Santan Scenic Area

　　The Santan Scenic Area is situated in the jurisdictions of Huixian County and Liangdang County in Longnan City, southeastern Gansu Province, on the southern foothills of the Qinling Mountains and the upper reaches of the Jialing River, a tributary of the Yangtze River. It lies at the junction of Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan provinces, at the heart of the triangle formed by the three provincial capital cities of Lanzhou, Xi'an, and Chengdu. The Baoji-Chengdu Railway, the Huibai Provincial Highway, and the picturesque Jialing River run through the scenic area, while National Highway 316 traverses both Huixian and Liangdang counties.

　　　　Huixian and Liangdang have long been known as the "Jiangnan of Long" (the Jiangnan of Gansu). Firstly, they boast abundant biological resources; secondly, they are rich in mineral resources; and thirdly, their landscapes are uniquely majestic and stunningly beautiful. The Santan Scenic Area is part of the ancient Devonian folded mountain range, with elevations rising gradually from 800 meters to 2,504 meters. Due to differences in geological structures and rock types, various landforms can be found in different sections. The renowned geologist Li Siguang referred to it as a "treasure trove of complex terrain."

　　　　In the south, tectonic fractures have been carved by flowing water into deep canyons; in the central area, sandstone and slate formations have, over time, eroded into numerous high-altitude platforms and karst caves, collectively known as the 72 Sands; in the north, towering peaks are covered with dense forests, forming a high-altitude primeval forest zone. The Santan Ecotourism Area has a forest coverage rate of over 90%, with nearly 3,000 plant species, including more than 100 rare and medicinal plants. Among the national first-class protected species are Cathaya argyrophylla, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, and Taxus chinensis. Wild Chinese herbal medicines include Polyporus umbellatus, Codonopsis pilosula, Acorus calamus, Poria cocos, Panax notoginseng, and Gastrodia elata. Wild ornamental flowers include orchids, azaleas, peonies, and tree peonies. In the valleys and streams, willows sway gently by the water, while the hillsides and plateaus are vast and the meadows on the flatlands are dotted with flowers like stars.

　　　　Santan is home to numerous springs with excellent water quality, forming many waterfalls and pools. Notable ones include the Meiya Waterfall, Jiaoshuping Waterfall, San Yan Spring, and Jiangwo Pool. The Meiya Waterfall, located south of Yanping Village, is over 300 meters high. During the rainy season, the waterfall cascades dramatically from the sky, with mist spreading everywhere and thunderous roars that are both awe-inspiring and powerful. The pristine ecological environment supports a thriving population of wildlife, including over 10 species under national first-class protection such as takins, white-lipped deer, red pandas, giant salamanders, and blue eared-pheasants. The mysterious "Snake Pit," a natural formation within a space of over 1,000 square meters, gathers various snake species, offering great value for both sightseeing and research.

　　　　The Santan area is rich in cultural heritage, having historically served as the gateway between Bashu and Qinlong. During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang passed through here three times on his six campaigns against the Qishan region, and remnants of an ancient plank road, about 4 kilometers in length, still exist in Moon Gorge. In the Tang Dynasty, it became an official and trade route, taken by Emperor Xuanzong and Emperor Xizong when they entered Shu. Before the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Santan area had a highly developed religious culture, with sites such as Bagua Temple, Guanyin Temple, Nantianmen, and Sun Temple. Below Dadian Mountain lies Wuzheng Kiln, said to have been built by Zhu Yuanzhang for his sixth princess, with murals and relics still preserved today. Moon Gorge contains numerous karst caves with uniquely shaped stalactites, showcasing both exceptional aesthetic value and a wealth of popular myths and legends, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and simple local customs.

　　　　The Qingni Ridge in the Santan Scenic Area is not only a treacherous section of the Shu Road but also a culturally significant mountain. The poetic line by the immortal poet Li Bai — “How winding is the Qingni path, turning nine times in a hundred steps along the cliffs” — has made Qingni Ridge famous throughout the land. The Sage of Poetry, Du Fu, further praised the landscape here with his verse: “Only now do I know, beyond the Five Great Mountains, there are other peaks to revere.” Santan is truly: “Ruins lie across dreamlike ridges, caves pierce through forests where birds stroll with care. Du Fu regretted praising other mountains as peerless, while Li Bai marveled at the difficulty of the Shu Road. All four seasons brim with vitality, and twin valleys cradle the moon above Santan. Endless meadows stretch beyond the clouds, and only the unique sinkhole reveals nature’s grandeur.”

　　　　The Santan Scenic Area embodies a composite of diversity, richness, mystery, and primitive simplicity. In both its natural and cultural aspects, it possesses distinct characteristics of the "divine" and offers "mysterious" elements waiting to be explored. What's even more precious is that it serves as an inexhaustible forest reservoir and a powerful natural oxygen bar, playing a vital role in regulating the climate and environment of the surrounding areas. This "jade" in the heart of China will, through continued conservation and development of the scenic area, fulfill people's aspirations to connect with nature and return to simplicity, while making an even greater contribution to humanity.

　　　　Climate of the Scenic Area

　　　　The Santan Scenic Area is located in the transitional zone between subtropical and northern temperate climates. The average annual temperature is around 10°C, with annual rainfall ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 millimeters. The area experiences distinct vertical climatic zones and four clearly defined seasons, with fresh air year-round. The complex terrain and rich biodiversity result in varying scenery throughout the seasons. In spring, azaleas blanket the mountains like blazing flames, filling the air with fragrance; in summer, endless green waves bring refreshing cool breezes; in autumn, drifting red leaves spark boundless reverie; and in winter, the landscape is draped in silvery white, pristine and enchanting.

　　　　Opening Hours

　　　　Open all day, year-round

　　　　Contact Information

　　　　Address: Yanping Village, 50 kilometers southeast of Huixian County, Longnan City, southeastern Gansu Province

　　　　Phone: 0939-8213302