Liulian Ridge

　　   Liulian Ridge boasts unique scenery. Looking up from its base, visitors see surrounding peaks clustered together, their lush, towering forms standing majestically. In the distance, the six peaks veiled in mist resemble graceful maidens, exuding delicate charm. The area features grand mountain terrain, crisscrossing valleys, dense forests, and abundant water and grass, forming a rare tropical rainforest landscape and serving as Hainan Province’s unparalleled natural botanical kingdom.

　　   Hiking up from the eastern foothills of Liulian Ridge along a trail toward the main peak, Taishiyi (Grand Master’s Chair), visitors ascend step by step amid fluctuating elevations, thick forests, and shady canopies. Ancient trees stretch skyward, while woody vines weave between trunks, binding the woodland together. Under the towering trees, shrubs flourish alongside vibrant flowers, creating diverse and captivating scenes that inspire a sense of unity—"like countless streams converging, strength lies in solidarity." Wildflowers bloom competitively, filling the air with fragrant scents. Halfway up the mountain, the scenery transforms: birds chirp melodiously in the treetops, occasionally joined by the calls of partridges proclaiming, "The mountains are so clear, how wonderful!" A small mountain spring winds its way down the slope, babbling softly. Here, birdsong, gurgling water, and rustling leaves harmonize into a enchanting forest symphony. An ancient poet once wrote of this place: "Visitors find endless delight here, where even the tall trees echo the songs of valley orioles." Ascending the secluded path to Taishiyi Peak, one encounters steep cliffs piercing the clouds and breathtakingly rugged beauty. From the summit, the undulating peaks embrace the surroundings in a sea of green, with winding mountain paths meandering like dragons and serpents beneath the canopy. The scenic splendor of the land and sea stretches eastward to the horizon, presenting a picturesque panorama of verdant hills and lucid waters. A Qing Dynasty poet visiting Liulian Ridge penned these lines: "Gazing afar, emerald peaks pierce the azure sky; contiguous ridges rise to greet the eye. Towering above the heavens, their purity defies confusion; the county’s dense smoke resists depiction. Birds’ vast calls summon mates, while deep forests hide beasts unknown. Endless vistas of beauty never tire the sight—wine shared with friends overflows with joy."

　　   After visiting Taishiyi Peak, hikers loop southeast and gradually descend a rugged path southwest, crossing two secluded valleys to reach the southern foot of Liulian Ridge. Climbing another small peak leads to the former site of the Qiongya Soviet regime. This area features perilous cliffs, overlapping peaks, and densely tangled roots and thorny undergrowth, forming a natural stronghold. Here, the Red Army endured harsh conditions, honing their resilience and spreading revolutionary fervor across Hainan. A stone cave known as the "Red Army Cave"—historically called Cold Cave—lies here. Its exterior resembles a slanted rock chamber, with wild vines dangling at the entrance. Inside, five interconnected chambers house a cool, refreshing spring. Ancient visitors left behind the verse: "Within this cave, guests sit sipping wine, their spirits lifted by the breeze." This cave served as a refuge for wounded Red Army soldiers. Exiting through a passage and proceeding northwest to a flat area reveals the former Red Army training ground, complete with relics such as swords, guns, wooden clubs, bricks, and stone slabs used for political study. The site once hosted institutions like an advanced Lenin School, military academy, and Red Army machinery workshop. Today, the Red Army Cave is not only a magical attraction within Liulian Ridge but also a solemn place to reflect on revolutionary history, honor martyrs, and educate future generations about revolutionary traditions and patriotism.

　　   Liulian Ridge is an extension of the Wuzhi Mountain range, stretching north to the border of Qionghai and Ding’an, south to the counties of Lingshui and Baoting, west to Ma’an Mountain, and east to the sea. The mountain range runs north-south, covering 394 square kilometers. Its six peaks—Daijianding (Belted Summit), Taishiyi (Grand Master’s Chair), Shigouzui (Stone Dog’s Mouth), Sanzhixiang (Three Incense Sticks), Bigujia (Nose Valley Frame), and Diyi Jia (First Frame)—are of similar height, with the tallest, Taishiyi, reaching 558 meters above sea level. The ridge is home to dense stands of rare plants such as Vatica mangachapoi, Hopea chinensis, Shorea hemsleyana, Erythrina variegata, Melanorrhoea usitata, and Melia azedarach, spanning over 18,000 acres of protected forest.

　　   Liulian Ridge is renowned not only for its towering peaks and lush forests but also for its countless deep valleys and caves, which historically served as gathering places for deer and elk. During the revolutionary war, it became a 23-year stronghold for Hainan’s armed struggle, a base for establishing revolutionary rule, and a harsh yet resilient sanctuary for comrades. It stands as a sacred site of Hainan’s revolution. Comrade [Name] once visited Liulian Ridge and composed the poem "Liulian Ridge": "Rainbow clouds arise over Liulian Ridge, red flags raised by revolutionary troops. Twenty-three years of guerrilla warfare—Hainan’s people celebrate liberation."

　　   Liulian Ridge, with its six majestic peaks, layered ridges, and evergreen canopy, alongside its 23-year legacy of unwavering resistance, is listed in the *Dictionary of Famous Scenic Spots and Historical Sites in China*.