Niaomingjian Tourist Area

　　    Niaomingjian. Located in the western canyon of Luotuo Peak, 5 kilometers north of the county town, it is a typical embedded Shenzhen river valley. It is divided into Upper Gully and Lower Gully by the Niaomingjian Waterfall. The Lower Gully has three levels of waterfalls, both large and small, with a total drop of 29 meters. Together with the Niaomingjian Waterfall, the total drop is 65 meters. The Upper Gully has seven levels of waterfalls, both large and small, with a total drop of 50 meters.

　　    The main waterfall is 10 meters high and 3 meters wide. Its splashing foam and snow-like droplets, jumping beads, and splashing jade fall into the stone pool. On a sunny day, the waterfall displays a rainbow of colors with dazzling light. The east, north, and west sides are sheer cliffs as if cut by a knife. To the south is a valley, where the stream flows out. The cliffs are dotted with ancient trees, and birds chirp in chorus. Visitors here instantly feel a serene and cool atmosphere. Passing through the Niaoming Mountain Villa to the mountain fork gate, head northeast into the gully. By the roadside lies a huge rock with no soil but growing a sandalwood tree — a true “tree embracing rock.” After passing the Tree Embracing Rock and the Chess Playing Stone, continue forward to enter the magnificent cliff carving area.

　　    The four large characters “Love My Rivers and Mountains,” carved on a huge rock, are 8.2 meters tall. They were chiseled by eight employees of a colored metal company during five days and nights of hard work in the cold winter. On the side of the “Love My Rivers and Mountains” rock is the “Transcendence Cave,” which is so narrow that only one person can squeeze through sideways, symbolizing that those who can pass through can transcend worldly concerns. After passing the “Transcendence Cave,” two cliffs stand opposite each other like a stone gate, with an inscription on it: “Gaze into the distant valleys from the mountainside; listen to the spring sound leaning against the rock.” Being there feels like entering a heavenly realm. Ascending the Upper Gully of Niaomingjian along the river leads to the Yunfo Temple, situated atop the summit of Yunchuan Mountain. From here, you can look east at the Taihang Mountains, west at the Zhongtiao Mountains, south at the Yellow River, and north at the county town. Surrounded by mist, it presents a scene of breathtaking beauty.