Napping Mountain

　　In this arid and barren land of central Gansu, she is like a bright pearl nestled by the Shen River, and also lies asleep with her beautiful form at the magical source of the “Tao-Min Hua’er.” She is none other than Lintao’s Napping Mountain, a renowned tourist destination in central Gansu. The name comes from its high, screen-like mountain ridges.

　　Traveling 135 kilometers south from Lanzhou, Napping Mountain suddenly comes into view. It is 35 kilometers north of Lintao County and just 25 kilometers from the end of the Lanzhou-Lintao Expressway. With an average elevation of around 2,800 meters, it is the real-life location of one of the famous Eight Scenic Spots of Shenyang — “Snow Accumulating on the Southern Mountain.” A poem praises it: “Looking south there stands a lofty peak, untouched by the eastern wind. Snow piles three feet high, reflecting brilliantly off the jade-like mountain,” which truly captures the scenery of Napping Mountain. The mountain features steep terrain and pleasant views. Its summit is covered in snow year-round, and lush pines and cypresses dot the landscape. In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom vibrantly; in autumn and winter, clouds and mist envelop the peaks, creating uniquely stunning and picturesque scenery — a rare natural wonder in central Gansu.

　　In terms of tourism resources, the Napping Mountain Ecotourism Area is known for its grandeur, uniqueness, serenity, and simplicity. From a distance, the entire mountain resembles a towering screen, while up close, each rugged peak reaches skyward in diverse forms. The mountain is covered in green vegetation, and the air is fresh. Below, the Shen River churns with sparkling waves. Rafting down the river, you can take in the breathtaking views of Napping Mountain while listening to the murmuring streams and birdsong — a truly magnificent landscape painting. The annual average temperature on Napping Mountain is 7°C. In summer, when other places swelter under scorching heat, Napping Mountain offers cool shade and gentle breezes, making it an ideal retreat. Entering the Napping Mountain scenic area, from west to east, you’ll find attractions such as Shimenzi, Hutouya, Wucaozi, Xianzipo, Qingshiya, Guanmaoshi, Ban个jing, and Maheliang. As the saying goes, “The peaks are rugged and the scenery diverse; the valleys deep, forests dense, and cliffs steep. Icicles cling to cliffs, waterfalls cascade through gullies, and strange rocks, pines, and mist weave an enchanting scene.”

　　Dulu Cliff, also known as Ancient Cliff, rises several zhang high. Slender streams cascade down the rocky face like beaded curtains or silver threads, with splashing droplets forming a spectacular mist. Especially during spring and summer, when water levels are high, the waterfall plunges straight down, drenching half the cliff. At noon, sunlight filters through, creating rainbows in the sky — a truly magnificent sight.

　　Suan ci Gully is vibrant and colorful. The gully is filled with sturdy ancient pines, rustic and fragrant rock cypresses, swaying green bamboos, and scattered wildflowers. Crystal-clear streams babble above ground, while underground currents roar with surging waves. Visitors feel the sound of water but see no trace of it, as if entering a dreamlike realm. Pheasants and rabbits forage among bushes and rocks, wild buffalo roam the forest, and birds chirp in the valleys — the whole gully brims with vitality.

　　Haidian Gorge. Haidian Gorge is a marvel of nature, rugged and steep, with the Tao River flowing through it. The cliffs within the gorge bear inscriptions by Yang Jiaoshan of the Ming Dynasty, some of which are still clearly visible. Remnants of ancient plank roads from the Han Dynasty can also be found here. Haidian Gorge boasts rich resources in water conservancy, forests, wildlife, and medicinal herbs. Qing Dynasty poet Wu Zhen once wrote: “I recall Lintao’s beauty, where blue waters flow from the south; cliffs soar with towering stones, and the gorge parts to unlock the forest,” praising the stunning beauty of Haidian Gorge.

　　Hutouya. Hutouya features a huge suspended boulder that resembles a tiger’s head from afar, hence its name. The former site of the 1958 Tao River Diversion Project passes beneath the cliff and has now been repurposed as part of the scenic area road. To the west of Hutouya, within the western ridge, there is a natural stone gate complete with a frame and threshold. Stepping through the gate, a sudden expanse of green pines and bamboos against perilous peaks greets you, with sunset mist adding to the breathtaking natural beauty.

　　Lizi Gully and Wucaozi. Lizi Gully is flanked by two peaks, with naturally formed stone steps inside. On the left side of the gully are five sloping peaks, hence the name Wucaozi. As you climb the steps, birds sing harmoniously from the woods, shrubs are lush and green, cool breezes blow, wildflowers emit exotic fragrances, and the air is fresh.

　　Xianzi Po. From a distance, the top of the slope features a cliff that looks remarkably like a crescent moon. To its left is...

　　a straight mountain peak that resembles a brush resting on a brush holder, creating the unique and wondrous scene of “Brush Holder Gazing at the Moon.”

