Table Mountain Petroglyphs

Table Mountain Petroglyphs

The Table Mountain Petroglyphs Complex is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Table Mountain petroglyphs are located east of Wuhai City, with the main peak rising to an elevation of 2,149.4 meters. The mountain range stretches roughly from north to south, spanning about 75 kilometers. It borders the Ordos Plateau of Inner Mongolia to the east and lies approximately 2 kilometers west of the Yellow River as it flows through the city. Table Mountain boasts majestic and undulating peaks, presenting a grand and spectacular sight. Its main peak features a relatively flat summit, which from a distance resembles the shape of a table—hence the name.

On the cliffs and limestone boulders along the gullies of the Table Mountain range, numerous remnants of ancient petroglyphs have been preserved, collectively known as the "Table Mountain Petroglyphs." Covering a total area of over 16,000 square meters, these petroglyphs were discovered in 1973 by local herders during grazing. The artworks primarily depict sun gods and other human-faced figures, animal shapes, hunting scenes, and various symbols. Each piece stands alone as a unique composition, with distinct expressions, making them a rare discovery among unearthed petroglyphs in China. Created during the Neolithic Age, each image was carved or ground into the rock surface, serving as historical and cultural relics of the nomadic peoples of northern China. In particular, the human-faced petroglyphs represent the finest examples of such art in China and the world, reflecting the rich imagination and aspirations for life of humanity’s early days.

Petroglyphs are regarded as humanity’s earliest canvas. The Table Mountain petroglyphs in Wuhai City represent the most concentrated collection of human-faced petroglyphs in the world. The city is gradually strengthening efforts to protect this precious heritage. Several petroglyph sites have been discovered here, including the Zhaoshao Gully Petroglyphs, Kucaigou Petroglyphs, Houmo’er Gully Petroglyphs, and Subai Gully Petroglyphs. The content of the petroglyphs mainly includes human faces, animals, and hunting scenes. Among them, the Zhaoshao Gully Petroglyphs, which have been turned into a museum for protection, also form a remarkable set of ritual petroglyphs.

Aside from the Zhaoshao Gully Petroglyphs, the other petroglyphs currently remain in their natural state, are not ticketed, and are occasionally surveyed and protected by the cultural relics bureau. The sites are not far from downtown Wuhai and can be reached by taxi, but the other petroglyphs are not open to tourism and are difficult to find. Visitors are advised not to venture there without proper guidance.

Ticket for Zhaoshao Gully Petroglyphs: 15 RMB.

Transportation

Zhaoshao Gully Petroglyphs: Located on the southern slope of the western entrance of Zhaoshao Gully, 15 kilometers southeast of downtown Wuhai. Shuttle buses are available within the city.

Kucaigou Petroglyphs: Located 10 kilometers northeast of the city center (near the simple road to the Wuhai coal mine), on the cliffs inside Kucaigou, 1 kilometer south of the Wuhai coal mine. The petroglyphs are densely distributed on the southern white marble cliffs, with fewer on the northern side.

Ma’ergou Petroglyphs: Located on the cliffs at the mouth of Ma’ergou, 1 kilometer southeast of the Wulanbuhe Coal Mine, 12 kilometers northeast of the city center. The petroglyphs are densely distributed on the southern cliffs and are carved petroglyphs.

Subaiyin Gully Petroglyphs: Located on the northern cliffs at the western entrance of Subaiyin Gully, 10 kilometers east of the city center and 5 kilometers southeast of the Wuhai coal mine. The gully runs from east to west and serves as a key passage to the Ordos Plateau. The petroglyphs are carved into the cliffs about 15 meters above the gully floor, appearing light yellow and clearly visible from the bottom of the gully.

Subaiyinhou Gully Petroglyphs: Located on the northern cliffs at the western entrance of Subaiyinhou Gully, 6 kilometers east of the city center. Due to damage caused by quarrying, very few petroglyphs remain.

Que’ergou Petroglyphs: Located on the sandy rock cliffs of hills within Que’ergou, 2 kilometers southwest of the Gongwusu open-pit mine and 4 kilometers southeast of the Haibowan Power Plant, in the southern district of Wuhai City.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

Que’ergou Petroglyphs

Zhaoshao Gully Petroglyphs

Kucaigou Petroglyphs

Subaiyin Gully Petroglyphs

Ma’ergou Petroglyphs

Subaiyinhou Gully Petroglyphs