Hidden Dragon Valley

Hidden Dragon Valley

The Hidden Dragon Valley Scenic Area is located in Dadonggou, Penji Village, Heilihe Town, Ningcheng County, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia. It borders the Fufengshan Scenic Area of Toutao Yingzi-Dong Village to the east, connects with the Dahu Stone Reservoir 2 kilometers to the north, neighbors Pingquan County of Hebei Province to the south, and lies adjacent to the national-level nature reserve — Heilihe Nature Reserve — to the west. The scenic area covers an area of 10 square kilometers and is renowned for its steep peaks, peculiar rocks, rare flowers and plants, and lush pine forests. It is located 71 kilometers from Tianyi Town (the county seat of Ningcheng), 122 kilometers from Chifeng, 60 kilometers from Pingquan County in Hebei Province, 150 kilometers from Chengde, and 350 kilometers from Beijing. This is a region with relatively underdeveloped socio-economic conditions. Due to various constraints, the rural industrial structure is relatively simple, economic development is slow, and tourism resources remain underdeveloped. However, being close to more economically developed areas, the local population enjoys relatively higher education levels, and both officials and residents possess a strong awareness of development and the desire to open up. The overall environment for economic development is comparatively favorable.

The scenic area is situated on the foothills of the eastern side of the Qilaotu Mountain Range. Upon entering, the overall terrain presents a spectacular sight: a main valley extending southeast, embraced by a smaller valley on the north side, encircling a uniquely shaped mountain. The first major attraction upon entering the valley is the highest peak to the south, flanked by two smaller peaks — forming the shape of the Chinese character “mountain.” The mountains in the scenic area and its surrounding regions are rugged, steep, and strikingly upright, featuring dramatic cliffs, breathtaking landscapes, diverse forms, and seemingly supernatural craftsmanship. The area boasts peculiar rocks, mysterious caves, rare and precious trees, vast stretches of pine forests, gushing springs, flowing streams, and a variety of complex ecological landscapes. For three seasons of the year, a profusion of blooming flowers creates a heavenly, naturally-formed sanctuary on Earth. This scenic area, together with the Dahu Stone Reservoir and the Fufengshan Scenic Area of Dong Village, forms a “triangular (品-shaped) layout.” It also features the highest peak within the scenic area. From the mountaintop, visitors can gaze into the distance, enjoying a refreshing and uplifting panoramic view. In addition to its unique natural landscape, the area is enriched with cultural depth derived from the popular local legend of “Li Cunxiao Slaying the Tiger” and the historical site of “Wang’er City,” the legendary residence of Li Cunxiao’s mother.

Inside the scenic area lies a cave known as “Shuanglong Cave,” which locals call the “Immortal Cave.” Legend has it that Shuanglong Cave is the dwelling place of a green snake and a white snake. At the Yu Hu Pit in Penji Valley, what appears to be a single rock formation actually houses a large pool of clear water. At the bottom of this pool lies a mountain-like pile of golden ingots, guarded by two large snakes — one green and one white. It is said these snakes were dispatched by immortals residing on Xiantai Peak to protect the treasure. These two snakes have the ability to change their size at will: when large, they can coil around the entire pool; when small, they can shrink to the size of a needle tip or thread. Often, they would miniaturize themselves and swim out through the spring outlet into the stream at the foot of the mountain to play. After frolicking, they would return through the spring. Each time they entered or exited, they took separate routes — the green snake on the left and the white snake on the right. Over time, this created the two waterfalls on the cliff face — one greenish and one whitish. Thus, the marvelous natural phenomenon known as “Two Dragons Emerging from the Cave” was formed. According to the legend, while playing outside, the two dragons discovered a stone cave atop the towering cliffs of Dadonggou. They found the spot incredibly beautiful, serene, and free of worldly dust — the perfect place for cultivation. There, they could absorb the essence of the sun and moon, draw in the spiritual energy of the deep mountains, and refine their spirits in pursuit of enlightenment. They decided to make the cave their home. Frequently visiting a stream on the opposite side of the cliff to drink water, they left behind distinct black and white markings on the cliff face, which are still clearly visible today. This gave rise to even more wonder and imagination surrounding the phenomenon of “Two Dragons Emerging from the Cave.”