Nanmen Gorge

Nanmen Gorge

Nanmen Gorge

About ten kilometers north of Weiyuan Town, the county seat of Huzhu, lies Nanmen Gorge, a renowned tourist destination in the Tu ethnic region. The gorge stretches from south to north, winding and twisting through layers of undulating mountains, with lush forests, blooming flowers, and picturesque scenery.

At the entrance of the gorge, two mountains stand opposite each other — to the east is Heidong Mountain, resembling a dark dragon meandering from east to west, and to the west is Pingding Mountain, resembling a crouching tiger, its body arched and ears pricked, rising abruptly from the ground. A towering stone aqueduct, dozens of meters high, arches like a rainbow between the two peaks, forming the grand gateway to Nanmen Gorge — an awe-inspiring sight.

Passing through the aqueduct, you’ll see towering cliffs on the right, with jagged rocks seemingly ready to tumble down. High up on the cliff face, about a hundred zhang (approximately 330 feet) above, a circular hole breaks through the rock, opening directly to the blue sky. Floating clouds drift through the aperture, making the cliff seem to sway, which can be quite dizzying — this is the famous “Stone Heaven Gate.”

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Legend has it that long ago, a demon dragon haunted Nanmen Gorge, harming all living beings. The Jade Emperor sent Yang Jian (Erlang Shen)

down to subdue it. After an intense battle, the demon dragon fled by soaring into the sky from the eastern mountaintop. Erlang drew his bow and shot with all his might, and the arrow pierced straight through the peak, leaving a hole that is today’s Stone Heaven Gate. Looking westward from there, halfway up the western mountainside, you can still see a huge rock standing upright — said to be Erlang’s horse tethering post.

Cross a small bridge, go around a big bend, and as the eastern and western ridges crisscross, you’ll come upon Yingge’s Beak, a rocky peak that blocks out the sun as if you’ve reached a dead end. But press on, and after another twist in the path, you’ll find yourself in a whole new world. The mountains on both sides are vibrant green, layer upon layer, stretching high up into the sky until they seem to touch the blue expanse and hold the white clouds within their grasp.

On the riverbank’s eastern side, under the cliffs, lie three massive rocks arranged in a triangular formation — this is the site where Erlang once set up his cooking pot, known as “Diguoshi” (Pot-Leaning Stones). Behind them is a stone groove in the mountain called “Yandong Cao” (Smoke Hole Gully). Not far away, on a steep cliff, there is a small round hole. Legend says it’s where Erlang stored his armor and helmet after defeating the demon dragon, and it is called “Erlang’s Armor Cave.” These moving myths embody the people’s age-old hatred for evil and longing for justice and simplicity.

Look north from here, and you’ll see the dam of Nanmen Gorge Reservoir. Ascend to the top of the dam, and you’ll be greeted by the sight of a tranquil lake nestled in the high gorge, with vast expanses of azure water, dotted pleasure boats, and the chirping of waterfowl. A gentle breeze ripples the surface of the lake, creating layers of undulating waves that are truly mesmerizing. Standing at the edge of the dam and looking around, the beautiful scenery of Nanmen Gorge unfolds in full view. To the southeast is Youfang Gully, with steep mountainsides and dense pine forests; to the north is Quezang Beach — broad, flat, and crisscrossed with fields, where emerald barley and golden rapeseed fields stretch as far as the eye can see. In the distance, you can make out Quezang Temple and Qita Gorge. To the west, the outlines of the Large and Small Zihua Gullies and the Large and Small Tiger Gullies are faintly visible.

Nanmen Gorge is a place where the human spirit can easily connect with nature. Come to Nanmen Gorge, to admire its shimmering waters and majestic peaks, to listen to the murmuring springs and birdsong... Open your heart to enjoy the serenity and tranquility of nature, take a deep breath of the fresh, pure air, and ponder the ups and downs of life — and you’ll surely come to understand some of the true essence of existence.