Thirty-Six Bends of Linwu

Linwu’s Thirty-Six Bends

Linwu has many mountains and bends, and there are quite a few places named after bends. Among them is the widely renowned Thirty-Six Bends. The area features numerous bends, rich mineral resources, a pleasant climate, and unique scenery. The mountains are dotted with blooming alpine azaleas and covered in rare medicinal herbs. At the mountaintop stands the Tongtian Temple, said to be incredibly efficacious, as the local folk rhyme goes: “Thirty-Six Bends, each bend yields treasure; Tongtian Temple, every divination reveals truth.” What makes the Thirty-Six Bends remarkable is that in the depths of winter, when the land is blanketed in snow, a winding footpath trodden through the ice and snow resembles a golden ribbon, stretching evenly along the mountain ridge in a zigzag pattern toward the horizon, seemingly extending endlessly. The charm of the Thirty-Six Bends lies in the hiking experience—starting from the foot of Baiyuling and ascending through each bend, each one tells a story and unveils a unique landscape. The mountain streams, birdsong, rustling of alpine meadows, and the clear jingle of cowbells all come together here to form a joyful “alpine symphony.” Some say that hiking the Thirty-Six Bends is less about sightseeing and more about listening to this symphony.