Yemu Gorge

　　    Yemu Gorge stretches over 50 kilometers. Centered around Yeliguan Town and named after the Yemu River that flows through the gorge, it is divided into the East Gorge and the West Gorge. Locals also refer to them as the Lower Gorge and the Upper Gorge, based on their positions along the river.

　　    The Lower Gorge (East Gorge) features cliffs that rise thousands of feet high on both sides, sometimes only a dozen meters apart. Ancient pines cling precariously to the cliffs, with bridges connecting the two walls. Towering rocks adorned with green pines stretch out their branches as if welcoming visitors, creating a dazzling sight. The Yemu River winds through the rugged gorge bottom, surging over rocks—sometimes calm and gentle like a tender maiden, other times fierce and rushing like a dragon leaping through the air. The glistening silver waves and splashing mist echo loudly through the valley. The riverbed is scattered with oddly shaped rocks, presenting a surreal scene. Looking up from the bottom of the gorge, the cliffs shoot straight into the clouds, while the "slit of sky" varies between narrow and wide. Eagles circle above the cliffs, and drifting clouds and tree shadows flit across the sky. Within the gorge lies a joyful spring waterfall, bursting forth from the cliffs with a thunderous roar, resembling a white silk ribbon hanging in the air. Not far from the waterfall, a pale blue ice wall clings to the cliff face, with dozens of icicles hanging year-round. In this section of the gorge, the road from Yeliguan to Lanzhou runs alongside the Yemu River, weaving in and out of the cliffs—sometimes hidden beneath the rocky overhangs, sometimes perched above the river, connected by tunnels and bridges. At sharp turns, the path seems to vanish into the mountains, only to reappear unexpectedly with new vistas. The scenery here is beyond words, and only by being there can one truly grasp a sense of the combined grandeur reminiscent of the treacherous paths of Shu and the misty trails of Hunan.

　　    The Upper Gorge (West Gorge), in contrast, offers a different landscape. Though the cliffs on both sides still stand tall, they are covered by towering forests with vines draped across. The Yemu River lies deeper within the gorge, enhancing the sense of a secluded valley. Hidden within are unique sights such as the "Sky-Reaching Pines," "Forest Wave Snow Waterfall," "Stone Forest Cloud Viewing," and "Camel Hump Golden Glow." Traveling westward along the gorge, you’ll notice the cliffs gradually descending, opening up the view. The forest becomes sparser though still dense, and the distant mountain ridges stand like screens. The Yemu River flows through gravel beds, sometimes hiding beneath the sandstone, other times emerging onto the valley floor, forming numerous small pools shaped like ox hooves. Further west, an entirely new scene unfolds—a vast and boundless grassland spreads out before visitors, offering a full taste of the scenic beauty of western grasslands.