Exploring the Wonders of Nandan Ridge

Exploring the Wonders of Nandan Ridge

Exploring the Wonders of Nandan Ridge

In the rugged mountains of the Nandan Hadal Ridge in Raohe County, there are over ten natural tourist resources awaiting development: Panyun Ridge – Thirty-Six Turns, Danzhang (Crimson Cliff), Camel Hump Wonder, Jiangwang Platform (River-Watching Platform), Zhaixing Ridge (Star-Picking Ridge), Longzhan Dangerous Path (Dragon Barricade Perilous Road), Tiger’s Mouth, Qianren Gully (Thousand-Ren Ravine), Yingmen Mountain Strategic Pass, Daiyun Ridge Perilous Spot, Immortal’s Platform, and Panlong Valley.

I. Panyun Ridge – Thirty-Six Turns

Panyun Ridge is located 22–29 kilometers west of the county seat. It stretches from Jizhuzhu River in the west to the North and South Xiaodai Rivers in the east, forming a continuous range of undulating hills. Bordered by the Dai Dai River valley to the south, its peaks and ridges fold back like clouds in the sky. The steep and precipitous mountain terrain creates a naturally treacherous landscape. The road winds along the mountain, with unexpected turns and ever-changing vistas. Drivers, wary of the winding and rugged path, have dubbed it the “Thirty-Six Turns.” Though named as such, there are actually no more than seventeen or eighteen sharp bends. Among them are the Skyward Turn, Panyun Turn, Cancong Turn, Snake Coil Turn, and Flying Dragon Turn, among others. The area features jagged boulders and perilous cliffs and peaks, making for a spectacular sight and one of the most scenic spots in the county. Since the late 1960s, however, unregulated quarrying has destroyed these once-majestic peaks, cliffs, and precipices, turning the area into a stone quarry. The original wonders now lie in ruins, barely recognizable.

II. Danzhang (Crimson Cliff)

Three kilometers north of the Nandan Hadal Ridge, past Longzhan, and northwest of Pik Mountain lies an area of rugged rocks. With sheer cliffs rising sharply and roads winding around the rocky edges, the path overlooks a deep valley below where lush trees thrive and the blue sky stretches endlessly. Mists often drift above, creating a majestic and breathtaking scene. Travelers frequently stop here to take in the view. The cliff’s reddish-brown hue gives it the name Danzhang, meaning “Crimson Cliff.”

III. Camel Hump Wonder

The Camel Laozi Mountain features several peaks stretching from north to south. The northwest peak is called Tuotou Mountain (Camel Head Mountain), known for its striking, sword-like peaks, sheer cliffs, and deep valleys, forming a steep, mysterious, and rugged landscape. Closer to Wulin Cave, it is referred to as the Little Camel Hump, also known as Porter Mountain or Qihu Peak (Crane-Resting Peak). The main peak rises majestically, resembling a camel’s hump, creating a spectacular sight. Legend has it that an ancient porter once led a camel through the desert when they were suddenly caught in a snowstorm. Both the porter and the camel perished in the freezing cold. Later, the camel transformed into a towering peak, the porter into the nearby rugged ridge—Qihu Peak (Crane-Resting Peak), and the camel’s hair into the lush pines covering the mountain. The Porter Mountain and Camel Hump were said to forecast the weather for travelers: when the wind howled like a piercing flute, a storm was coming, and when snow or rain approached, a white cloud “hat” would form atop the peak. In the past, a temple was built at Qierqin (now Xiangyang Village) where people worshipped them seasonally. Today, the temple has long vanished without a trace. Yet, the Camel Hump remains one of the county’s most magnificent sights. As the saying goes: “Mist and rosy clouds shine bright on clear days; mountain hues blend with skies so blue. A traveler’s heart swells with emotion deep, as breezes whisper soft and true.”

IV. Jiangwang Platform (River-Watching Platform)

Jiangwang Platform is situated at the southeastern end of Kongque Ridge (Peacock Ridge), on the eastern ridge of the Lime Kiln. It faces the Dagbialakang River valley to the south, with steep, vertical cliffs rising abruptly and a flat summit like a platform. Located beside the Yongxing–Zhengjiang Village highway, it offers travelers a resting spot where they can gaze out at the Ussuri River and the vast open plains, inspiring a sense of openness and wonder. Hence, it is called Jiangwang Platform, or “River-Watching Platform,” also known as Wangxiang Platform (Homeward-Looking Platform), as it provides a sweeping panoramic view from its height. The southern slope of the platform is steep and rugged, forming another perilous area.

V. Zhaixing Ridge (Star-Picking Ridge)

Located along the western ridge of Xidadingzi Mountain, at the highest point of Beidai Ridge, this site features a path carved through the mountain with winding switchbacks leading to the summit. There, a dramatic S-shaped curve presents a steep incline and tight corners, with a deep gorge hundreds of meters below. Looking up is dizzying, while looking down reveals an unfathomable abyss. As the highest watershed divide between Guanmenzuizi and Xiaojiqi River, it ranks as the most perilous spot in the county.

