Laodaogou

　　Nestled amidst the undulating ranges of the Greater Khingan Mountains, the Horqin Grassland stretches like a colorful ribbon adorned with magical “gems,” nestled within the century-old county-level city of Taonan. The mountains and grasslands lie in harmony, while Laodaogou shines as the most dazzling gem on this ribbon, reflecting the ancient, sealed-off history of the old town and the glistening freshness of morning dew—truly a place that captures the imagination.

　　Located at the northwestern edge of Taonan City, 5 kilometers west of the Hulitu Township government and on the north side of National Highway 111, Laodaogou lies in the low mountainous and hilly area at the eastern foothills of the Greater Khingan Mountain Range, bordering Horqin Right Front Banner in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The valley runs from north to south. According to legend, after attending the Queen Mother of the West’s Peach Banquet, one of the Eight Immortals, Zhang Guolao, was on his way back to the Immortals’ dwelling place when he was struck by a sudden whim. As he admired the majestic presence of the Greater Khingan Mountains, he happened upon this place. Charmed by its pleasant scenery, he descended from the clouds and saw that the land was rich in water and grass, teeming with birds and beasts, and surrounded by mountains. He decided to make it his permanent home, to enjoy the idyllic scenery of a paradise on earth—thus the name “Laodaogou” (Old Taoist’s Valley). Setting aside the mystical legend and brushing away the dust of time, according to the Annals of Taonan City, in 1938, a Taoist priest surnamed Zhang from Jianping County in Liaoning traveled to Taonan, resided at An Temple for three years, then purchased a plot of land here, recruited settlers to reclaim the wilderness, and established a settlement, which came to be known as “Laodaogou.” Today’s Laodaogou, while captivating you with its mysterious legends that evoke the simplicity and natural wonder of the valley’s storied past, also allows you to witness breathtaking natural landscapes and marvels of human ingenuity.

　　In the Qing Dynasty, Laodaogou was a grazing land for Mongolian herders. When apricot blossoms bloomed, they turned the mountains white; in autumn, the fruits were plentiful, and wild animals roamed the land while birds filled the skies. A local saying goes: “Beat a roe deer with a stick, scoop fish with a ladle, and pheasants will fly right into your cooking pot.” Here, you can relive the bold spirit of the Mongols while experiencing firsthand the wonders of the exotic wildlife in “Laodaogou.”

　　With the changing of the seasons, Laodaogou is embraced by dozens of uniquely shaped mountains and valleys, including Jiutou Mountain (also called Dajiazi Mountain), which rises 567 meters above sea level and resembles a landscape painting hanging on the wall; Ma’anshan, whose rolling contours resemble a saddle; and Yematu Mountain, which in Tibetan means “Mongolian gazelle.” These embrace Laodaogou like a shy young girl stepping into the world for the first time, greeting her dear guests with charm, freshness, allure, and elegance.

　　When spring arrives, the snow in Laodaogou melts, flowers bloom across the mountains, all things come back to life, and the gentle, languid spring shade meets the sprouting buds. With clear valleys and beautiful mountains, you’ll feel the graceful charm of Laodaogou while enjoying the generous warmth of the sun.

　　In summer, Laodaogou is tucked away in lush, verdant shade. Pine trees, small mountain poplars, mountain hawthorns, and Mongolian elm trees, freshly groomed by the rain, along with grass wearing its “tenacious hue,” enjoy the vibrant rhythm of wild animals such as pheasants, sand partridges, and mountain rabbits. As Laodaogou expresses its most unrestrained enthusiasm of the four seasons, it also allows you to reminisce about its delicate beauty through the blend of modernity and tradition.

　　In autumn, Laodaogou transforms itself, shedding its previous flamboyance. Dancing in the rustling autumn wind, all things shed their camouflage and join together to decorate the embracing mountains, while a thick carpet of foliage embraces the coming chill of winter, playing the “life” movement of nature.

　　In winter, the breathtaking snowflakes drift down gently, swirling endlessly like willow catkins in spring, playfully kissing the brave sentinels (mountains) that stand guard around Laodaogou. The silver-clad, ice-crystal-covered Laodaogou radiates dazzling brilliance against the blue sky, transporting you into a pure and elegant world.

　　This is the captivating Laodaogou. As you explore its purity and uncover its mysteries, it invites you into a marvelous natural painting

　　where you can imagine endless worlds, savor the ever-changing charms of “Laodaogou” through the four seasons, stir your thoughts, and make it hard to leave.