Zhuan Village

　　Zhuan Village is a scenic area within the Guanzhai Mountain Scenic Zone. Wandering through the area, you’ll find three rare and spectacular wonders—"peril," "extraordinariness," and "magnificence"—that are seldom seen in the world and leave visitors in awe. The “peril” of the area lies in the “Sky-High Ridge.”

　　Zhuan Village is a scenic area within the Guanzhai Mountain Scenic Zone. It is far from the hustle and bustle of the city, hidden away in a quiet and remote mountain wilderness. Once a refuge that was easy to defend but hard to attack, it has now become a cultural landmark that records the history of Guanzhai Mountain, attracting visitors to explore and interpret its past. Wandering through the area, you’ll encounter three rare and spectacular wonders—"peril," "extraordinariness," and "magnificence"—that are seldom seen in the world and leave visitors in awe. The “peril” of the area lies in the “Sky-High Ridge.”

　　A narrow stone stairway known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” carved along a steep mountain ridge, soars straight into the clouds with sheer cliffs and deep valleys on both sides, creating an exceptionally thrilling experience. The “extraordinariness” of the area is embodied in the “Old Man of Longevity Rock.” A massive mountain, shaped by nature’s craftsmanship, features a unique rock formation resembling an old man of longevity—an extraordinary sight considered the finest in the world. It’s as if humans have secrets to long life, while mountains possess an aura of vitality. Its eyes, nose, eyebrows, and beard are vividly lifelike, making it approachable and respectable. The “magnificence” of the area lies in the “Water Gate Wall.” It is an extremely square rock wall, several thousand meters high and wide, with a thickness of several dozen feet, rising abruptly from the ground like a barrier. Its edges are vertical, forming a gate-like shape, and the surface of the wall shimmers as if streams of water are flowing over it, hence the name “Water Gate Wall.” It is said that this formation resulted from tectonic fractures during ancient mountain-building movements.

　　Passing through the serene valley and climbing the “Sky-High Ridge” to reach the mountaintop, you’ll have a panoramic view of the majestic mountains and rugged paths. After passing through the village gate, in the flat areas of the mountain hollows, amidst trees and weeds, you can search for the remnants of the ancient mountain stronghold. An old legend comes vividly to life. According to historical records, in 1857, when the Taiping Army forces led by Shi Dakai occupied Liancheng, some wealthy locals regarded this strategically perilous location as the best refuge from chaos. Thus, they built a stronghold here and named it “Zhuan Village.” Within the village, 39 rooms were constructed along the mountain slopes, complete with halls, living quarters, kitchens, and storage spaces. A pond was carved out of the rock cliff on the summit of Damao Mountain to collect rainwater for drinking. A defensive gate was also built at the pass leading to the back mountain to cut off access. At the top of the Sky-High Ridge, another gate was erected, with cannons and gunports guarding the only path along the stone steps, creating a situation where one man could hold the pass against ten thousand. Though the legend remains unverifiable, its association with such a beautiful and spiritual landscape adds a touch of human culture to the scenery.