VI. Longzhan Dangerous Path (Dragon Barricade Perilous Road)

Situated at the junction of Shen Ding Mountain and Pik Mountain, this stretch features an S-shaped road carved through the mountain.

The winding path twists like a dragon, resembling the plank roads of ancient Sichuan, hence its name Longzhan, or “Dragon Barricade.”

Drivers approaching this spot often hesitate to proceed. Looking around, they are surrounded by towering pine and fir trees, creating an intensely solemn atmosphere. It is considered one of the most dangerous areas in the county.

VII. Tiger’s Mouth

Located on the northern foothills of Pik Mountain, about one kilometer northwest of Danzhang, this is a mountain spur of Nandan Ridge. The road cuts through the cliff, resembling the jagged mouth of a cave—like a tiger’s open maw. Below the cliff lies the source of the Liqilian River. The valley is deep and serene, with pine and fir trees reaching toward the clouds, creating a steep and imposing landscape—a place so treacherous it seems impenetrable.

VIII. Qianren Gully (Thousand-Ren Ravine)

Qianren Gully is located 1.5 kilometers north of Tiger’s Mouth. It is a perilous section of the mountain road cutting through the Nandan Hadal Ridge, spanning two kilometers in length. Here, the road runs along a narrow ledge amid towering, ancient mountains, offering breathtaking views. In the early morning or evening fog, the pine forests below blur into the mist, concealing the earth and sky. The deep valleys along the roadside are unfathomable, hence the name Qianren Gully, or “Thousand-Ren Ravine.” It lies within the source area of the Liqilian River. During the rainy season, the roaring sound of the mountain stream is ever-present, adding to the solemn and foreboding atmosphere. This area is also considered a militarily strategic and perilous zone.

IX. Yingmen Mountain Strategic Pass

Located two kilometers west of Daiyun Ridge, with the northern extension of Foli Ridge to its north, Yingmen Mountain sits within the Yuhéchuan Valley of Sihechuan. Its steep cliffs face off directly against Daiyun Ridge, hence the name Yingmen Shan (Gate-Facing Mountain). The road descends sharply from Daiyun Ridge before winding around the mountain, making it a critical chokepoint on the route from Raohe to Baoqing. Historically, it has served as a strategic fortress. During the Japanese puppet regime, the Kwantung Army stationed laborers here to construct fortifications, and the trenches they dug remain visible to this day. In the 1960s, the area in front of the mountain was developed into lime kilns by the Raohe Farm and Hongqi Ling Farm, resulting in significant deforestation and the partial destruction of its rugged terrain.

X. Daiyun Ridge

Daiyun Ridge is the backbone of the county, serving as the watershed between the Da Dai River and Sihechuan. Its high elevation commands the crucial Rao-Bao Highway. It is a strategic location that can be used both offensively and defensively—an important military stronghold that cannot be overlooked.

XI. Immortal’s Platform

Located west of Tuoyao Mountain, at the watershed between the eastern headwaters of Xiaodai River and the southern headwaters of Huashu River, the Rao-Fu Highway winds around this flat, platform-like area. From here, one can look south and take in the full expanse of the Xiaodai River valley, a sweeping and open view. Legend says immortals once played chess here, giving the spot its name, Immortal’s Platform. About 100 meters north of the platform lies the highest point of the watershed. On the northern slope is a small valley where a spring emerges. On either side of the valley stand two small hills, facing each other and guarding the approach. Remnants of fortifications built by the Japanese Kwantung Army during the puppet Manchukuo era can still be found here, marking it as a military stronghold.

Located on the western side of Tuoyao Mountain, at the watershed between the eastern source of the Xiaodadai River and the southern source of the Huashuichuan River. The Rao-Fu Highway winds around this area, where the land is flat as a platform. Looking south from here, the entire valley of the Xiaodadai River unfolds before your eyes, presenting a suddenly expansive view. Legend has it that immortals once played chess here, hence the name Immortal's Platform (Xiānrén Tái). About 100 meters north of the platform lies the highest point of the watershed. On the northern slope, there is a small canyon from which a spring emerges. On both the north and south sides of the canyon, there are small hills that rise abruptly, standing opposite each other and directly commanding the approach. The mountain still retains trenches and fortifications built by the Japanese Kwantung Army of the puppet Manchukuo, which remain to this day, marking it as a former military stronghold.

12. Panlong Valley

Panlong Valley is located at the source of the Northeast Stream in Shichang, where the ancient Qimuji Mountain meets Foli Mountain. With steep mountain ridges, towering cliffs, winding paths, and twisting peaks resembling the coiled form of a dragon, it earned the name "Panlong" (Coiling Dragon). Adjacent to deep gullies and vast ravines, the area has an intensely solemn and desolate atmosphere, making it a strategic military stronghold. Travelers passing through here cannot help but feel a sense of awe and trepidation.