Bashan Gorge

　　The great orogenic movements have shaped Bashan Gorge into a landscape of dramatic rises and falls, grand openness and contraction. The ceaseless river, its channels sometimes wide and sometimes narrow, the overlapping and well-aligned terraces, the steep cliffs standing like walls, the winding and precipitous gorges, the oddly shaped peaks and rocks, the canyon slits as thin as lines reaching the sky, the waterfalls formed where numerous springs converge, and the caves that are either bright or dark, along with the greenery that changes with the seasons... all contribute to its extraordinary scenery. It possesses the grandeur and dynamism of a river canyon, the ruggedness and resilience of a dry karst gorge, and the serenity and vitality of a stream-filled valley. Embodying majesty, danger, wonder, beauty, and tranquility, it stands as a quintessential representation of gorge landscapes. Most outstanding are its uniquely shaped rock formations, such as the "Half-Length Portrait of Mao Zedong," and its counterpart, the "Xi Mountain Pagoda," as well as the "Singing Rooster at Dawn"; plus the "Gallop of the Heavenly Steed," the "Watching Eagle," and the "Great Gathering of the Twelve Zodiac Animals," all of which bear an uncanny resemblance that is truly unparalleled.

　　Moreover, due to its unique terrain creating a mild climate that is cool in summer and warm in winter, fresh and moist, Bashan Gorge, although lacking in large trees, supports relatively rich mountain vegetation and has helped preserve a variety of plant and animal species. Side cypresses, smoke trees, mountain elms, and mountain peaches are widespread on the slopes, while wild rabbits and pheasants are often seen in groups. In addition, tree species such as yew, sandalwood, and vitex, bird species including mandarin ducks, pheasants, and hoopoes, as well as wildlife such as Mongolian gazelles and wild boars have also been found here.