Shimen Mountain Scenic Area

　　Shimen Mountain Scenic Area is located 12 kilometers west of the county town, at the border between Gaoqiao and Xintianpu. The Zi River flows from afar, and here the mountains stand opposite each other like a gate. Towering cliffs covered in lush greenery rise steeply above the dark, deep pools below, with the river surging down, hence the name Shimen Shoal. After the Zi River enters the gorge, the cliffs on both sides are sheer and precipitous, with jagged and unusual rocks, and green peaks as if carved. The area is like a painting. The lower end of the Shimen is known as Tongzhu Shoal, the first dangerous shoal of the Zi River, where the water is treacherous, dangerous rocks obstruct the flow, and the currents are fierce and violent—boats often wreck here. In the past, people cast copper pillars along the shore to help steady passing boats. On the riverbank, there is a narrow path clinging to the cliff face, carved directly out of the rock. The entrance is called Qianmenkou, a place of steep terrain and spectacular scenery.