Huangdiling Forest Farm Natural Scenic Area

　　Huangdiling Forest Farm is situated in the southern part of Shaodong County, with Chazishan Township to the east, Qihuaiyuan Township to the south, Zhichong Township of Qidong to the west, and Huangdiling of Shaodong County to the north. It stretches 5.6 kilometers from east to west and 3.4 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 1,172.3 hectares, of which 900 hectares are forested. The area lies in the transitional zone between the Xuefeng Mountain Range and the Hengshan Mountain Range. Its highest peak reaches an elevation of 685.5 meters, while the lowest point is at 210 meters above sea level. It is also one of the sources of the Zhen River, a primary tributary of the Xiang River in Hunan Province.

　　The area is home to ancient trees that are centuries old, as well as tall nan bamboo reaching four to five zhang in height. There are hundreds of tree species and dozens of bamboo varieties. Wild pheasants call out as they fly, deer and rabbits leap about, and occasionally wild boars can be spotted. Truly, it is a place where birds, beasts, forests, and mountains all coexist. Roads crisscross the landscape, making transportation convenient, while the scenery is beautiful and the climate pleasant. Especially during hot summer weather, when the heat is stifling, entering Huangdiling Forest Farm brings the sounds of birds and fragrant flowers, splashing mountain streams, and cool breezes—a perfect summer retreat.

　　Driving into Guanyinshi Village, to the left lies the Liemazhai Scenic Area, and to the right is the Guanyinshi Scenic Area. When the car reaches Longchangwan, there is an underground river channel leading into Huangdiling. This cave is about three li long and is said to have been dug by an ancient divine dragon. Legend has it that an old man once immersed a wine jar in the river, which later disappeared—only to reappear floating in a pond in Jiancheng Village, three li away.

　　After passing Longchangwan, driving another li will take you to Shuanghe Reservoir. Right after the rain clears, steam rises gently from the water, giving it the appearance of a beautiful woman veiled in a misty scarf, creating a mysterious and hazy feeling. Drifting in a bamboo raft on this high-mountain lake, fishing with bait, feels like sailing through fog or living in a painting. After enjoying the mountain and water views (about 500 meters), disembark and head to Yakouling, where a massive standing rock named “Guanyinshi” (Guanyin Stone) can be found. This rock resembles Guanyin sitting in meditation, standing about twenty zhang tall and over ten zhang wide. It is dignified and graceful, with a hole in its navel about one zhang wide and two zhang high. Originally, there was a large luminous pearl inside the cave that spun and emitted light, so bright that residents of Zhoujialing Village, three li away, didn’t need to light their lamps at night. The front of “Guanyinshi” is steep, and many tourists attempt to climb it from that side—only one has succeeded, while the rest turn back halfway. The back leans against the mountain, with flat terrain and two small standing rocks on either side (about one zhang tall), resembling young disciples paying homage, hence the name “Young Disciples Worshiping Guanyin.” On the left shoulder edge of the stone, there is a rock about five meters high and three meters wide, shaped like Guanyin carrying a child. It rocks when shaken but does not fall.

　　At the base of the rock is a spring that can provide drinking water for hundreds of people. In 1929, a temple was built next to the rock. Because of the beautiful scenery and spiritual energy of the land, worshippers coming to pray and fulfill vows never ceased, and the scent of incense and the sound of bells and drums lingered incessantly. Looking down from the top of Guanyinshi, standing high above, listening to the chanting and the ringing of bells and drums, and watching the rising cooking smoke and farming activities, the scene is truly half-human, half-immortal.

　　About one li away lies “Houzishi” (Monkey Stone), which stands at an elevation of 680 meters. This rock resembles Sun Wukong. Legend has it that in ancient times, “Houzishi” and “Guanyinshi” were not far apart. The mischievous monkey often played pranks and urinated in front of the serene and dignified Guanyin, making her blush with frustration. The two stones, embodying vastly different personalities, often clashed. Guanyin then devised a plan and told the monkey that they would compete to see who could grow taller and faster. The cunning and competitive monkey readily agreed and leapt onto what is now known as Monkey Stone Mountain to compete with Guanyin. One day, the Heavenly Emperor Tai Bai noticed the monkey stone growing rapidly and tall, and quickly informed the Jade Emperor, warning that urgent measures must be taken lest it pierce the Southern Heavenly Gate. The Jade Emperor immediately ordered the Thunder God to secretly strike and slice the monkey stone in half. Its head rolled down the mountain, and only in death did the monkey realize it had been tricked by Guanyin. This stone is eight meters tall, about three meters wide, and stands flat and alone atop the mountain in a precarious stance. Standing at the top of Monkey Stone, looking nearby, you can see Sanyatang and Siyatang—each with three and four mountain peaks respectively, with ponds nestled among them. The ponds have water year-round, and the peaks are like upside-down pot bottoms, grand and round, all connected to the ponds. In Sanyatang, there used to be a pair of golden carp that swam leisurely. They originally lived in the Huanglongqi Ravine, five li away, but after being harassed by humans, they flew to this cloud-enveloped Sanyatang. Looking farther, the southern side is the territory of Qidong County, with undulating mountain ridges and majestic ranges. To the north is the county itself, and on clear days, Shihu Mountain, 20 li away, can be seen, with the landscape below resembling rows of military tents, evoking the sensation of a shifting kingdom. On cloudy days, the sky and earth merge into one, with vast white clouds giving the feeling of soaring through the mist. On the traditional Double Ninth Festival for climbing heights, many tourists and students visit to enjoy the view.

　　Driving to Toumachuang, there is an ancient cave that leads to Tongluoping in Maohe Temple District, spanning nearly 20 li. In the past, thieves stole horses and cattle and used this cave to come and go, leaving owners unable to track them. The 217 Exploration Team once organized an investigation about one li in but turned back, frightened by the eerie atmosphere. Beyond Toumachuang lie the ruins of five mountain strongholds: Liema Cha, Xianglu Zhai, Bajiao Zhai, Leigong Zhai, and Jigong Zhai. These were strongholds of ancient bandits. Among them is a chessboard stone weighing about one ton, with faintly visible grid lines and a smooth surface. Beside it is a stone seat, said to be where immortals played chess. After finishing their game, the immortals flipped the chessboard stone upside down; they turned it right side up again when they wanted to play.

　　Reaching the mountaintop of the Five Strongholds, looking southeast reveals the entire former Maohe Temple District, while looking northwest shows the entire former Tangxiaqiao District. Watching the sunrise here is like seeing it from Zhurong Peak of Mount Heng, and watching the sunset is akin to seeing the blood-red sun sink below the horizon. In summer and autumn, the skies are high and clouds are sparse, with evening glows as splendid as brocade. In spring and winter, clouds stretch across the mountains, creating a fairy-like atmosphere. Due to these mystical legends and stunning scenery, the area has attracted numerous visitors over the years. One elderly scholar even composed an antithetical couplet’s first line based on the local place names and imagery, but to this day, no second line has been written. The first line goes: “Guanyin rides the fierce horse, Ya rises as if panting.”