Volcano Ridge

Volcano Ridge

Volcano Ridge is situated in Luhe County. In this county where seven parts are mountains, two parts farmland, and one part water, there are seven peaks over 700 meters above sea level. At 763 meters, Volcano Ridge ranks fourth, following Wutu Mountain, Chashanqi, and Shuangran Mountain. These peaks are extensions of the continuous Lotus Mountain Range, rising abruptly like lotus petals, giving Luhe County the appearance of a green lotus. Volcano Ridge is right at the heart of this green lotus.

A winding mountain road has been built on Volcano Ridge. The end of this mountain road leads to the second-largest microwave station in eastern Guangdong. It is located 28 meters from the main peak, while the sheer main peak rises abruptly into the sky, with several massive rocks dotting its summit. An iron ladder is fixed steeply against the rock face, allowing visitors to climb up. From the microwave station, the summit appears to feature a cluster of large rocks resembling an eagle’s beak, a chick, or a monk.

There is also a touching legend behind this. Long ago, a fierce eagle snatched a chick and flew toward Volcano Ridge intending to make a meal of it. Just then, a monk happened to see this and, in a hurry, grabbed a sharp knife and struck at the eagle. The eagle was wounded and rolled down the mountain, leaving only its hard beak behind on the mountain, which turned to stone along with the chick it had been pecking at. As punishment for taking a life, the monk was barred from attaining enlightenment. In anger, he sat down on Volcano Ridge and refused to get up—eventually turning into a large stone himself.

People living at the foot of Volcano Ridge enjoy long lives. This is not only due to the serene environment and fresh air, but more importantly, because within the fractured granite strata underground in the Qinglong area of Volcano Ridge, there is a rare mineral water known as the “Vichy of China,” with a daily flow of over 500 cubic meters. Tests have shown that this mineral water contains elements that help prevent and fight cancer. Therefore, the local villagers living at the foot of Volcano Ridge often remain vigorous and capable well into their seventies and beyond.