Misty Mountain Tigers and Leopards

　　   Misty Mountain is located opposite the mouth of Zhugou Valley and on the southern bank of the Haomen River. This mountain boasts majestic terrain, lush scenery throughout all seasons, with stone peaks veiled in mist, appearing hazy from afar. The mountain is covered with well-spaced, graceful trees and rugged rocks that seem to roar, making it one of the Eight Ancient Scenic Spots of Menyuan. A poem praises this beautiful scene: “Mist darkens the blue sky to the east, crimson cliffs shrouded in haze, a long howl sends a gust through the valley. Even more, one can’t see the whole picture through a narrow view—it’s hidden within. All forces burn fiercely, all likenesses interconnected. Wen Zheng’s smoke and verdure shift infinitely. Wait until you see the mountain emerge, and your path will surely be pure—do not vie for supremacy.” Legend has it that in ancient times, tigers and leopards roamed here in groups, playing within Misty Mountain without harming people or livestock, and were regarded as guardian deities of the mountain. Although tigers and leopards are no longer seen today, Misty Mountain's craggy rocks resemble tigers and leopards, and the mountain winds rushing out of the valley sound like tiger roars and leopard cries, creating an illusion. For this reason, it is revered by local people as a sacred mountain and honored as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Menyuan—Misty Mountain Tigers and Leopards.

　　   After trekking through a 7-kilometer shaded forest canyon that clings to your clothes, you’ll arrive at Sigu Valley Village, where Tibetans live, ride fine horses, and herd white yaks. They are accompanied by Zhugou Temple, the place where they place their faith. Here, the canyon splits into two branches—one extending northwest, the other northeast. Their ultimate destination is the great snowy mountains, the source of life.

　　   On the sunny hillside terraces at the mouth of the northwest branch, stands Zhugou Temple, where the morning and evening bells toll. Midway through the valley, rising east-west, is the “silver-crowned” sacred mountain Zhakha. Inside the valley, ravines spread like the lines of a palm, featuring hidden gems such as Ebo sites and meditation caves.