White Horse Peak

White Horse Peak

White Horse Peak is located within the Tianzhuangzhai Scenic Area in Jinzhai County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province, standing at an elevation of 1,480 meters. It is composed of a horse's saddle, back, and tail, stretching for dozens of miles. The western side of the peak features sheer cliffs thousands of meters high and yawning abysses; the ridgeline is rugged and steep, with bare rocks exposed. After heavy rains, water cascades down the rocky faces, forming numerous waterfalls and springs.

The main body of White Horse Peak, which stands at an elevation of 1,480 meters, is composed of a horse's saddle, back, and tail. It is surrounded by cliffs a thousand meters high on all sides. The mountain ridges are rugged and steep, extending from south to north, with exposed rocky outcrops. Notable scenic spots on the ridge include "Sunny Snow on the Horse’s Tail" and "Evening Glow on the Horse’s Saddle," which are major highlights of the Tianzhuangzhai Forest Park. White Horse Peak is located within the Gaobu Brigade in the southwestern part of Fengtian Commune, about 3 kilometers from the natural town of Fengtian. The poet Liu Lin wrote in his poem praising the Eight Scenic Spots of Zhongxi, including White Horse Peak: “After the chaos, many ask about the old mountains, a thousand homes locked in emerald bays… White horses and yellow oxen come and go freely.” (Here, “White Horse” refers to White Horse Peak among the Eight Scenic Spots.)

White Horse Peak is covered with lush green pines and verdant grass. Legend has it that a white horse once galloped across the mountain, yet strangely, no one has ever seen the horse despite centuries of visitors. Where does the “white horse” come from? According to local elders, it is related to the story of Liu Xiang ascending to heaven as a deity: “During his tenure as an official in Anfu, Liu Xiang often rode a white horse to inspect the people and admire the natural scenery. Because he loved the mountains and rivers here and cherished the hardworking and simple locals, he chose to be buried on this mountain after his death. As Liu Xiang ascended to become a god, his steed also became a divine horse. People, missing Liu Xiang, see the mountain as the horse, and the invisible white horse is said to be the divine horse manifesting its spirit. Thus, the mountain came to be called ‘White Horse Peak.’”

The Wind-moving Rock has long been the most cherished natural wonder of the island’s people and one of the favorite sights for tourists. Dongshan’s Wind-moving Rock ranks as the most remarkable among China’s 60-plus wind-moving rocks due to its uniqueness, perilous position, and suspended appearance. Ancient scholars hailed it as the “Number One Wonder Stone in the World,” and it is now the iconic landmark of White Horse Peak. This massive wind-moving rock stands atop a steep cliff, measuring 4.37 meters in height, 44.47 meters in width, and 4.46 meters in length, weighing approximately 200 tons. It is shaped like a pointed top with a round base, resembling a fairy peach, and rests precariously on a large, sea-tilted rock protruding from the ground. The contact surface between the two rocks is just over ten square centimeters. When strong winds blow, the massive stone sways slightly. If one lies on the rock and pushes with their feet, the stone will also rock, yet it never falls. Standing beneath the Wind-moving Rock evokes a thrilling sensation, making it a marvel of the natural world—hence its name. A poem describes it: “The wind moves one stone, setting a myriad pounds in motion.”

“Deities” have long held a revered place in human consciousness, so people often liken meritorious officials to incarnations of gods. Though the legends of the “god” and the “divine horse” may not align with scientific reasoning, they express the working people’s admiration and remembrance for upright officials. Towering White Horse Peak, at an elevation of 1,480 meters, is formed by a horse’s saddle, back, and tail. Stretching across Anhui and Hubei provinces, the ridge extends from south to north, presenting a rugged and steep profile. Gazing at the horse’s tail from afar, where the thousand-meter cliffs feature completely exposed rocky surfaces, the sight becomes even more majestic and vivid under the setting sun, appearing almost lifelike and embodying the legendary warhorse’s loyalty to its master and unyielding determination in fulfilling its mission. The lower end of the horse’s tail is surrounded by patches of green vegetation, whose roots and leaves cling tightly to the rocks, adding subtle beauty to the swaying tail.

The White Horse Peak Grand Canyon stretches 1,960 meters in length. It is said that 130 million years ago, intense tectonic faulting caused the earth’s crust to rupture violently. In an instant, fiery magma surged toward the surface like a stampede of horses, sweeping away all life in its path. Over the long course of geological evolution, factors such as water erosion, weathering, and other erosive processes shaped the canyon’s landscape. The canyon floor is relatively wide, with steep cliffs lining both sides, making it a typical U-shaped canyon. Along the way, the rocky formations display extraordinary craftsmanship—exquisitely shaped stones are scattered along the paths and peaks, some resembling humans or objects, others birds or beasts. Some are as massive as boulders, others delicately intricate. Some are nestled within groves of green trees, while others stand atop cliffs. Some rest quietly in the rushing streams, while others hang suspended in the azure sky. Their lifelike forms are captivating, inspiring awe for the wonders crafted by nature’s divine hand. These formations, like living beings with spirit, silently guard this serene canyon, witnessing the march of history alongside the passage of time.

The most astonishing sight in the canyon is the natural gallery formed by weathering along the riverbed. It is an ancient metamorphic rock, also known as the Dabie Complex, dating back 260 million years. The white bands that twist and turn are composed of light-colored minerals like quartz, while the black masses and streaks are primarily formed from minerals such as hornblende. The crystal-clear stream water lightly covers the black-and-white rocks. Reflected in the flowing water, the landscape resembles traditional Chinese ink paintings—drifting clouds, boundless seas, and vast grasslands—all complementing each other to adorn the exposed riverbed with breathtaking vibrancy. The sheer scale of this natural artwork is truly rare.

Due to seasonal changes, there isn’t much water in the gallery right now. A formation resembling a white dragon crossing the river stretches across the valley floor, raising its head and swishing its tail as it hurries along. We tiptoe closer, careful not to disturb its playful spirit. Looking back, the undulating gallery is tucked within the greenery on either side. The dramatic scenes cascade down the mountain stream—the rushing waters tumble, leap, entwine, and caress, creating a symphony of tinkling sounds that plays a beautiful melody for this otherwise silent gallery. When you are immersed in this environment, you can’t help but marvel at its unique wonder and gentle beauty.