Xiaolongmen

Xiaolongmen

Xiaolongmen

Like Wenying Lake, Xiaolongmen is a blend of Datong’s historical and natural heritage.

Xiaolongmen is located five kilometers downstream from the Cetian Reservoir Ecotourism Scenic Area, within the territory of Yanggao County, approximately 60 kilometers from downtown. Volume one of the Datong County Annals compiled by Li Zhongfu in the tenth year of the Daoguang reign contains an illustration titled “Xiaolongmen Map.” The image depicts…

The northern shore of the lake is shaded by lush trees, while ancient fortresses on the southern highlands reach toward the clouds. In the steep southwestern mountains, a temple that had been completely restored is known as Hongmen Temple. A protruding section of the mountain to the northeast features a cave-like opening, referred to as the “Elephant Trunk.” Comparing it with the map in the county annals, this opening is believed to be the surviving tunnel of the original Xiaolongmen Bridge. The annals state that the prefectural records mistakenly “merged the Xiaolongmen Bridge with the Pujie Bridge (a chain bridge) into one—an error.” In interviews, local accounts and some newly printed written materials still refer to the Xiaolongmen Bridge as the chain bridge, a claim that clearly does not match the existing bridge tunnel.

On a clearing amid the shaded woods on the northern bank lies a Reclining Tiger Rock. Legend has it that this rock was transformed from the white tiger, the mount of one of the Eighteen Arhats—the Tiger-Taming Arhat. To its west are several rows of farmhouses, with large heated kang beds in the rooms and interiors decorated with rustic charm. The courtyards have grapevines, chickens, and rabbits. Xiaolongmen boasts well-preserved natural landscapes and a beautiful ecological environment, and is gradually being developed into a distinctive tourist attraction.

Address: Within Yanggao County, Datong City, Shanxi Province