　　Fangya Tan. This area features over 100 acres of natural meadows covered in lush green grass, dotted with tiny wildflowers — a perfect spot for leisure and fun. To the south of Fangya Tan, there is an exit between surrounding hills, where a massive natural rock can be seen. Viewed from afar, it looks much like a black gauze cap, hence the rock is also called Guanmaoshi (Official Hat Rock).

　　Ban个jing. On the left hillside near Fangya Kou stands a cliff about 40 meters high. Years of water erosion have carved a straight, upright stone groove in the cliff, resembling half of a well — thus the name “Ban个jing” (Half a Well). On either side of Ban个jing, five vertical cliffs stand out, suspended in midair like ten flags guarding it. The terrain here is treacherous and easy to defend but hard to attack. During the Gannan Peasant Uprising, Wang Zhongjia led rebel forces in holding off enemies here for days, making it one of the region’s patriotic education bases. At the top of Ban个jing, natural stone steps allow visitors to climb to the peak. When it rains at the summit, it snows — this is the origin of one of Shenyang’s Eight Scenic Spots, “Snow Accumulating on the Southern Mountain.”

　　Shaqiu Divine Spring. This spring is located at the summit of Maheliang, the highest peak of Napping Mountain, at an altitude of over 3,100 meters. A spring at the summit maintains a stable water capacity year-round. Locals say that when the spring begins to discharge water, heavy rain will follow within half an hour — a belief that proves quite accurate. The divine spring is surrounded by picturesque pines and bamboos, blooming flowers, birdsong, and a sweet floral fragrance.

　　The Napping Mountain Scenic Area is home to simple and warm-hearted locals who are extremely hospitable. Whenever guests visit from afar, the kind-hearted people warmly welcome them and prepare local delicacies to treat their visitors. The folk customs of the Napping Mountain region are rich and vibrant, with diverse cultural traditions. Annual events such as the traditional Quzi Temple Fair on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, the Bazhuwan Hua’er Festival on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the Maheliang Hua’er Festival and Lazha Festival on the twenty-seventh day of the fifth lunar month all bring festive joy to new heights.

　　Climax.

　　Lintao County is known as the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art,” mainly due to its traditional “Hua’er” folk songs and Hua’er festivals. The long-standing Hua’er art is a unique gem in China’s folk song treasury and is hailed as a “living fossil” of Chinese folk art. Lintao’s folk Hua’er is mainly found in its multi-ethnic southern regions. Napping Mountain lies right at the intersection of the Tao-Min North Route Hua’er and the Linxia Hezhou Hua’er, where Hua’er festivals shine brilliantly and lead the way. Every year starting from the 28th day of the third lunar month, the Hua’er Festival kicks off, reaching its peak at the Lotus Mountain Festival on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month. It attracts hundreds of thousands of people from nearby regions, prefectures, and counties, who come from afar to hike, sing, trade, and gather inspiration. During the festival, tents cover the mountains, flower umbrellas flutter, crowds fill the valleys, and singing echoes like tides. If you have the chance to visit, not only can you immerse yourself in the vibrant ethnic culture, but you can also sit anywhere to enjoy local snacks like sheep offal and sweet wine. Your soul will be purified and your emotions uplifted here.

　　Within dozens of miles around Napping Mountain, a unique folk custom thrives — the “Lazha Festival,” which celebrates harvest and prays for favorable weather in the coming year. Starting from the 15th day of the seventh lunar month and lasting until the first day of the tenth lunar month, locals celebrate the Lazha Festival by village, each according to their customary dates. During the festival, people slaughter pigs and sheep, visit relatives and friends, and celebrate with a joy rivaling that of the Spring Festival. Some villages also set up altars, hang ritual banners, and perform exorcism dances, making the Lazha Festival a deeply traditional and folkloric event, adding an air of mystery to Napping Mountain.

　　The magical and stunning natural beauty adorns Napping Mountain with grace, and its unique geographical advantages lay a solid foundation for development. Since the beginning of this year, efforts to develop Napping Mountain’s tourism resources have significantly intensified. Currently, a feasibility study report for the ecotourism development project has been completed, roads leading to the scenic area have been renovated, and a variety of...

　　special tourism activities themed around “exploring Napping Mountain’s scenery, singing Tao-Min Hua’er, fishing for heavy-lipped carp, and experiencing rural life” have been successfully launched. These activities promote Napping Mountain’s tourism resources and establish a positive image for its development. Deng Zhitao, former director of the Gansu Provincial Tourism Bureau, spoke highly of Napping Mountain’s tourism potential during his inspection trip to Lintao: “Napping Mountain’s tourism resources are of high quality and taste, rich in flora and fauna, and can perfectly fill the gap in Lintao’s historical natural scenic spots.” Riding the strong winds of the Western Development Strategy, it is believed that in the near future, Napping Mountain will become a highly renowned tourist and leisure resort in central Gansu.