Shenquan

　　　　Shenquan is situated in a gully on the southern foothills of the Flaming Mountains. The spring water emerges from Cretaceous strata in the form of seepage. The outflow is slow, with a daily discharge of about 0.51 cubic meters, slightly increasing in summer. The water temperature remains relatively stable throughout the year, at around 15 degrees Celsius. The water is visually colorless and transparent, odorless, but tastes brackish. Its total mineralization reaches 85.9 grams per liter.

　　　　The spring water slowly flows down the gully, forming a shallow channel about 2 meters wide and 11.5 meters deep. The bottom of the gully features large amounts of white saline minerals precipitated from the spring water, creating a winding white stripe. To the north of the spring outlet lies deeply eroded Cretaceous strata, composed of gray-green and brown-red interbedded mudstones that stand nearly vertical, forming deep gullies over 10 meters in depth. The narrow and rugged gullies are twisted and hard to navigate, resembling a maze. Following the gully upstream leads to the ridge of the Flaming Mountains, where the barren red cliffs are devoid of vegetation.

　　　　Due to its unexpectedly remote location, the spring is highly revered by local people. Legend has it that washing one’s hair with its water can eliminate dandruff, bathing in it can cure skin ailments, and drinking it may increase the chances of having a baby boy. As a result, visitors come in great numbers specifically to fetch its water.