Shunwangping

　　Located in the northeastern corner of the county, at an elevation of 2,321.8 meters, it is the highest peak of Mount Li and the junction of Yuanqu, Qinshui, and Yicheng counties. Legend says it was where Emperor Shun personally farmed the land. It is often said: “Visiting Mount Li without ascending Shunwangping is not truly visiting Mount Li.” The flat summit spans over 5,400 acres of gently rolling terrain, forming a subalpine meadow landscape that is rare in regions of the same latitude. In summer and autumn, the lush green grass and blooming flowers create a vibrant sea of colors, making it the most stunning attraction within the Mount Li Ecotourism Area. Due to its high altitude and cold climate, with summer temperatures peaking around 25°C and winter lows dropping below -15°C, snow often lingers until early April. Only herbaceous plants grow here—no thorny shrubs or trees—making it an excellent alpine pasture.

　　Starting from May, a variety of flowers bloom in succession across Shunwangping, creating a rich tapestry of colors. A cool breeze gently sweeps across the undulating sea of blossoms, making the entire plateau resemble a grand floral quilt. Even more remarkable is a narrow trench that runs through the meadows and flowers, barren of any vegetation, dividing Shunwangping distinctly into eastern and western halves. This is known as the “Plow Trench of Emperor Shun,” believed to be the furrow left by Shun’s legendary plowing of Mount Li. At the center of the plateau stands the Temple of Shun—three simple tile-roofed houses and several stone tablets that, though unadorned, allow visitors to immerse themselves in the guide’s recounting of the most captivating ancient myths and legends. Experts have identified over 400 species of herbaceous plants here, 319 of which have medicinal value. Legend has it that during the era of Emperors Yao and Shun, epidemics were widespread. To cure diseases, Emperor Shun and his wife planted a multitude of herbs, which may explain the miraculous profusion of plants on Shunwangping.

　　To the south of Shunwangping, two massive rocks stand facing each other like gates opening to heaven, commonly called the “Southern Heavenly Gate.” Legend says Emperor Shun ascended to heaven through this gateway. Looking southward, you can see the mist-shrouded Huangguman, the second-highest peak of Mount Li, and beyond the jagged mountain ridges lies the vast expanse of the primeval forest known as the Qicun-Erhun Gully area of Mount Li—an enchanting wild woodland. On the northern side of the plateau lies Dajiantou, believed to be where Empress Shun once milked her cow; drops of milk pierced the rock and gathered halfway up the mountain to form a sweet spring known as “Milk Spring.” Herbalists who come to Mount Li consider it a blessing to drink from Milk Spring. To the east of the plateau lies the legendary grooming site of Ehuang and Nüying, graceful as beautiful maidens and winding like a dragon. On the grooming platform, you’ll find stone tables, pedestals, plates, mirrors, and combs. Along the way to Shunwangping, there are also attractions such as the Guest-Greeting Pine, Ten-Mile Red Leaves, Dragon Pool Dragon Palace, Keyhole Gully, Blood-Splattered Cliff, and Dragon-Slaying Platform.