Songpu Mountain

　　    Following a quiet forest path to the mountainside, a small path veers left down uneven stone steps to a place called Qiaoxia. Looking up, you’ll see precipitous cliffs, seemingly carved by nature, soaring high into the clouds. The two sides of the gorge are separated by mere inches, and the bottom is divided into three sections by three large rocks. A clear spring flows through the gorge, and a waterfall over a hundred meters high crashes against the rocks, sending up sprays of water and foam in a spectacular display.

　　    On the cliff at the mouth of the gorge, there are four elegantly inscribed characters from the Song Dynasty: “Song Pu Quan Shi” (Pine Waterfall and Stone Spring), though they have become somewhat faded over time. Nearby, there are also other inscriptions such as “This is a realm beyond the mortal dust; why enter? Deep cliffs, crystal-clear waters — come sit in meditation. Precarious rocks shelter many hermits; in spring, mend the banks and clear wild paths.”

　　    Exiting Qiaoxia and climbing upward about 50 steps, you’ll find a steep staircase of a thousand steps, straight as a ladder into the clouds. Looking up, you can even see the soles of the feet of those walking ahead. Known as “Hundred Steps Ascent,” this was once a mountain pass and a strategic point in ancient battles.

　　    Standing on the rocks, gazing at the lush, overlapping mountain hues adds an air of mystery and wonder. Indeed, not just Songpu Mountain, but the entire Qiaoyue mountain range is dotted with uniquely scenic spots shrouded in legend, celebrated for their “verdant beauty cradling lucid waters, and clouds draping over layered cliffs that tug at the soul.”

　　    It forms a distinctive landscape.

　　    Transportation

　　    Starting from North Chouzhou Road, head northeast. Walk 0.5 km along North Chouzhou Road, then turn right onto Yinhai Road. Walk 1.4 km along Yinhai Road, then turn right onto S37. Drive 3.6 km along S37, then go straight onto Yongjin Expressway. Drive 10.8 km along Yongjin Expressway, then turn left onto Jiangdongnan Road. Walk 2.8 km along Jiangdongnan Road, then turn right, walk 3.6 km, then turn left, and walk 17.4 km to reach your destination.