Shanmen Scenic Area

Shanmen Scenic Area

Shanmen Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Shanmen Scenic Area is situated in the southern part of Jilin Province, at the center of the provincial-level tourist route “Erlang Mountain Villa – Shanmen – Yehu Ancient City.” Just 10 kilometers from the city center, it spans 35 square kilometers and is made up of Xinghua Mountain, Derentang Mountain, and Shanmen Reservoir. Primarily known for its natural landscapes—genuine mountains and waters—along with cultural elements, it features beautiful scenery and a pleasant environment, making it a renowned tourist destination on the outskirts of Siping. It is hailed as the “Gateway to the Thousand-Mile Changbai Mountains.” The Qing government once praised it as the “Land of the Dragon’s Rise.” Centered around Shanmen Reservoir, the scenic area is embraced by rolling mountains and layered peaks, with dense forests of lush pines and cypresses. The crystal-clear Longwang River and Chongwang River meander through the landscape before flowing into the lake. The expansive lake surface is calm and mirror-like. On the western side, Xinghua Mountain bursts into fragrant blooms of apricot blossoms in early spring, attracting countless bees and colorful butterflies that dance in the air. Nestled at the foot of Xinghua Mountain, Shanmen Reservoir presents a scene akin to a beauty gazing into a mirror, adding boundless charm to nature. The area is dominated by natural forests where ancient trees tower above, covering the land, while forest birds sing and butterflies flutter through the mixed woods. Wild animals are commonly seen, with dozens of precious medicinal herbs growing in the vicinity. A variety of wildflowers compete in brilliance, blanketing the forest floors and grasslands. Tender green wild grass emits a refreshing fragrance, lifting the spirits and enchanting visitors, who often find themselves reluctant to leave, lost in the embrace of nature. Shanmen Scenic Area lies southeast of Siping City. Right at the entrance stands a mountain gate split in half, locally nicknamed “Banla Shanmen” (Half Gate) due to its shape. Stepping inside reveals its most captivating essence. To climb Xinghua Mountain from the southern dam of Shanmen Reservoir, visitors must ascend 148 cement stone steps. These steps connect three uniquely styled pavilions between the “Heaven Gate” and the mountaintop “Moon-Embracing Gate.” The pavilions carry an antique charm, while the steps evoke a sense of secluded serenity. Scattered flowers dot the lush, shaded pathways, filling the air with birdsong and floral scents that stir thoughts of ancient times, leaving visitors deeply enchanted. Travelers have left behind verses here: “Winding cloud-covered mountain paths, majestic Moon-Embracing Gate; the spring breeze seems intent on charming all who wander.” Noteworthy sights within the scenic area include Shimen Mountain, Turtle Rock, Immortal Cave, Goddess Pavilion, and Peony Pavilion.

Shanmen Scenic Area

From the mountaintop, one can gaze across the surrounding lands: below lie the evergreen pine forests of Xinghua Mountain; to the east rises Shimen Mountain, lush with greenery; to the north stands Banla Mountain, its rocky surfaces glinting in the light; and to the west, the elongated Changelong Mountain is enveloped in a veil of mist... A several-hundred-meter-long embankment stretches from north to south, aligning with the Moon-Embracing Gate to form a perfect line. Surrounded by verdant peaks, a bay of clear blue water reflects the gentle ripples stirred by a lone boat, creating a truly serene and delightful spot. To the south of Pinnacle-Climbing Pavilion winds a 320-meter-long mountain corridor composed of seven uniquely styled pavilions connected seamlessly. The corridor is adorned with dazzling murals. Visitors here feel as though they’ve stepped into the painted gallery of Beijing’s Summer Palace, often expressing heartfelt admiration. As they admire the vividly depicted murals, they can’t help but retell the stories illustrated upon them. The Immortal-Gathering Pavilion features Chang’e reaching for the moon with outstretched arms; the Journey to the West Pavilion depicts the trials of Tang Seng’s quest for Buddhist scriptures; the Wu Song Pavilion showcases his vividly rendered battle with a fierce tiger; the Goddess Pavilion portrays the graceful immortal slaying an evil dragon. These small yet exquisite pavilions can truly be called artistic sanctuaries. No wonder visitors are so enthralled, lingering long enough to inscribe poetic lines such as “Winding cloud-covered mountain paths, majestic Moon-Embracing Gate; the spring breeze seems intent on charming all who wander.”