Pingshan Scenic Area

　　Yudu Pingshan is situated in Jingshi Township in the southern part of the county, approximately 60 kilometers from the county seat. Formerly called Longshan, it has an elevation of 1,312 meters, making it the highest peak in the county. The mountain is surrounded by layered rocks extending over a hundred miles at its base, featuring a typical karst landform structure. The mountain is high and screen-like, home to rare birds and animals, with the highest summer temperatures reaching only 29°C.

　　Experts describe that below 900 meters, Pingshan resembles the landscape of Zhangjiajie National Geological Park, with steep cliffs, numerous unique rock formations, and lush primeval forests that block out the sun. Above 900 meters, the scenery transforms into a northern grassland panorama, with 50,000 acres of undulating alpine meadows at the summit.

　　Here, clouds and mist shroud the area all day long. It boasts extremely rare natural bonsai tree belts, cliff walls reminiscent of the Hexi Corridor, well-preserved primeval forests, majestic waterfalls, the imposing and picturesque Hulu Peak, and a strikingly lifelike crocodile-shaped rock carving. There’s also the Golden Lotus Mountain Temple, which resembles the landscape of Mao Zedong’s ancestral tomb site at Huxiaping, along with legendary sites full of mystique and ancient tales—such as Immortals Playing Chess, Yellow Dog Drilling Cave, and Immortal Spring. Visitors can enjoy the sea of clouds, watch sunrises, walk through the mist, and experience the alpine grassland scenery at the mountaintop exposed to strong winds. Additionally, there’s the Pingshan Ranch, China’s first privately funded alpine grassland development project, initiated in the winter of 1996. In 1998, it was listed as a demonstration project for southern grassy mountains and slopes by the State Planning Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture. The “Pingshan Alpine Grass Milk” products are bestsellers across southern China and beloved by many.

　　At the foot of Pingshan lies the ranch headquarters, which features a European-style resort village built specifically for tourists, as well as cow breeding and product processing workshops. There are two routes up the mountain from the resort: one is a six-kilometer-long, car-accessible mountain road paved with cement. The other is a rugged footpath that follows the mountain stream, locally known as the “Dangerous Path.” Hiking the Dangerous Path is considered the best way for visitors to explore the mountain’s wonders. You can traverse vast primeval forests, listen to the cheerful babble of streams, admire ancient vines and shrubs, marvel at steep and peculiar peaks and rocks, and immerse yourself in ancient immortal legends—offering a uniquely delightful experience. Highlights include the Straw Sandal Bridge, Cane Bridge, Crocodile Rock Carving, Golden Rooster Announcing Dawn, Eagle Spreading Wings, Lion Guarding the Mountain, the “foreigner” with a tall nose, and Immortals Playing Chess... The views are extraordinary and full of charm.

　　At the mountaintop, Zhu Shaogang, leader of a peasant uprising during the Ming Dynasty, once set up camp and trained his troops here. Ascending to the top and looking out in all directions, you’ll feel the clouds floating beneath your feet and birds singing below. The sight of thousands of acres of meadows with rolling clouds and herds of cattle and sheep among the grass inspires awe and an irresistible urge to exclaim: What breathtaking scenery this is!

　　Photography: Xiao Zhiyi