Hongyan Village

Hongyan Village

Hongyan Village

Hongyan Village is located in Hongshi Township, Zhenping County. Surrounded by sheer cliffs on all sides, the only way to reach the mountain is through a secret passage — a natural cave with one entrance at the foot of the cliff and the other on the cliff face. Defending from the cave mouth, it’s truly a case of “one man can hold the pass against ten thousand.” Its perilous terrain rivals that of Mount Huashan. Legend has it that during the Tang Dynasty, Xue Gang launched nine assaults on Jiuyan Mountain right here.

The entire village-fortress is made up of three peaks, each independent yet interdependent, forming a strategic triangle. The ravine between the peaks is known as “Yanwangbian” (the Devil’s Ridge), and crossing between the three peaks requires the use of ropes. Among the three, the central peak is the most precipitous, resembling a sword thrusting straight into the blue sky. Verdant pines cling to the mountaintop and cliffs, creating breathtaking scenery. This peak is called Pagoda Peak. It is said that during the Tang Dynasty, Xue Gang’s generals Wu Qi and Ma Zan often played chess here when they were based in this area. Standing atop Pagoda Peak, you overlook all the lesser mountains, with sweeping views of the beautiful landscape that inspire a surge of heroic spirit and an irresistible urge to howl at the sky.

Ancient fortress walls still remain in the mountains. Rare trees, especially dense stands of metasequoia, display uniquely twisted shapes. There are countless examples of Siamese trees and trees growing within trees. Immersed in this environment, you can quietly listen to the rustling of pine waves, admire the bizarre metasequoia and rocks while walking, hear birds chirping in the mountain valleys, and enjoy the enchanting mountain folk songs. Here, humans and nature are completely at one.

At the foot of the mountain lies a vast bamboo forest and a hillside covered in thatch. The emerald green bamboo leaves and the sea of white thatch flowers sway in the wind, displaying endless charm.