in history: when the old man passed away, the motherland was not yet unified, and these three rocks became three burdens weighing on his heart.
Reclining Great Man Landscape (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
After 1997, Hong Kong and Macau successively returned. The two smaller rocks are surrounded by thriving new growth, indicating that after Hong Kong and Macau returned to the embrace of the motherland, they have enjoyed economic prosperity and a bright future, while the area around the large rock remains barren. The reclining statue lies in a southwest-northeast direction, with the head higher and the feet lower, which coincides with the general trend of China's topography.
Gongxin Peak of Tianchi Mountain
The location where the great man lies is miraculous. The reclining statue sits atop a peak at an altitude of 1,443 meters, surrounded by nine peaks of varying heights. According to the mountain range, all peaks face the statue. There is an ancient Chinese saying: "Nine dragons facing a holy place is a geomantic treasure." The old man never visited Luoyang during his lifetime, but after his passing, he occupies a place on Tianchi Mountain in Song County, Luoyang, which fully demonstrates that Luoyang is a land of outstanding people. Even more miraculous is that on the peak 800 meters due south of the reclining statue, the huge exposed rocks and natural vegetation together form the characters "公心" (Gongxin, meaning public-minded), each character covering an area of several hundred square meters. It symbolizes the old man's life dedicated to the public, illuminating his glorious life of seeking the public good.
Photo at Tianchi Lake (Photo by Wang Jue)
Tianchi Mountain is named after the Heavenly Lake on the mountain. Tianchi is located on the southern slope of Tianchi Mountain, at an altitude of 1,630 meters, with a water area of 11,000 square meters and an average depth of 5.3 meters. It is the largest alpine lake in the Central Plains. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, with beautiful scenery in all seasons. The 4,000 mu (about 267 hectares) of water fir and larch forests create a pleasant environment and delightful scenery, with negative oxygen ions as high as 73,000 per cubic centimeter, 3,640 times that of the city.
Convoy Leaving Tianchi Mountain (Photo by Feng Ganyong)
Tianchi has a clear and cool environment all year round. In early spring, a hundred flowers compete in beauty; in midsummer, green shade covers the sun; in golden autumn, a riot of colors; in deep winter, the ice is as hard as jade, with a thickness of over 80 centimeters, making it a rare natural alpine ice skating rink in the Central Plains region. The convoy successfully concluded its sightseeing at Tianchi Mountain Scenic Area. Hundreds of fellow travelers, carrying fond memories of Tianchi Mountain's scenery, left Tianchi Mountain National Forest Park after lunch on April 15 and continued to the most famous Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area in Song County. (Text and photos by Feng Ganyong)
