Guanshan Gorge Scenic Area

　　    Starting from Anhua Cave, cross bridges and wade through streams as you follow the Maxi Stream upstream for about 7 kilometers to reach Jiangjiaping Village. From there, you can only continue along steep mountain paths, passing by “Thunder Slope” and “Root-Crossing Bridge.” Beyond Root-Crossing Bridge lies Guanshan (a thrilling and majestic canyon), where ancient trees tower overhead. Passing through Guanshan, you’ll arrive at Gaocheng Village in Dongshi Town.

　　    It’s said that in every mountain village in Anhua, there is its own “Guanshan,” believed to “govern feng shui” and regarded by local villagers as a guardian deity. As a result, the “Guanshan trees” have never been cut down and are now even consciously protected with signs. There’s a local saying: “Thunder Slope, Root-Crossing Bridge, four acres and one field, a well in the middle of the field,” which is believed to be a secret code that travelers once needed to know when entering the area. Nowadays, as Gaocheng has become more open, outsiders no longer need to recite such codes—what greets them is no longer wary stares, but rather an outpouring of simple and honest local hospitality.

　　    At the summit of Guanshan, towering above the canyon, stands “General Rock,” like a guardian deity guarding the entrance to the village. Legend has it that a “Red Gong Stockade” was once built on General Rock. In those days, Red Gong and Black Gong, former subordinates of Li Zicheng, took refuge here. Taking advantage of the rugged terrain of General Rock, they set up camp, fought against the rich to aid the poor, and became renowned throughout both Xinhua and Anhua counties.

　　    The Guanshan Gorge Scenic Area is part of the Tea Horse Ancient Road Scenic Zone. Guanshan served as a crucial passageway along the ancient tea horse trail, with mountain shapes on both sides rising like gates—acting as the gateway for entry and exit to Gaocheng Mountain Village, hence the name “Guanshan.” Since ancient times, it has been revered as a guardian mountain and protected by locals. The canyon features layered rocks and emerald greenery, with cascading waterfalls and flowing springs, creating a beautiful and mysterious landscape. The terrain is rugged, with massive boulders and towering cliffs, presenting a majestic scene. The oddly shaped rocks are arranged in an orderly fashion, varying in height and form—some resembling humans, others objects, birds, or beasts—all masterpieces of nature’s craftsmanship. The canyon offers a dynamic journey with ups and downs, featuring caves to pass through, plank walks, floating bridges, and sky ladders along the way, allowing visitors to fully experience the thrill of creek-trekking adventures.

　　    Beneath General Rock lies Guanshan Gorge, stretching about one kilometer in length, roughly ten meters in width, and reaching depths of up to one hundred meters. The route is extraordinarily perilous, lined exclusively with massive stone formations. The cliffs on either side are as sheer as if carved by knives and axes. At the bottom of the gorge flows a small, crystal-clear stream. Though small in size, the gorge resembles an exquisite bonsai, combining mystery with dramatic beauty. It has become a mecca for outdoor exploration, rock climbing, and creek trekking. Having the chance to visit Yiyang’s Anhua and experience the thrilling Guanshan Gorge in your leisure time is truly one of life’s great joys.