Shenmen Scenic Area

Shenmen Scenic Area

Shenmen Scenic Area is located on the northeastern edge of Nanjiang County, at the junction of three counties (Tongjiang, Nanjiang, and Nanzheng) in Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces. It covers an area of 256 square kilometers, with 67% forest coverage. The lowest altitude is just under 900 meters, while the highest peaks reach over 2,480 meters, creating a difference of 1,600 meters.

Majestic peaks, ranges, cliffs, and sheer walls rise dramatically across the Shenmen Scenic Area, exuding a powerful aura and featuring uniquely beautiful landscapes. Among them are the timelessly standing Goddess Peak, Stone Man Peak, Iron Ship Mountain, and Golden Gorge, all of which captivate the imagination. Clusters of peaks and stone forests form magnificent, thrilling, breathtaking, and picturesque grand scenes. The poet Liang Shangquan once praised: “Marvelous is the presence of stone forests here, where stone formations stand lush and proud. These self-made wonders make scenic views, drawing crowds to cherish this precious land.”

Shenmen is the source of Ming River’s waters, with the water originating from underground rivers in the mountains. It never dries up during severe droughts or freezes in harsh winters, flowing year-round with a strong current. It winds through mountains and valleys, unyielding through the ages. Numerous streams converge to form the Shaba River, Xiqing River, Changtan River, Yinjia River, and Liuhe River. Their waters are crystal clear—perfect for wading, playing, and even catching fish by hand. The river remains warm in winter and cool in summer, offering sweet, refreshing water.

The scenic area is rich in limestone. Due to prolonged erosion by surface and groundwater, countless caves of various sizes have formed, presenting an awe-inspiring array of shapes and wonders. Among the most impressive are Shenmen Cave, Flower-Piercing Cave, Water Dragon Cave, Two-Door Cave, Ox Horn Rock, Sky Cave, Python Cave, and Waterfall Cave.

In ancient times, Shenmen had three formidable passes: the first was Gui Gate Pass, the second was Hualin Pass, and the third was Muzhu Pass—all of which were so strategically located that a single defender could hold off thousands of attackers.

Aside from its diverse and fascinating peaks, caves, beautiful mountains, clear waters, serene gorges, and mysterious rocks, the area also boasts widely told historical anecdotes, folk legends, and mythological tales. During the Qing Dynasty’s Jiaqing era, in the fourth year, the “Three Scholars in Bloom”—Cai Shaozhou, Xie Lun’en, and Bai Fuxiang—competed in literary excellence. Nanjiang’s talented woman Shi Rui’e and Li Shuhua, a “National Assembly representative” of the Republican era, were both born here.