Xiemashan Mountain

Xiemashan

Xiemashan is an undeveloped mountain in Xuling Town, Zhuanghe City, under the jurisdiction of Dalian. The term "undeveloped" means it has not been turned into a tourist attraction. Precisely because it remains undeveloped, the local villagers are very simple and hospitable. Xiemashan is majestic and rugged, characterized by an abundance of huge, rough, wild, and primitive rocks.

The area of Xiemashan spans only a dozen or so square miles, with its main peak standing at an elevation of about 700 meters. The eastern slope is gentle, while the western slope features perilous terrain—so steep that a single person could hold off an army, making it a strategic spot for stationing troops. The scenery here is even more captivating and unique. Winding along the mountainside, there is a small hill beside Xiemashan that resembles a helmet, hence the name Maokui Mountain ("Helmet Mountain"). It’s not a large mountain, but its summit is extremely steep. At the top, there is a cave called the Fox Immortal Cave, which is quite deep and, according to legend, connects to the Immortal Cave in Bingyu Valley.

Xiemashan is also considered a famous mountain in Zhuanghe. This is not only due to Sun Huifen’s novel *Xiemashan Villa* or Xiemashan apricots. It is just an ordinary hill among the thousands of rolling hills in southern Liaoning. Yet, it is precisely this small mountain that, with its historical legends and the surrounding landscapes and local culture, encapsulates the essence of southern Liaoning, forming a village rich in regional characteristics.

There is a scenic feature on Xiemashan—the rocks. Viewed from the foot of the mountain, one of them looks like a giant beast lying quietly atop the peak. To the north lies another attraction—Sidaohu (Four Lakes). At the mountain’s summit, four pools are filled with water year-round. Water flows down from them, forming a small waterfall, and the base of the falls is suitable for swimming. This feature is formed right at the mountain’s highest point, making it quite a marvel.

Scenic Area Address: Xuling Town, Zhuanghe City, Dalian, Liaoning Province

Transportation: Take a bus from Dalian to Zhuanghe, then transfer to a taxi or minibus to reach the site.