Huangdiling Forest Farm Natural Scenic Area

Huangdiling Forest Farm Natural Scenic Area

Huangdiling Forest Farm is situated in the southern part of Shaodong County, bordered by Chazishan Township to the east, Qihuaiyuan Township to the south, Zhichong Township of Qidong County to the west, and Huangdiling in Shaodong County to the north. It spans 5.6 kilometers from east to west and 3.4 kilometers from north to south, with a total area of 1,172.3 hectares, of which 900 hectares are forested. This area is located in the transition zone between the Xuefeng Mountain Range and the Hengshan Mountain Range. The highest peak reaches an elevation of 685.5 meters, while the lowest point is at 210 meters above sea level. It is also one of the sources of the Zhen River, a first-level tributary of the Xiang River in Hunan Province.

The area is home to ancient trees that are centuries old, tall nanmu bamboo reaching four or five zhang in height, with hundreds of tree species and dozens of bamboo varieties. Wild pheasants call out as they fly, deer and rabbits leap about, and occasionally wild boars can be spotted. Truly, it is a sanctuary where birds, beasts, forests, and mountains coexist. Roads crisscross the landscape, making transportation convenient, while the scenery boasts beautiful waters and pleasant weather. Especially during hot summer days when the heat is stifling, entering Huangdiling Forest Farm brings cool breezes, the sound of birds and fragrant flowers, splashing mountain streams — a perfect summer retreat.

Driving into Guanyinshi Village, to the left lies the Liemazhai Scenic Area, and to the right is the Guanyinshi Scenic Area. Upon reaching Longchangwan, there is an underground river channel leading into Huangdiling. This cave stretches approximately three li and is said to have been dug by an ancient divine dragon. Legend has it that an old man once immersed a wine jar in the river, only for it to disappear and later float in a pond three li away in Jiancheng Village.

After passing Longchangwan, a drive of one li leads to Shuanghe Reservoir. Right after the rain clears, steam rises gently from the water’s surface, resembling a beautiful woman draped in a veil, creating a mysterious and hazy atmosphere. Drifting across this highland lake in a bamboo raft, fishing with bait, feels like sailing through mist and living within a painting. After taking in the mountain and water views (about 500 meters), disembark and head to Yakouling, where a massive rock stands tall, known as “Guanyinshi” (Guanyin Stone). This rock resembles Guanyin sitting in meditation, standing about twenty zhang high and over ten zhang wide, dignified and graceful. There is a hole in its navel area, roughly one zhang wide, with a hollow two zhang high. Legend says a large night pearl once rested inside, glowing and spinning, eliminating the need for the residents of Zhoujialing, three li away, to light lamps at night. The front face of Guanyinshi is steep, often climbed by visitors, but only one person has reportedly succeeded — the rest turn back halfway. The back side slopes gently against the mountain, with flat terrain and two smaller rocks standing on either side (about one zhang high), resembling young disciples paying homage, hence the name “Tongzi Bai Guanyin” (Disciples Paying Homage to Guanyin). On the left shoulder edge of the stone is another rock about five meters high and three meters wide, shaped like Guanyin carrying a child — it rocks when shaken but never falls.

At the base of the stone is a spring that can supply drinking water for hundreds of people. In 1929, a small temple was built against the rock. Thanks to the stunning landscape and spiritual aura, worshippers offering incense and prayers never ceased, with the air always filled with the fragrance of incense and the sounds of bells and drums. Looking up from the top of Guanyinshi, overlooking from a height, one hears the chanting and bell sounds while watching smoke rise from cooking fires and the movements of people tilling the fields. This scene truly feels half-human, half-immortal.

About one li away lies “Houzishi” (Monkey Stone), standing 680 meters above sea level. The rock resembles Sun Wukong. Legend says that in ancient times, Houzishi and Guanyinshi were not far apart. The mischievous monkey often played pranks and urinated in front of the serene and dignified Guanyin, embarrassing her. These two very different “deity stones” coexisting in one place frequently clashed. Guanyin then devised a plan, challenging the monkey to see who could grow taller and faster. Fueled by his cunning and competitive nature, the monkey readily agreed and leapt onto what is now known as Monkey Stone Mountain to compete with Guanyin. One day, the Jade Emperor’s celestial official, Taibai Jinxing, noticed the monkey stone growing rapidly and tall, and quickly reported it to the Jade Emperor, warning that urgent measures must be taken or the Southern Heavenly Gate would be pushed open. The Jade Emperor immediately ordered the Thunder God to secretly strike and slice the monkey stone in half. Its head rolled down to the mountain village, and only upon death did the monkey realize he had been tricked by Guanyin. This stone stands eight meters tall and is about three meters wide, flat-topped and standing alone in a tilted position atop the mountain. From the top of Monkey Stone, looking nearby, you can see Sanyatang and Siyatang — the former with three peaks and the latter with four, each encircled by ponds that contain water all year round. The peaks resemble upside-down pot bottoms, grand and round, all connected to their respective ponds. In Sanyatang, there was once a pair of golden carp that swam leisurely. Originally from the Huanglongqi Brook, five li away, they flew here to escape human mischief. Looking farther, the southern side borders Qidong County, with undulating, majestic mountain ranges stretching continuously. To the north is the county itself, where on clear days, one can see Shehu Mountain 20 li away, with the landscape below resembling rows of military tents spread across the hills, evoking a sense of shifting kingdoms. On cloudy days, the sky and earth merge, with vast white clouds giving the sensation of floating amidst the clouds. Traditionally, many tourists and students visit during the Double Ninth Festival to climb high and gaze into the distance.

Arriving at Toumachong, there is an ancient cave connecting to Tongluoping in Maohedian District, spanning nearly 20 li. In the past, thieves stole horses and cattle through this cave, leaving owners unable to track them. The 217 Exploration Team once organized an investigation, venturing about one li before turning back, frightened by the eerie atmosphere. Beyond Toumachong lie the ruins of five mountain strongholds: Liema Cha, Xianglu Zhai, Bajiao Zhai, Leigong Zhai, and Jigong Zhai. These were hideouts of ancient bandits. Among them is a chessboard stone weighing about one ton, with faint grid lines still visible and a smooth surface. Beside it is a seating stone, believed to be where immortals once played chess. After finishing their game, they flipped the chessboard stone face-down and turned it upright again when they played.

Reaching the mountaintop of the Five Strongholds, looking southeast reveals the entire former Maohedian District, while looking northwest shows the former Tangxiqiao District. Watching the sunrise here is like viewing the summit of Mount Heng’s Zhurong Peak, and seeing the sunset is akin to watching the blood-red sun dip below the horizon. In summer and autumn, the skies are high and the clouds thin, with splendid evening glows. In spring and winter, clouds drape over the mountainsides, creating a fairy-like ambiance. Due to these mystical legends and stunning scenery, the area has attracted numerous visitors over the years. One elderly scholar even composed an antithetical couplet’s first line based on local place names and imagery — to this day, no second line has been composed. The first line goes: “Guanyin rides the fierce horse, Ya rises as the mouth exhales.”