Tiancheng Unique Gorge Scenic Area

　　The Tiancheng Unique Gorge Scenic Area spans 1,200 hectares and is located in Xiaojiapu Town, southwest of Shaowu City. It is one of Fujian Province’s national nature reserves. The area features a southeast monsoon climate with distinct seasons, superior natural conditions, and a warm, moist climate that is mild in winter and cool in summer. The region boasts well-preserved ecological surroundings, with uniquely pristine landscapes — including primeval forests, spectacular mountain formations, ancient villages and temples, and winding streams — that showcase a rustic natural beauty and the mysterious aura of virgin ecosystems. It serves as a natural treasure trove of plant species, animal resources, and insect life, as well as an exceptional destination for scientific research, leisure retreats, and sightseeing.

　　The scenic area offers breathtaking scenery and captivating views. Its rolling, layered danxia landforms are home to thousands of uniquely shaped and vividly lifelike strange peaks and rocks. Notable formations include the majestic Chicken Comb Mountain, the solitary Tulip Peak, the cloud-soaring Heavenly Horse Peak, the roaring Lion Peak, the serene Giant Tortoise Rock, the gracefully nestled Sister Peaks, as well as Double Lion Love, Monkey King Peak, Heavenly Billboard, Saddle Peak, Giant Boat Peak, Mandarin Duck One-Line Sky, Eagle Cliff, Ancient Pagoda Peak, Longevity Star Rock, Heavenly Bamboo Shoot Peak, Double Horse Peak, Five Bell Mountains, Five Tigers Facing the Lion, Sage’s Lips, Sea Turtle Stone, Little Heavenly No.1 Pass, and Immortal Bathing Pool — to name just a few. Here, visitors can admire the surging peaks and cascading waterfalls, gaze upon crimson cliffs and lush forests, listen to the rustling pines and chirping birds, drift along winding streams and chasing waves, climb to towering summits, and take in the sea of green peaks — all while enjoying the beautiful red cliffs and clear waters that are truly refreshing and unforgettable.

　　The Jinxi Stream is a dynamic ribbon-like water feature that cuts through the heart of the scenic area, meandering through the mountains before flowing into Jinhu Lake, forming a series of nine twists and eighteen turns that embody the grandeur of “majesty, wonder, danger, beauty, and serenity.” The stream stretches 8 kilometers in length, with a width of 1.5 to 10 meters and varying depths — from just over ten centimeters to a maximum of 6 meters. The banks are covered with lush, thriving vegetation. The entire stream winds through fissures and gorges between rock formations, where the valley is deep and enclosed, flanked by sheer cliffs and interspersed with unique peaks. The river valley is U-shaped, where fast-flowing shoals alternate with calm, deep pools. Drifting along the stream in a bamboo raft allows you to weave through the valley floor, navigate thrilling rapids, glide through narrow gorges, or drift quietly through the woods — all while enjoying birdsong, insect chirps, fragrant flowers, and fresh, invigorating air. The experience offers both the gentle charm of a “delicate beauty” and the thrilling excitement of crashing waves. The Immortal Platform is one of the best spots for rafting on the Jiulong Stream. It is a natural cave in the middle of a massive mountain, whose cliff top curves outward at approximately 110 degrees toward the stream. The cave can accommodate over a thousand people. The platform is dotted with dozens of large rocks resembling giant mirrors, ingots, peaches, and plums, while the base houses ancient tombs of significant scientific research value. The entire mountain is dark brown in color, with hundreds of cave-like hollows on the cliffs, creating a majestic and spectacular scene.

　　The scenic area is covered in dense, complex vegetation with well-preserved forest composition and abundant biological resources, including a wide variety of insects. Among them, eight species are classified as nationally protected rare trees, including Longleaf Torreya, Chinese Swamp Cypress, Submerged Camphor, Red Bean Tree, and Fragrant Fruit Tree. There are also 275 species of ornamental plants with appreciation and development value. The area is home to dozens of mammal species, over a hundred bird species, and 728 types of insects, making it a veritable natural animal paradise.