Laodao Gully

Laodao Gully

Nestled amidst the undulating ranges of the Greater Khingan Mountains, the Horqin Grassland stretches like a colorful ribbon adorned with magical “gems.” Set against the backdrop of Taonan City, a historic county with a century-long legacy, the mountains and grasslands coexist in harmony. Among them, Laodao Gully shines as the most dazzling gem on this ribbon, reflecting the sealed history of the ancient town and the crystal-clear dew of a pristine morning, making it a truly enchanting destination.

Laodao Gully is located at the northwest end of Taonan City, 5 kilometers west of the Hulitu Township government and on the north side of National Highway 111. It lies in the low mountainous and hilly area at the eastern foothills of the Greater Khingan Mountain Range, bordering Horqin Right Front Banner in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The gully runs from north to south. According to legend, after attending the Queen Mother of the West’s Peach Banquet, one of the Eight Immortals, Zhang Guolao, was on his way back to the Immortals’ dwelling place when he was struck by a sudden burst of inspiration. While admiring the majestic beauty of the Greater Khingan Mountains, he happened upon this place. Charmed by its pleasant scenery, he descended from the clouds and found the area rich in water and grass, teeming with wildlife, and surrounded by mountains. He decided to make it his permanent residence to enjoy the idyllic beauty of a paradise on earth, hence the name “Laodao Gully” (Gully of the Old Taoist). Setting aside the mystical legend and brushing away the dust of time, according to the Annals of Taonan City, in 1938, a Taoist priest surnamed Zhang from Jianping County in Liaoning wandered to Taonan Town and resided at An Temple for three years. Later, he purchased a piece of land here, attracted settlers to reclaim the land, and a settlement was formed, which came to be known as “Laodao Gully.” Today, Laodao Gully not only captivates you with its mysterious legends that evoke the simplicity and natural charm of the gully, but also allows you to witness the breathtaking natural wonders and exquisite human landscapes crafted by nature and human ingenuity.

In the Qing Dynasty, Laodao Gully was a grazing area for Mongolian nomads. When apricot blossoms bloomed, the mountains were covered in white, and in autumn, the fruits were abundant, with wild animals roaming and birds flying everywhere. A local saying goes: “Beat a deer with a stick, scoop fish with a ladle, and pheasants fly into your cooking pot.” Here, you can relive the bold spirit of the Mongolians while experiencing the splendor of the rare mountain delicacies and wildlife of “Laodao Gully.”

With the changing of seasons, Laodao Gully is embraced by dozens of uniquely shaped mountains and gullies, including Jiutou Mountain (also known as Dajiazi Mountain) at an altitude of 567 meters, whose rolling peaks resemble a landscape painting scroll; Ma’anshan Mountain, whose shape resembles a saddle; and Yematu Mountain, which means “Mongolian gazelle” in Tibetan. Like a shy young girl stepping into the world, Laodao Gully greets its beloved visitors with its charm, freshness, allure, and elegance.

When spring arrives, the snow and ice in Laodao Gully melt away, and mountain flowers bloom everywhere, signaling the revival of all things. The gentle and languid spring mist kisses the budding sprouts, and the clear mountains and streams offer you a generous dose of sunshine, allowing you to feel the graceful beauty of Laodao Gully.

In summer, Laodao Gully is hidden within lush, emerald-green shade. Pine trees, small mountain poplars, hawthorns, and Mongolian elm trees, groomed by the rain, along with grass wearing its “tenacious hue,” thrive alongside wild animals such as pheasants, sand partridges, and mountain rabbits. As Laodao Gully expresses its most unrestrained passion among the four seasons, it also allows you to reminisce about its delicate charm amid the blend of modernity and antiquity.

In autumn, Laodao Gully transforms, shedding its former allure. Dancing gracefully in the rustling autumn wind, all things shed their camouflaged coats, coming together to adorn the embracing mountains. A thick carpet of leaves cradles the arrival of winter’s chill, playing the symphony of “life” in nature.

In winter, the mesmerizing snowflakes flutter down gently, swirling and falling incessantly like willow catkins in spring, boldly kissing the brave sentinels (mountains) that guard Laodao Gully. The snow-covered and ice-crystal-laden Laodao Gully radiates a dazzling brilliance against the blue sky, transporting you into a pure and elegant world.

This is the incredibly captivating Laodao Gully. As you explore its purity and uncover its mysteries, it invites you to imagine endless possibilities within its magnificent natural tapestry.

Reflecting on the ever-changing charm of “Laodao Gully” through the four seasons, it stirs your thoughts and leaves you unwilling to leave.