Taiping Rock

Taiping Rock

Taiping Rock is located in Yutian Village, Shatou Town, and serves as the natural gateway to the Nanxi River Scenic Area, functioning as the entrance to the entire Nanxi River scenic region. At the entrance, there are four powerful characters inscribed by the late Chinese calligraphy master Sha Menghai, reading “Gradually Entering a Fine Situation.”

The scenic area faces the clear river in front and is backed by sheer cliffs, with ancient trees towering overhead and peculiar rocks jutting out. Its main features include beautiful waters, unique rock formations, picturesque shoals and forests, and a rich religious culture. Major attractions include: Taiping Rock, Wutian Shoal Forest, Jiuzhang Shoal Forest, Shenghu Palace, Fenghuang Fort, Henest Cave, Leishan Cave, Hongyan Chan Temple, Tangwan, and the ancient villages of Doumen.

Taiping Rock: Situated between two soaring, pillar-like peaks known as the Twin Bamboo Shoots Peaks. The surrounding misty atmosphere gives visitors a feeling of floating into a celestial paradise. The couplet at the mountain gate, which reads, “Bestowed upon guests of all seasons; bestowed upon people from all directions,” creates a warm and welcoming impression. In front of the gate are steep steps, and in the center of the staircase lies a massive rock known as “Pig Head Rock.” Past the Pig Head Rock lies the Hu Gong Hall.

Hu Gong Hall: With its unique architecture tucked away within dense, shaded woods, it is an excellent destination for religious tourism. Also called Yutian Liao, the Hu Gong Hall was first built during the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty (1621–1627) and was rebuilt in the 18th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1894). The main hall features simple yet elegant architecture, backed by a towering cliff, while the pure and pristine waters of the Nanxi River flow quietly in front. The upturned eaves of the temple peek out between the trees and bamboo, giving the impression of a celestial dwelling or a paradise on earth.

Leishan Cave: Located on the north side of the road from Zhikou to Doumen, approximately 2 kilometers from the Doumen Township government seat. It is a natural cave, about 10 meters in height, width, and depth, fronted by a cliff and facing the Wulei Mountain in the distance. Inside the cave, nine deities are enshrined, believed to have been established during the Ming Dynasty, and the site enjoys a thriving flow of worshippers.

Hongyan Chan Temple: Located within the territory of Doumen Township, about 1.5 kilometers from the township government seat. It is a natural cave in the mountainside, measuring 20 meters in width, 25 meters in depth, and 15 meters in height. A temple has been built inside, with walls made of rough stones, presenting a bold and rustic charm.

Wutian Shoal Forest: Located along the Nanxi River bank outside Wutian Village in Shatou Town. The shoal forest stretches 2 kilometers in length and covers an area of 330 acres, mainly consisting of Masson pine, along with some sweet gum trees, and features well-preserved ground vegetation.

Jiuzhang Shoal Forest: Located near Jiuzhang Village in Qukou Township. The shoal forest is 1.5 kilometers long and spans 250 acres. It is dominated by Masson pine, interspersed with bamboo groves and chestnut trees, offering picturesque scenery.