Mangyu Gorge

　　Mangyu Gorge is located in Lianhe Village, Zhongshan Township, northwest of Jinggu County, about 18 kilometers from the county seat. It takes around 30 minutes by car from the county to reach the site, making it a great destination for sightseeing, photography, and capturing scenic landscapes.

　　The gorge is characterized by its deep valleys, dense forests, steep mountains, abundant scenic spots, and ever-changing seasons. Belonging to the Wuliang Mountain Range, Mangyu Gorge spans an area of 1,225 hectares. The canyon itself is 6 kilometers long, with the main peak of Baima Mountain—Mangyu Dajianshan—situated on the eastern side of the gorge at an elevation of 1,492 meters. The cliffs on both sides are covered with lush greenery, including oaks, pines, and various flowering trees. The sounds of monkeys and birds fill the air, while waterfalls and springs flow ceaselessly. At the bottom of the valley, ancient streams rush with vigor, especially during summer when the torrents become overwhelming, churning out waves several meters high and echoing throughout the gorge. In late autumn and winter, as the waters recede, the calm surface reflects the surrounding scenery like a mirror, revealing clear views of fish and rocks beneath. Scattered across the rocks along the riverbanks and in the stream are numerous pits and hollows of varying shapes and sizes—some resembling galloping horses, some like dressing tables, and many strikingly similar to the female reproductive organ, known in the local Dai language as “Mangyu.” These indentations often hold pools of water, brimming yet not spilling over, exuding a gentle and alluring charm. This is also the origin of the gorge’s name.

　　The elevated walkways built along the mountain offer constantly changing views as you hike. As you move forward, the landscape shifts with every step—towering mountains seem even more distant, while nearby peaks feel closer. Pine trees stretch out like arms, bamboo and wood serve as natural walking sticks, and with just a light sweat, you’re rewarded with boundless scenery. Halfway up the mountain, there is a platform made of red sandstone. Standing here and looking across the valley, you can see dark green oaks nestled among emerald pines, forming a vivid “人” (human character) stretching over 100 meters.

　　This formation is named “See the Human Here.” Visitors who pause to observe it often gain insight: to be human is to be great—with a broad mind and lofty aspirations—to bravely face challenges, stand firm between heaven and earth, and achieve great things. After viewing the “human,” walk about 200 meters further to a mountain pass, where you can gaze into a valley and spot a sudden burst of silver spring water that resembles female genitalia. With a positive mindset and thoughts of women giving birth to men, women, officials, and commoners—who are truly great—this sight is named “View the Jade with Righteous Eyes.”

　　Continuing upward, the distant waterfalls take on yet another appearance, resembling a fairy’s silk drying on the mountainside. This scene is called “Fairy Hanging Her Washing.”