Guanmen Mountain Reservoir Scenic Area

Guanmen Mountain Reservoir Scenic Area

The Guanmen Mountain Reservoir Scenic Area is a national "AAAA"-level scenic spot and a national water conservancy scenic area, located in Benxi County in the southeastern part of Liaoning Province, 25 kilometers from Benxi Water Cave. It is a comprehensive scenic area that integrates natural landscapes with modern architecture. The area features majestic mountains, deep valleys, murmuring streams, and lush flowers and trees, and has long been known as the "Huangshan of the Northeast" and the "Guilin of the Northeast." Covering an area of over 30 square kilometers, the scenic area includes three sightseeing zones, one commercial and catering service area, nearly 100 scenic spots, and a water surface of more than 3,000 acres. With well-preserved vegetation and crystal-clear water, the area boasts beautiful scenery and is a top choice for tourism, sightseeing, summer retreats, and leisure vacations.

In the "Jingxiu Peak" scenic area, you will experience the beauty of balanced landscapes and equally divided autumn colors. Scenic spots such as Yuxiu Peak, Fuyun Platform, and Yaoyue Pine make visitors feel as if they are in a wonderful realm described by the lines: "The moon bathes the pavilions, with a path of pure brightness in the vast lunar palace; the fragrance lingers in the courtyard, as a red osmanthus petal falls silently." Attractions like Little TianTai, Meeting Immortals Cliff, Tianfengkou, Drunk Immortal Summit, Little Tianzhu, and Panorama Platform allow visitors to appreciate the sheer artistry of nature and the wonders crafted by divine craftsmanship. Unique rocks and formations such as Crouching Dog Stone, Wind-Listening Stone (Sword-Testing Stone), Love Elm Stone, Returning Stone, as well as the Sky Bridge and Stone Bed, offer a delightful taste of nature’s creations. The "Jingxiu Peak" scenic area is rich in diverse and abundant flora, especially azaleas and maple trees. In spring, when the breeze gently trims the landscape, vibrant azaleas blanket the valley and cliffs like gorgeous rosy clouds. In autumn, when the sky is high, the clouds are light, and the breeze is mild, the colorful maple leaves blaze across the mountains like crimson flames. Hence, this place is also called "Autumn Peak," as the saying goes: "Frosty maple leaves dye the mountain range a rich red; myriad osmanthus blossoms adorn the golden valley in springtime splendor."

The Guanshan Drift covers a total distance of 3.5 kilometers. Along the drifting route, the scenery on both banks is picturesque, with solitary peaks standing tall, lush flowers and trees, and clear waters. The winding river channel offers ever-changing views, making it a prime destination for water-based sightseeing for those who love climbing towering mountains and boating on rivers. The Guanshan Drifting area constantly refreshes with the changing seasons. In early spring, azaleas envelop the peaks and cliffs like purple mist; in midsummer, magnolia flowers twinkle like stars in the valley. In late autumn, maple leaves blaze like fire across the mountains. Notably, every autumn, the frost-covered maples paint the surrounding green hills a brilliant red, creating a magnificent and refreshing spectacle. The dense secondary forests, filled with mysterious charm for urban dwellers, consist of colorful mixed forests where various climbing plants entwine around maple and oak trees. The tranquil woods echo with birdsong, while the sound of water striking rocks creates a melodic tinkling, adding a magical and joyful touch to the Guanshan Drifting experience.

In the "Red Leaf Lake" scenic area, walk onto the country’s first concrete-faced rock-fill dam and stand beside Camel Peak to take in panoramic views of attractions such as Yingyue Screen, Fishing Platform, Dragon Head Mountain, Little Wave Islet, Fairy Island, and Southern Sky Pillar. The "Red Leaf Lake" scenic area features beautiful lake and mountain scenery, gentle waves on azure waters, high gorges forming calm lakes, and picturesque islands dotted with lush pines. Boating on the lake feels like entering a fairyland, perfect for fishing. Traveling eastward by boat for a kilometer leads to an undeveloped, magical virgin land, where rolling green mountains, clear springs, and peculiar peaks and rocks complement each other, allowing visitors to marvel at nature’s artistry while enjoying the serenity of green waters and mountains. This is a cool haven during hot seasons and a fantastic spot for picnics, relaxation, and leisure. It can be described as an earthly paradise. The "Biquan Valley" scenic area: Due to its unique terrain, locals also call it "Jialazi Gully." Scenic spots such as Linxian Waterfall, Jingyu Camp, Fengyu Cave, Tortoise Longevity Peak, Three Lives Bond, Tongsheng Gorge, and Dragon Spine Peak offer a uniquely mystical feeling, as if "love has long been divinely inspired, carrying the essence of all four seasons on one’s shoulders." Walking up the winding path on the left side of the reservoir dam, the trail twists and turns through ever-changing scenes—sometimes so narrow it barely allows passage, sometimes opening up to the sky and earth, with birds perching and squirrels leaping along the way. As you stroll and look back, stunning views and thrilling moments unfold at every turn, with landscapes shifting magically with each step. Carefully admiring the reservoir scenery fills one with wonder, captivates the heart, and makes it hard to leave. Following the undulating path uphill, reaching the summit and looking out from the cliff reveals layers of mountains stretching endlessly, and a bird’s-eye view of the reservoir area showcases all its beauty.

Source: People's Government of Benxi Manchu Autonomous County