Grassland Fortress Nan Tianmen Scenic Area

Grassland Fortress Nan Tianmen Scenic Area

Nan Tianmen is a unique natural landscape situated on the grasslands of the northern part of Kangbao County. It is a vital stone gateway forged during Genghis Khan’s southern campaign against the Jin Dynasty.

The road to Nan Tianmen extends three to four kilometers, rugged and winding. Like the saying “Lost among mountains thinking there’s no way out, only to emerge upon another peak,” travelers will encounter sights such as the General’s Tent, the Commanding Platform, and the Tiger-Taming Rock. The main scenic spot, Nan Tianmen, is formed naturally by two mountains creating a gate less than ten feet wide. The surrounding peaks are rugged, covered in rare flowers, plants, birds, and animals. A clear spring flows gently northward through the middle of the gateway. The area around the scenic zone features intertwined forest networks and over 100,000 acres of land under the “returning farmland to forest and grassland” project, forming a natural landscape where mountains, water, forests, grass, and wildlife complement one another. It’s also an ideal destination for hunting and pilgrimage.

The main scenic area of Nan Tianmen is located within the jurisdiction of Abugaitemple Village, Tunkun Town, 20 kilometers north of Kangbao County and 15 kilometers northwest of the town government seat. It sits at an altitude of 1,600 meters. Nan Tianmen consists of two strikingly different rocky peaks. The eastern peak is rugged, while the western peak has a hanging cliff-like formation. The valley stretches three to four kilometers, naturally forming a mountain gateway. A spring gushes from between the rocks within the valley. A waterfall cascades down the mountainside, gleaming white like frozen jade and twisting in an arc before plunging into the pool below, merging with the spring water. The stream then flows through the long, narrow valley between the two peaks, extending into the northern grasslands and forming several lakes that provide water for nomadic herds. Tests show the spring water contains numerous minerals. Combined with the wild medicinal herbs growing around the rocks, it’s no wonder locals enjoy good health and longevity, and livestock remain disease-free, robust, and well-nourished. According to the *Kangbao County Annals*, “In the 11th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (1672), the Mongolian people built Puci Temple here, which housed 12 resident monks. On the first day of the sixth lunar month, scriptures were chanted, and exorcism rituals were held on the 14th and 15th, attended by over 300 lamas and Mongolians. The temple was surrounded by mountains, with a sweet spring at the southwestern foot that could quench the thirst of hundreds. Pine trees on the mountain reached five feet tall. From the 10th year of the Republic of China (1921), as farming began, more villagers moved in and the lamas relocated.” Historically, Nan Tianmen hosted numerous Buddhist activities, attracting throngs of monks and Mongolians at its peak. Known as a gateway due to its breathtaking, steep natural beauty, it became essential for northern lamas and Mongolians traveling annually to Puci Temple for scripture recitals. Various uniquely shaped rocks in the area—like the Eagle Rock, General’s Tent, and Tiger-Taming Cliff—each have a beautiful legend attached. Locals regard these rocks as talismans ensuring peace, bountiful harvests, and healthy livestock. They hold worship ceremonies on auspicious days, offering sacrifices such as pigs and sheep, creating a lively fair-like atmosphere. Nearby, Lover’s Valley lies at the base of the left peak of Nan Tianmen and is a popular spot for local couples.

In summer, various wildflowers bloom across Nan Tianmen’s peaks—wild peonies, mountain dahlias, and chrysanthemums dot the slopes, while twisted peach and cherry trees add charm. In rock crevices, dense green briars thrive. At the foothills, lush grass and scattered livestock create a spectacular scene. Standing at the cave of Nan Tianmen, visitors are greeted by cool, whistling winds. By the pool, they can bathe and play in the water, enjoying a refreshing retreat and the perfect summer getaway.

In winter, the peaks are covered in snow, “dancing like silver snakes,” while springs continue to flow through the valleys. A variety of wild animals roam the mountains, including wild goats, Mongolian gazelles, wolves, snakes, foxes, swallows, eagles, larks, and magpies—with rabbits being the most common, gathering in groups for the “winter leisure.” Locals regard rabbits as sacred mountain spirits, and hunting them is referred to as “catching the divine.” When winter’s snow blankets the land, hunters trek to Nan Tianmen to trap rabbits and enjoy game meat, savoring a unique experience.

Kangbao County lies at the southern edge of the Inner Mongolia Plateau, a vast expanse of endless grassland. Amid this ocean of grass, the sudden emergence of a natural wonder like Nan Tianmen is truly rare. For decades, many literati and artists have visited to paint and write, while monks have come to seek spiritual peace. Since Kangbao County opened to the outside world, numerous domestic and international tourists have come not only to admire its natural beauty but also to seek healing, relaxation, and vacation. However, due to its remote location, poor transportation, and underdeveloped economy, this natural attraction remained largely unknown. As a result, this summer retreat and scenic destination was not developed, leaving its natural advantages and potential value untapped. After multiple investigations and evaluations by relevant departments, it was concluded that Nan Tianmen holds substantial untapped potential and development value. Economically, it has the potential to become a new growth driver for the region. Thus, the county’s Party committee and government decided to develop Nan Tianmen.

Since 2005, the Tunkun Town Party Committee and government have made the ecological tourism development of Nan Tianmen a key strategy for boosting the local economy. They established the principle of gradually improving the ecological conditions of the scenic area to attract investment and formulated the *Tunkun Town Nan Tianmen Ecotourism Development Plan*. Efforts have been made to deeply develop the area, constructing an 11.5-kilometer gravel road from the county to the scenic area, 5 kilometers of cement roads within the site, one parking lot, and 5,000 meters of fencing. Along the road from the county to Nan Tianmen, 50,000 tall poplar trees were planted, while 30,000 ornamental plants such as spruce and lilacs were added within the scenic zone, afforesting 2,000 acres. A deep well was drilled, and four 10-ton water tanks were installed on the mountainside in tiers to ensure timely irrigation during droughts. Construction of Duobao Temple began in 2006, and by 2007, seven resident monks lived there, led by Abbot Miaoyi.

Address: Northern Kangbao County, Zhangjiakou City

Phone: 0313-5512410