Shimen Gorge

Shimen Gorge

It is a mysterious grand canyon nestled between Woyun Peak and Boushui Peak in the eastern part of Huangshan. Stretching 10 kilometers deep and with a stream running 10 kilometers long, it is one of the major scenic highlights of Huangshan — a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site in China.

At the valley entrance, two peaks stand opposite each other with cliffs like gates, which is how it got the name “Shimen Gorge.” Inside the valley, unique peaks compete in beauty, and strange rocks are scattered everywhere. Wildflowers bloom vibrantly, lush trees offer dense shade, birds sing in chorus, and monkeys play joyfully. The stream water is crystal-clear and gurgles melodiously. The valley features competing peaks, craggy rocks, numerous pools, sweet-tasting water, dense forests, blooming mountain flowers, and fragrant scents all year round. Along the gorge, you’ll pass by Yipin Peak, Wulao Peak, Guanyin Peak, Shisun Peak, and Shixin Peak, eventually reaching Beihai Hotel. It serves as the gateway to the eastern ecological tourism area of Huangshan Scenic Zone and involves an approximately eight-hour hiking trek. It is a natural tourist area focused on mountain climbing, sightseeing, exploring, rock climbing, and water activities.

The peaks of Shimen Gorge are uniquely beautiful. You can see: Boushui Peak with waterfalls cascading like silk ribbons, Woyun Peak emerging and hiding with the clouds, Baihe Peak where five peaks embrace each other, YuNu Peak with five beauties standing side by side, as well as other peaks of various sizes — including Lingxiao Peak, Bizhan Peak, Yuanren Peak, and Yifan Peak — totaling 36 peaks, all standing tall and graceful.

The rocks of Shimen Gorge are remarkably strange. You can see: the “Double Crucian Carp Welcoming Guests” by the roadside, the “Golden Turtle Gazing at the Moon” among the pines, the “Fairy’s Delicate Hand” on the cliff, the “YuNu Bathing in Spring” in the pool, the loving “Longing Monkeys,” the amusing “Donald Duck,” the soaring “Non-Dragon Gorge,” the deep and narrow “One-Line Sky,” and the huge, eternally smiling statue of Shennong sitting atop the peak — all incredibly lifelike.

The waters of Shimen Gorge are dazzlingly beautiful. You can also see: the YuNu Pool clear as crystal, the Drunk Immortal Pool shining like flowing rosy clouds, the Jade Toad Pool lovely as jade, the Golden Turtle Pool gorgeous like colorful beads, the Carp Pool radiant as embroidered silk, and the Cloud Cliff Waterfall drifting like silk ribbons — each spot radiating brilliance.

The legends of Shimen Gorge are beautiful and moving. For example: Shennong gathered herbs here and loved it so much he never left, leaving behind the giant statue of Shennong. Li Bai drank from the beautiful waters as if they were fine wine, leaving the legacy of the Drunk Immortal Pool, where “flowing water carries flowers away, and white clouds bring wine.” The love legend of the mermaid (carp) — the “Lingsiao Romance” — has left behind the scenic Carp Pool.

Shimen Gorge is also a red tourism revolutionary site. It was the location of the heroic battle of the Red Army's Northern Expedition Anti-Japanese Vanguard in Tanjiaqiao. Today, remnants such as the command posts of Fang Zhimin and Su Yu can still be found near the valley entrance, and among the blooming wildflowers lies the tomb of Marshal Su Yu.

Shimen Gorge is a vibrant world of flowers, hence its nickname “Hundred Flowers Source.” Shimen is the most beautiful under heaven, yet another wonder of Huangshan.

Being here, you can challenge your physical limits while also experiencing the grandeur of “reaching the summit.” It is a great destination for travelers seeking to explore nature, seek hidden wonders, and connect with the landscape.