Sifangtai Scenic Area

Sifangtai Scenic Area

Sifangtai Scenic Area is one of the three major scenic areas of Benxi Pingdingshan. Human activity in this region dates back to the Western Zhou Bronze Age. Located in the southeastern part of Pingdingshan Forest Park, it was historically known as “Mountain City” and referred to as Little Pingdingshan. It earned its name due to the mountain’s north-high-south-low terrain, where natural fractures formed three massive flat surfaces. The area is surrounded by steep cliffs, with cliff walls rising hundreds of feet, flat-topped platforms, and deep valleys, showcasing a spectacular and picturesque landscape.

Sifangtai Scenic Area borders the main section of Pingdingshan to the north, is adjacent to the Shenyang–Dandong Expressway to the east, connects to Dishuidong Scenic Area to the south, and neighbors Qianjingu Village to the west. The total area of the region spans 100 hectares, with a planned development area of 56 hectares. Its terrain trends from north to south, measuring approximately 1,000 meters in length and about 540 meters in width at its widest northeastern point, with an average elevation of around 400 meters.

Looking out from Sifangtai, you can see Laomuling Mountain in the distance and the southern exit of the expressway up close, while the sheer cliffs of Pingdingshan stretch out to the north. Towering mountains and overlapping ridges, the intertwining of raw wilderness and modern civilization create a diverse and complementary tableau that enriches the resources of the Sifangtai Scenic Area.

Sheltered by Pingdingshan to the north, Sifangtai is protected from cold winds, resulting in a unique microclimate. The area enjoys mild weather year-round—cool and pleasant in summer, and warm like spring in winter, with temperatures slightly higher than those of Pingdingshan during the same period.

Sifangtai is primarily a natural landscape destination supplemented by leisure and recreational activities. The area features a rich variety of landforms, with majestic and breathtaking scenery. Mountain springs, serene valleys, and uniquely shaped rocks can be found throughout. Geological wonders such as the One-Line Sky, One-Finger Skyward, Sole Champion, Giant Python Emerging from Water, Pearl in the Palm, Easter Head Sculpture, Sun-Moon Peak, Buddha’s Palm Peak, Giant Peak, Brothers Peak, Lion Peak, Leopard Turnaround, Sunlight Island, and Moonlight Island are scattered across the landscape, presenting a scene of rugged grandeur.

Over 90% of the scenic area is covered by forest vegetation. Most of it consists of natural secondary forests, along with a small number of rare and protected species such as the dove tree, yellow pineapple, and Manchurian ash. There are also large areas of planted forests, including Japanese larch, black locust, and spruce. Trees, sub-trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants are arranged in a well-ordered, staggered pattern, with moss forming blocky colonies on rocks and fallen trunks, contributing to the area’s important ecological landscape. Thanks to the dense forest, diverse vegetation, vast sea of trees, rustling pines, shaded woods, serene surroundings, and the sounds of birds and blooming flowers, the area is tranquil and otherworldly.

The scenic area boasts abundant surface water resources, giving rise to seasonal streams, waterfalls, deep pools, cascades, and artificial lakes. These features hold significant value for sightseeing and tourism.