Gaoji Ecological Scenic Area

　　Gaoji Yao Ethnic Township is 27 kilometers from the county seat, bordering Sanmen Town of Longsheng County to the east, Banlan Town of Rong'an County to the south, and adjacent to Doujiang Town and Heping Township of the same county to the north and west. The total land area of the township is 138.71 square kilometers, including 65,000 mu of natural forest, 36,000 mu of bamboo forest, and 21,000 mu of economic forest, with a forest coverage rate of 86.7%. The county's ecological forest resources are mainly concentrated in the Longtang Primitive Forest Area of Chonggan Village and the Yudian Waterfall Basin of Majiang Village, boasting extremely rich eco-tourism resources.

　　Longtang Scenic Area

　　The Longtang Scenic Area is 20 kilometers from the township government seat, bordering Banlan Town of Rong'an County to the south and adjacent to Sanmen Town of Longsheng County to the east. The scenic area is densely covered with primeval forests, with grotesque rocks lining the canyons. Ancient trees tower into the sky, vines twist like dragons, exotic flowers and plants abound, and the river water is crystal clear. Waterfalls cascade continuously, rapids surge down with tremendous force, and the atmosphere is majestic. Mist shrouds the area, the air is fresh, the climate is pleasant, unique bamboos thrive, and rare birds and animals roam. The ecological environment forms a distinctive harmony with nature. "Few know of Gaoji Longtang, its scenery is a wondrous sight under heaven; cliffs rise perpendicularly from both banks as if thrust into the clouds, a sliver of blue sky resembles a flowing stream, towering stone curtains hang above hundred-zhang waterfalls, ancient vines dangle like the beards of strange men, cold waves shimmer with misty rain, yet in June one longs for a cotton-padded coat." This verse truly captures the essence of the scenic area. The entire area features 15 attractions, including Longtan Waterfall, Mayituan, Goat Leap, Shimen Tower, Kongming Pond, Underground River, Guodi Pond, Liandao Pond, Miyu Pond, Xiangfenpu, Iron Man, Rooster Rock, Samiaodong Cave, Tiger Rock, and Pinghe Waterfall.

　　Upon first approaching the pool, looking up at the waterfall, one sees a river of water cascading down from a rocky crevice on the cliff.

　　It plunges into the pool with a thunderous roar. The waterfall is about 50 meters high, resembling a white silk ribbon hanging from the sky, with pearls splashing and a curtain of beads scattering. Steam rises, sunlight refracts through the mist, creating a dazzling, magical display. A cool breeze blows, while white clouds float overhead. Even in the peak of summer heat, gusts of cool air instantly dispel the sweltering warmth. In front of the pool lies a coarse sandy beach where dozens can sit to admire the spectacular waterfall. Towering boulders and steep cliffs rise on both sides, enveloped in mist. The valley floor glows dimly, with ancient vines coiling and moss floating, as if dragons were emerging and ascending into the clouds. The pool surface spans about 1,000 square meters, with fish playing and crabs crawling about. Birds chirp, flowers bloom, and wandering here feels like entering a fairyland.

　　In addition, the rich and colorful Yao ethnic customs give you a strong desire to "live it up" there. The unique marriage customs of the Pan Yao, the Yao people’s taboos and festivals, and the Slope Festival all broaden your horizons, while the distinctive traditional communal herbal bath offers a relaxing respite for weary bodies and minds.

　　Tongle Scenic Area

　　Tongle Miao Ethnic Township boasts picturesque landscapes, especially the scenery of Guiyangchong (a local place name), which is the most stunning.

　　Guiyangchong is located two kilometers northwest of Tongle Street, covering an area of 3.5 square kilometers. It is one of the water source forest areas of Tongle Township and a key forest reserve. The Guiyang Mountain area features undulating peaks, sheer cliffs, lush forests, green grassy meadows, and the sound of springs throughout the four seasons. The streams are clear and cool, and the paths are covered with emerald-green grass, earning it the nickname "Little Guilin." Attractions within the scenic area, such as "Shimen," "Guirenchong," "Luohanyan," "Jishui Wayu Pond," and "Monkey Mountain," are all uniquely mystical.

　　Shimen is located two kilometers north of Tongle Street toward Guiyang, where a 30-meter-high cliff stands tall. It is named Shimen (Stone Gate) because the cliffs stand opposite each other across the stream, forming a gate-like barrier. Fifty meters outside the gate, three large rocks are neatly arranged and lie horizontally in the stream. Legend has it that these three rocks were moved here from atop Shimen by Wang Mian (the legendary Wu Mian Wang of Miao and Dong folklore) to set up a fishing weir. Sixty meters inside the gate lies another small stone gate, said to be Wang Mian’s door. The two stone gates complement each other, creating the impression of mountains beyond mountains and gates within gates. There are no paths between the cliffs, so visitors must wade through the water to enter. Standing in the stream, a cool breeze brushes against you. Looking up, the perilous cliffs, stacked bizarre rocks, elegant pines, ancient vines, red flowers, and green grass create a scene so breathtaking it feels like stepping into a heavenly realm.

　　Luohanyan (Arhat Rock). Looking up from Guiyang Stream, it is located 800 meters east of Guirenchong, where undulating green mountains and towering peaks rise. Among them is a 50-meter-high overhanging cliff. Legend says a young couple from Guirenchong, deeply in love and wishing to marry, were forbidden by their parents. Defying feudal traditions, the heartbroken pair jumped off the cliff here, leaving behind the tragic and moving tale of Luohanyan.

　　Monkey Mountain is located one kilometer upstream from Jishui Wayu Pond. Surrounded by perilous terrain, narrow paths, dense forests, and steep cliffs, the area is shaded by lush trees. In spring and summer, mountain flowers bloom red, while in autumn and winter, wild fruits hang from the branches. Monkey Mountain is surrounded by highlands, low in the middle, long from north to south, and narrow from east to west, resembling the shape of a boat. The depressed central area contains many small rock hills and caves where monkeys often play, hence the name. Visitors who encounter monkey troops leaping and playing on the cliffs, climbing branches, and picking fruits truly feel as if they’ve stepped into the Flower-Fruit Mountain of Wu Cheng’en’s imagination.