Tianjing Gorge

　　   Behind the Shimen Reservoir lies a pristine, unspoiled wonderland of untamed natural beauty — a ten-mile expanse of prehistoric canyon called Tianjing Gorge. Towering, steep cliffs stand opposite one another, split by a narrow cleft like the gap made by a giant saw in a wooden plank. Locals also call it "Sawtooth Gully." The awe-inspiring craftsmanship of nature has shaped this jagged, dramatic landscape that many say was created by the gods.

　　　    Tianjing Gorge boasts over twenty scenic spots: Yaoyao Temple, Golden Summit, Lion-Elephant Cliff, Male-Female Cave, Mother-Son Peak, Upside-Down Cliff, Transparent Circle, Resting Buddha Cliff, Horse Cave Bay, Heavenly Horse Cave, Fairy Screen, Immortal’s Waterfall, Horse Drinking Cliff, Heavenly Fortress, Little Wheat Pile, Water Curtain Cave, Musk Deer Circle, Tianjing (Heavenly Well), Crouching Dragon Pool, Dongting Lake, Black Eagle Wing, Pheasant Field, South Heaven Gate, Stone Horse Post, Diamond Mountain, Five-Mouth Cliff, and Sky-Piercing Cliff. These uniquely shaped rock peaks and cliff pillars vary dramatically: some stand solitary and unsupported, some lean close together affectionately, some resemble skyscrapers, others haystacks, charging beasts, diving eagles, or celestial dancers. At first glance, the mountains here seem like a solid cliff face, but as you move along, they constantly transform. Viewed from the valley floor, the sight is thrilling and spectacular; from the mountaintop, the layers upon layers of ridges are richly varied and colorful, like blooming green petals.

　　　    The water here is equally enchanting. Dewdrops cling to cliff faces, seep through crevices, and nestle on grass tips, sparkling brilliantly in the sunlight. A cold spring at the mountain’s peak cascades down the cliff, hanging like a thousand-foot white silk ribbon. In the canyon, lively shallow streams rush between the cliffs, converging into a fast-flowing river that carves deep stone channels several meters deep into the valley floor before plunging down to form mirror-like deep pools. The water is crystal clear, reflecting blue skies and vibrant hues. The fifteen-mile gorge is like a fifteen-mile scroll of art, brimming with wonders — thrilling, majestic, grand, breathtaking, pristine, elegant, serene, tranquil, ancient, and wild. It captivates the eyes, overwhelms the senses, and leaves visitors lingering with deep reluctance.

　　　    Besides its stunning mountains and beautiful waters, Tianjing Gorge is also home to a variety of rare plants and wildlife, including serows, deer, Formosan sika deer, wild oxen, leopards, blue eared pheasants, and Chinese giant salamanders.