Zhangshan Grand Canyon

Zhangshan Grand Canyon

Zhangshan Grand Canyon is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Zhangshan Grand Canyon Scenic Area is located in the southeastern part of Jixi County, Anhui Province. It is traversed by the Anhui–Jiangxi Railway and the Wutun Highway, situated 22 kilometers from the county seat and just 55 kilometers from Huangshan Airport, boasting an extensive transportation network. Nestled on the 30°N latitude line, Zhangshan Grand Canyon has been nurtured over hundreds of millions of years and today reveals its wonders alongside other mysterious sites on this same line—such as the Pyramids, Bermuda, Shennongjia, and Huangshan. Mount Dazhang, a historically renowned mountain in the Jiangnan region, was known in ancient times as "Three Sovereigns’ Capital," "Three Kings Mountain," or "Barrier Peak." During the Spring and Autumn Period, it marked the boundary between the Wu and Yue states, and the massive Baiyanyan rock served as a natural boundary marker. The Qin Dynasty established the "Zhang Commandery," named after the mountain. Both the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" and the "Auspicious Talisman Scripture" have documented it.

Zhangshan Grand Canyon serves as the southern gateway to the Jiulong Peak National Nature Reserve. Renowned for being "spectacular, perilous, elegant, vast, and unparalleled," it features unique landscapes such as the Giant Stone Statue, Baiyanyan Rock, and Huangshan Pines, and is hailed as "the most beautiful canyon in East China." Additionally, the scenic area weaves together ancient legends of Mount Dazhang, local historical figures like the Hu brothers, and the canyon's landscape to promote Huizhou culture—centered around Jixi’s Huizhou officials, Confucian scholars, merchants, ink, cuisine, and opera. The area also hosts the largest memorial site dedicated to Hu Shi in China.

The main scenic route winds along the water for about 3 kilometers. The area features undulating peaks, misty valleys, and clear, tranquil streams whose colors shift along the journey, creating a stunning contrast with the countless peculiar rocks. Countless waterfalls, dragon pools, colorful ponds, and silver curtains are formed along the way. Scenic spots include Huangban Beach, the Mao Zedong Portrait Rock, the Heaven Gate Splitting Open, the Snow Rock Waterfall, the Huangshan Guest-Greeting Pine, the Gourd Pool, Baiyanyan Rock, and the Buddha’s Halo, among many other extraordinarily beautiful and unique sights. The water meanders through the canyon, twisting and cascading, while visitors walk along the water’s edge, immersed in its charm. Majestic, marvelous, and picturesque landscapes come together like a harmonious symphony of mountains, waters, and rocks.

Beyond its enchanting natural scenery, the area also offers thrilling water rafting, heart-pounding zip-lining, fun swings, shooting games, and more. There are also serene log cabins and beautifully blooming flower gardens for visitors to enjoy vacationing and sightseeing. Zhangshan Grand Canyon integrates profound Huizhou culture and is the largest Hu Shi memorial site in China. When the time is right, it can collaborate with academic institutions both domestically and internationally to host research seminars on Hu Shi culture, further enhancing the visibility and cultural richness of the scenic area and even Jixi County. A series of cultural and academic seminars centered on Huizhou culture will also be organized.

The Zhangshan Grand Canyon Scenic Area is mainly divided into eight sections: Zhangshan Nostalgia, Jixi Jade Bathing, Meeting the Great Man, Huizhou Rural Flavors, Remarkable People and Miraculous Stones, Canyon Dragon Roar, Snow Rock Waterfall, and Heavenly Capital Mountain. Each section contains breathtaking sights such as Huangban Beach, the Great Man Stone, the Gourd Pool, the Huizhou Camel, the Baiyanyan Buddha’s Halo, the Jixi Ox, the Wuchang Fish, the Little Heaven Gate, the Snow Rock Waterfall, Baiyanyan Rock, the Lovers’ Tree, the Rhino Playing in Water, the Ancient Huizhou–Hangzhou Road, and the Flower Blooming on the Summit.

Meeting the Great Man: In the magical world of Zhangshan Grand Canyon, the naturally formed statue of Mao Zedong—one hundred million years old—is truly a marvel. Located on the banks of the Zhang River and facing due north, the head is best viewed from the right side. With a broad forehead, a reverse-style cowlick, full cheeks, and wise, kind eyes, every visitor exclaims in awe. The birthplace of the great man now houses his likeness, and the Heavenly Capital sees its sovereign—Is this a historical coincidence or a miraculous act of nature?

Remarkable People and Miraculous Stones: Jixi is a land of outstanding people and cultural significance, home to many notable figures. These are complemented by the canyon’s myriad rock formations resembling objects and figures, creating a fascinating world of "spirit stones." Sights include the "Jixi Ox," the "Huizhou Camel," the "Pillar in the Midst of the Stream," the "Rhino Playing in Water," the "Fish and Sheep Valley," and the "Little Heaven Gate," each with its own distinctive shape.

Snow Rock Waterfall: Here, the stream plunges sharply into a narrow, deep pool, swirling and surging with irresistible force as it bursts forth between two rocks. White foam churns in the emerald pool, polishing massive boulders smooth and white. Standing on Snow Rock, one can feel the sheer power of the water in such a dramatic display. Nearby, Baiyanyan Rock is a granite formation created by a tectonic fracture during the Mesozoic to Cenozoic eras, about one hundred million years ago. It stands 460 meters high and 180 meters wide, tilted at 85 degrees, resembling an overturned giant bell or a heavenly sacred tripod piercing the clouds. It is majestic and magnificent, with precious mountain delicacies and medicinal herbs growing among its crevices.