Xigan Gully Scenic Area

　　    Xigan Gully, originally called Xigan Gully, is an important part of the Zhashui Karst National Geopark, located 1 kilometer southwest of the core area’s Tianfo Cave. The main gully is 8 kilometers long, about 50 meters wide, covering an area of 26,957 mu, with a total of 100,122 mu of barren hills and slopes. In 2002, the Shiweng Town government relocated a total of 145 households, comprising 508 people, from within Xigan Gully. The gully boasts well-preserved natural ecological resources, featuring dense vegetation, clear streams, abundant water flow, and numerous canyons and waterfalls.

　　    Ma’anship Ridge is about 5 kilometers from the valley entrance and is named for its saddle-like mountain shape. Legend has it that Han Xiangzi, one of the Eight Immortals, became immortal here. Below the ridge, there are two small springs that never dry up, playfully referred to by locals as “Horse Piss Springs.” About 300 meters upstream along the stream from Ma’anship Ridge lies Youfang, a relatively broad area in Xigan Gully, approximately 1 kilometer long from east to west and about 300 meters wide from north to south. The houses where farmers once lived can still be seen today. To the right of Youfang is a gully called Duanjiacao, where halfway up the mountain lies a huge, uniquely shaped boulder known as the Flying Rock due to its peculiar appearance.

　　    Yuxia Cave is the most legendary cave in Xigan Gully, located on the mountainside of Yindong Gully, 6 kilometers from the valley entrance. The cave entrance sits at an altitude of 1,065 meters, with the cave itself about 50 meters deep. Inside, there is a pool of emerald-green water that never dries up. Legend says that a black dragon and a yellow dragon guard the cave to ensure local favorable weather and sufficient rainfall. During severe droughts, people come here to pray for rain, and local guides claim the prayers are always answered—extremely effective. Inside the cave, a stone tablet donated by the public during the Qing Dynasty's Guangxu era is still preserved. Towering ancient trees at the cave entrance resemble a giant umbrella, adding to the mysterious aura of Yuxia Cave. Even more remarkable is a mountain spring located about 20 meters below the cave entrance, which never runs dry and cascades down, forming a series of waterfalls over 100 meters long, like a white silk ribbon dancing through the mountains. The mysterious Yuxia Cave surely holds many lesser-known geological phenomena and secrets, and is bound to become a new highlight for both scientific research and tourism in the Zhashui Karst National Geopark.

　　    Xiangshui Gully is a smaller gully running parallel to Yindong Gully. With its clear streams and deep canyons, it is like a shy maiden quietly hidden among the woods and valleys.

　　     Chenjiapu, located 8 kilometers from the valley entrance, divides Xigan Gully into two parts: Taiping Gully on the left and Huangzhupa on the right. The terrain and scenery of the two areas are largely similar, mainly featuring canyons, waterfalls, and uniquely shaped peaks, with clear pools and cascading waterfalls appearing one after another. Though the canyons here may lack some of the grandeur and dramatic steepness, and the waterfalls may not be as thunderous or powerful, they are delicate, graceful, and exquisitely small—like a fine aged wine, sweet and lingering, leaving an unforgettable impression that continues to captivate and enchant visitors.

　　    Starting from the Chenghuang Temple in Taiping Gully, after traversing the beautiful canyons and waterfall clusters, passing through rarely visited primeval forests, and weaving through dense thickets of bitter bamboo, it takes over four hours of challenging trekking and climbing to reach Jingding, also known as Yuhuangding, at an altitude of 1,860 meters. The remnants of temple foundations at Jingding are still clearly visible. Jingding is where Xigan Gully, Chishui Gully, Jiangjia Gully, Yangmu Gully, and Zhen’an Ziqiao Gully all converge. From the summit, you can faintly see the undulating mountains of the Maze-like Range. Not far away, Dengzhanwo, though blocked by the bitter bamboo forest and inaccessible, still sparks endless imagination with its many legendary tales.

　　    Reaching the summit from Huangzhupa is much easier and more pleasant. A place known as the Home of Eight Generations of People is situated on a gentle slope near the mountaintop, where three earthen houses are tucked away under a huge walnut tree. The bamboo grove behind the houses, the streams on both sides, and the rapeseed flowers complement each other beautifully. Looking into the distance, the vast, majestic mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. Crossing this not-too-high mountain ridge leads to the Jiutian Mountain Scenic Area.

　　    In addition to natural attractions such as Ma’anship Ridge, Yuxia Cave, Jingding, and Dengzhanwo, Xigan Gully also boasts numerous cultural and historical sites, including the Number One Scholar’s Mansion, Huatuo Temple, and Xiangzi Ridge, all showcasing the area’s former glory and pride.

　　    Transportation Guide

　　    Scenic Area Address: Xigan Gully Village, Shiweng Town, Zhashui County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province

　　    By Bus: Take a bus from Xi’an (train station) or Shangluo (bus station) heading to Zhashui to reach the scenic area.

　　    By Car: Head south via Yanxiang Road or Sanzhao Road, take the Xizhashuai Expressway at the Qujiang entrance on South Third Ring Road (Sanzhao), heading toward Ankang. Arrive at the Zhashui toll gate in 50 minutes, then drive 18 kilometers south to reach the scenic area.