Zhangshan Grand Canyon

　　The Zhangshan Grand Canyon Scenic Area is situated in the southeastern part of Jixi County, Anhui Province. The Wanan Railway and Wutun Highway pass through the area, which is 22 kilometers from the county seat and only 55 kilometers from Huangshan Airport, boasting a well-connected transportation network. Located on the 30°N latitude line, the Zhangshan Grand Canyon has been nurtured over hundreds of millions of years and has now emerged as one of the wonders on this mysterious line, alongside the Pyramids, Bermuda, Shennongjia, and Huangshan. Mount Zhang, historically known as a famous mountain in the Jiangnan region, was referred to in ancient times as “Three Emperors’ Capital,” “Three Kings Mountain,” or “Barrier Peak.” During the Spring and Autumn Period, Wu and Yue used it as a boundary, and the massive monolith Hundred-Zhang Rock served as a natural boundary marker. The Qin Dynasty established the “Zhang Commandery,” named after the mountain. Both the “Classic of Mountains and Seas” and the “Auspicious Talisman Sutra” documented it.

　　　　The Zhangshan Grand Canyon serves as the southern gateway to the national nature reserve of Qingliang Peak. It is world-renowned for its “majestic, perilous, elegant, vast, and unique” features, featuring extraordinary landscapes such as “Great Man Stone,” “Hundred-Zhang Rock,” and “Huangshan Pine,” and is hailed as “the most beautiful canyon in East China.” Additionally, throughout the tour route, the scenic area integrates ancient legends of Mount Zhang and local historical figures such as the Hu heroes, combining them with the canyon landscape to promote Huizhou culture—centered around Huizhou officials, Confucian scholars, merchants, ink, cuisine, and opera—which originated in Jixi. The scenic area is also the largest memorial site dedicated to Hu Shi in China.

　　　　The main touring route of the scenic area winds along the water for approximately 3 kilometers. The area features overlapping peaks, misty clouds, and clear, serene streams in the valley. The water color becomes vibrant along the journey, complementing the myriad strange rocks in the canyon, weaving together countless waterfalls, dragon pools, colorful ponds, and silver curtains. Along the route, there are numerous exceptionally beautiful and unique landscapes such as Yellow Slate Beach, Mao Zedong Portrait Stone, Heaven’s Gate Opening, Snow Rock Waterfall, Huangshan Guest-Greeting Pine, Gourd Pool, Hundred-Zhang Rock, and Buddha’s Light. The water meanders through the canyon, twisting and tumbling, while visitors walk above it, experiencing endless charm. Majestic, marvelous, and beautiful landscapes form a harmonious and melodious symphony of mountains, waters, and peculiar rocks.

　　　　In addition to its enchanting natural scenery, the area also offers thrilling water rafting, exciting high-altitude zip-lining, fun swings, shooting, and other recreational activities. There are also tranquil log cabins and beautifully blooming flower gardens for visitors to enjoy vacationing and sightseeing. The Zhangshan Grand Canyon is deeply infused with rich Huizhou culture and is the largest Hu Shi memorial site in China. When the time is right, it can collaborate with academic institutions both domestically and internationally to host Hu Shi cultural research seminars, further enhancing the visibility and cultural significance of the scenic area and even Jixi County. A series of cultural and academic seminars centered around Huizhou culture will also be organized.

　　　　The Zhangshan Grand Canyon Scenic Area mainly consists of eight zones: Zhangshan Nostalgia, Jixi Polishing Jade, Meeting the Great Man, Huizhou Rural Delicacies, Talented People and Spiritual Rocks, Canyon Dragon Roar, Snow Rock Waterfall, and Heavenly Capital Mountain. Each zone contains breathtaking landscapes such as Yellow Slate Beach, Great Man Stone, Gourd Pool, Huizhou Camel, Hundred-Zhang Buddha’s Light, Jixi Ox, Wuchang Fish, Little Heaven’s Gate, Snow Rock Waterfall, Hundred-Zhang Rock, Lovers’ Tree, Rhino Playing in Water, Ancient Huizhou-Hangzhou Road, and Flower Blooming on the Summit.

　　　　Meeting the Great Man: In the magical world of Zhangshan Grand Canyon, the naturally formed Mao Zedong stone statue, created one hundred million years ago, is truly unique. The Mao Zedong stone statue is located by the Zhang River, facing due north. Viewed from the right side, the statue features a broad forehead, a receding hairline at the back, full cheeks, and wise, kind eyes. No visitor fails to exclaim in awe. The land of the Great Man now sees the Great Man; the Heavenly Capital sees the Emperor. Is this a historical coincidence or a miraculous act of nature?

　　　　Talented People and Spiritual Rocks: Jixi is a place of outstanding people and spiritual energy, home to many notable figures. Paired with the myriad pictographic rocks in the canyon, they form a magnificent world of spiritual stones. Landscapes such as “Jixi Ox,” “Huizhou Camel,” “Pillar in the Midstream,” “Rhino Playing in Water,” “Fish and Sheep Valley,” and “Little Heaven’s Gate” each have their own distinctive forms.

　　　

　　　　Snow Rock Waterfall: Here, the stream plunges sharply into a narrow, deep pool, swirling and surging with irresistible force as it bursts forth between two rocks. Snow-white waves crash against the emerald-green pool, polishing huge rocks into smooth, white surfaces. Standing on Snow Rock, one can feel the overwhelming power of the water. Nearby, Hundred-Zhang Rock is a granite formation created by a fracture during the Mesozoic to Cenozoic eras one hundred million years ago. It stands 460 meters high, 180 meters wide, and is nearly vertical at 85 degrees, resembling an overturned giant bell or a heavenly sacred tripod piercing the clouds. It stands majestically and beautifully. Precious mountain delicacies and medicinal herbs grow among the rocks.