Guanshan Red Deer Nature Scenic Area

Guanshan Red Deer Nature Scenic Area

Guanshan Red Deer Nature Scenic Area

Guanshan Red Deer Nature Scenic Area is located within the jurisdiction of the Mayu Forest Farm in Zhangchuan County, covering an area of approximately 18.1 square kilometers. It borders Mayu Town to the west, Long County in Shaanxi Province to the east, Qingshui County to the south, and the forest area of Guanshan Forest Farm to the north. The scenic area is part of the southern extension of the Liupan Mountain range, featuring a temperate humid climate with cool summers and cold winters...

The scenic area boasts relatively abundant water resources. The Mayu River, Sanguishui, Lanmuchang Gully, and streams in various valleys flow year-round, remaining crystal clear.

The area is also rich in flora and fauna, serving as a natural paradise for wildlife. According to statistics, there are 102 plant species across 36 families, including 78 tree species, 22 shrub species, and 2 vine species. Additionally, there are over 20 types of medicinal plants, including woody, herbaceous, and animal-derived herbs. The forest is home to various animals such as forest musk deer, white-lipped deer, leopards, yellow weasels, otters, badgers, wolves, wild boars, and hare; bird species include grey-faced buzzard eagles, golden pheasants, pheasants, and azure-winged magpies; the main fish species is the Qinling schizothoracin.

The scenic area features undulating green mountains, emerald waters, lush forests, and uniquely shaped rugged rocks and peaks, creating a landscape characterized by “clarity, serenity, beauty, elegance, grandeur, wonder, danger, and steepness.” Major natural attractions include Five Dragons Mountain, Old Dragon Pool, Snake-Slaying Cliff, Little Wheat Pile, Five-Finger Mountain, Blue Stone Cliff, and Stone Man Peak.

Cultural attractions include the ruins of Yunfeng Temple on Five Dragons Mountain, the Taiji Bagua Diagram on Buddha Cliff, the footprint stone print of Erlang Shen, and Horse-Tying Pillars.

In addition, this area was once a vital section of the ancient Silk Road, connecting Shaanxi to Gansu, historically known as the Guanshan Ancient Pass. It has long been a strategic military thoroughfare through the Guanlong region. The majestic Guanshan Mountains are covered with ancient towering trees, bizarrely shaped rocks, and steep, cloud-piercing peaks. The roads are treacherous, winding through nine sharp turns, while streams flow gently amid echoes of history. The Tang Dynasty poet Shen Quanqi once wrote: “Leaves fly over the Long Mountains, wild geese cross the cold sky,” evoking a deep sense of ancient nostalgia. Today, the Tianbao Highway runs through the area, neighboring attractions such as the Nature Park in Long County, Shaanxi, and the Jindeng Mountain Stone City Temple in Qingshui County.