Changzhi Eighteen Bends

　　is one of the main attractions in Wangmang Gorge, located to the east of Xiaotianqiao. Over 300 meters above the cliff, there are more than 1,300 steps forming a winding, zigzagging staircase with nine turns and eighteen bends, hence the name "Eighteen Bends." As you climb up the stairs, you’ll encounter many scenic spots along the way, such as the Hidden Image of Emperor Liu Xiu, whose facial features are clearly visible; the Tao Te Ching Stele of Laozi, standing against the mountain and historically a place where merchants came to offer prayers; reaching the top of the bend, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views, including the Sage’s Altar nestled among lush pines and cypresses. Heading east and descending, you’ll find the natural stone cave “Hidden Cave,” inside which are statues of Guanyin and Liu Xiu. Legend has it that Liu Xiu was chased by Wang Mang to this spot, hid in the cave, and was protected by Guanyin, thus escaping disaster. Further down the cave, there is a cliffside hanging ladder about 50 meters high, creating a circular sightseeing route. After descending the Eighteen Bends, the river valley extends southward along the mountain base. The spring water is crystal clear, and beneath the Thousand-Foot Cliff, it never freezes—this place is called “Hot Water Bay.” Not far from the bridge over Hot Water Bay, on the right side of the cliff, hangs a cluster of stalactites known as “Wang Mang’s Heart and Liver.” Legend says that when Liu Xiu hid in the Hidden Cave, Wang Mang continued the chase but fell off the cliff to his death, with his heart and liver hanging on the cliff.