Guigou Mountain

Guigou Mountain

Guigou Mountain, located 50 kilometers southeast of Shangyi County, is one of the county’s natural scenic attractions. It got its name from the fact that a prominent local family with the surname Gui once lived there (another version says it was named after two single brothers who lived in the mountain, hence “Gun gou shan,” meaning “Bachelors’ Valley”). To the southeast lies the ancient Great Wall built during the Ming Dynasty. From the mountaintop, you can gaze westward to take in the full view of Chai’goubao in Huai’an County. At the foot of the mountain flows a spring that feeds into the Dongyang River. On December 6, 1973, Shangyi County designated the Guigou Mountain Forest Farm, covering 16,000 mu of natural forest, as a timber base for the Shangyi Coal Mine. Ji Zhong (a retired forestry official) served as the person in charge, Liu Zhenrong as the technician, Feng Yubao as the accountant, and three others as forest rangers. In 1980, the Guigou Mountain Forest Farm was officially established, with Meng Xiancheng as the head and also serving as the forestry technician. From then on, the coal mine allocated funds equivalent to 0.1 yuan per ton of coal mined to support afforestation efforts. Under the leadership of Meng Xiancheng, along with afforestation and forest protection personnel (typically 4–5 workers assigned by the mine during normal times, with nearby villagers hired during busy periods), comprehensive greening was carried out using methods such as digging pits in summer for autumn planting, digging pits in autumn for the following spring planting, and cultivating seedlings at the valley bottom before transplanting them up the mountain. Meanwhile, a small pavilion was built halfway up the mountain, and a water storage pond was constructed at the foot, contributing to small watershed management. In 1983, the Zhangjiakou Labor Bureau allocated over 1,000 yuan to purchase two wind-powered generators, but they broke down not long after being put into use. In 1987, the Zhangjiakou Federation of Trade Unions donated a gasoline generator (limited to providing lighting for visitors at night), which operated for six years. In August 2000, the Zhangjiakou Federation of Trade Unions and Shangyi Coal Mine jointly funded the installation of a 1,500-meter power line from Huangtuyao in Xiaosuangou Town to Guigou Mountain, with strong support from the Shangyi County Power Bureau, thus ending the mountain’s history without electricity. By the end of 2003, the forest farm had expanded to 20,000 mu, with 5,400 mu of forested area. Tree species included pine, fir, linden, birch, poplar, apricot, fruit trees, and more. The farm also raised 300 sheep and cultivated 200 mu of farmland. The “Jinhong 123” small apples produced there were sold locally across various districts and counties, as well as exported to cities such as Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Xi’an.

Stepping into Guigou Mountain, you’re greeted by milky white mist and dark green mountain hues. Amidst the lush greenery and clear waters, bursts of birdsong ring out unexpectedly. The partridges in the distant hills call out faintly, their melodies long and resonant; the clear, melodious chirps of orioles fall like musical notes sliding down the verdant slopes, rising and falling in rhythm. There are also the songs of many unnamed little birds, all extraordinarily pleasant to the ear.

In addition to mushrooms and bracken, the mountains are home to many rare flowers and plants. Particularly eye-catching are the bright pink wild cherry blossoms and the dazzling red mountain peonies. Fruit trees halfway up the mountain are laden with golden-red fruits. These fruits and flowers interspersed among the green mountains and trees add even more vibrant splashes of color.

When there’s no wind, the air here is especially refreshing. Birdsong fills the air, and springs cascade down with rippling sounds. When a strong wind blows, the forests rustle like rolling waves of pine; when the breeze is gentle, it stirs delicate ripples across the mountain. Among the dense woods live woodpeckers, pheasants, wild pigeons, and precious medicinal herbs. It’s said that wolves, badgers, foxes, and even leopards still roam these parts.

The mountain springs are crystal clear and sweet to the taste. Women from outside often come here to drink the water, believing it makes their skin fair and smooth. Hair washed in the spring becomes glossy and silky black. Meals served here include wild goat meat, mushrooms, and carp from the reservoir—all delicious and mouthwatering. As you climb up the small stone steps and pause at the pavilion to gaze at the breathtaking mountain-and-water scenery, your heart feels light, your mind refreshed, and your spirit lifted.