Xiangshi Mountain

Xiangshi Mountain

Xiangshi Mountain, originally named Houshan Valley, is located on the mountains near Houshangen Village in Hengxi Town of our county. The scenic area spans approximately 10 square kilometers and features Danxia landform, characterized by towering cliffs, hanging stone beams, and a serene atmosphere. It comprises six scenic zones—Golden Monkey, Lovers’ Valley, Tiger’s Lair Gorge, Natural Bridge, Moon Pond, and Shocking Stone—as well as over 80 attractions. Attractions such as Immortal Monkey Greets Guests, Dinosaur Fossils, Nine Dragons Cave, Turtle Thinking of Her Husband, Floating Hill Chamber, Immortals’ Pavilion, Abandoned Horse Gully, Worship Horse Gully, Ascension Terrace, and the site where Prince Qiao became immortal are lined up like a gathering of immortals, with the occasional calls of monkeys adding to the enchanting experience that captivates visitors.

Standing atop the mountain peaks and looking into the distance, you’ll see a myriad of peaks in diverse shapes, surrounded by steep cliffs and bizarre rocks. The red cliffs resemble blazing clouds, while the pine and bamboo forests across the hills look like flying musical notes. Verdant bamboo, lush woods, peculiar peaks, strange rocks, secluded valleys, and towering cliffs stand shoulder to shoulder, creating a majestic and distinctive landscape.

Regarding the origin of Houshan Valley, a beautiful local legend is told: In ancient times, Emperor Hu Gong attained immortality and sought a path to heaven. After searching left and right, he set his sights on Houshan. He transformed a pile of stones into wild boars, which then climbed mountains and crossed rivers to reach the Heavenly Gate at the summit of Houshan, where he intended to build a ladder to heaven. However, halfway up the mountain, he encountered a woodcutter. To test his magic, Emperor Hu Gong asked the woodcutter, “What do you see here?” The woodcutter replied, “Just a bunch of rocks.” Seeing his magic exposed, Emperor Hu Gong ascended to heaven in a cloud of mist and eventually became immortal at Fangyan in Yongkang. The scattered rocks left behind on Houshan are now spread across various peaks, forming a variety of spectacular sights.

Hengxi Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Xianju County. In 1958, Hengxi Commune was established; it was reorganized as a township in 1984, became a town in 1985, and merged with Zhengqiao and Xikou townships in 1992. Located in the western part of the county along the middle reaches of the Yong’an River, it is 29.2 kilometers from the county seat. Covering an area of 200 square kilometers with a population of 37,000, it is traversed by the Linhai–Shizhu Highway. The town administers Xinbi, Zhengyan, Xinluo, Daoshi Mountain, Xikou, Wuyantou, Laowujī, Chakeng, Hengxi Upper Street, Hengxi Lower Street, Wudu Pan, Sanzaoyuan, Bubutou, Houduntou, Dongshan, Shangshen, Yudian, Xitou, Xiashen, Zhutang’an, Qiaoting, Zhang… More detailed information about Hengxi Town++

Further Reading:

· Zhejiang Province’s Seventh Batch of Provincial-Level Scenic Areas