Liangdian Gorge

　　   Liangdian Gorge, formerly known as “Liangtian Gorge,” means the “Cool Valley.” Located deep in the densely shaded grand canyon in the heart of the Liupan Mountains, the canyon stretches approximately 20 kilometers in length. The cool breeze you feel upon arrival makes it a pleasant and refreshing place, which has been a summer retreat since ancient times. Later, the ruins of Genghis Khan’s summer palace were discovered here, hence the name “Liangdian Gorge” (Cool Palace Gorge). The scenic area features attractions such as Xiaonanchuan, an ecological botanical garden, and the ruins of Genghis Khan’s summer palace. The area is covered with dense forests and well-preserved vegetation, including various tree species such as poplar, birch, linden, elm, Liaodong oak, and green maple, as well as flowering plants like winter jasmine, pearl bush, purple lilac, lily, and peony. You can even find arrow bamboo, typically seen in southern regions. The wildlife and insect resources are also abundant, with animals such as the leopard, roe deer, forest musk deer, wild boar, Lady Amherst’s pheasant, ring-necked pheasant, and Mongolian rabbit. There are also a variety of wild fruits and vegetables, including mountain pears, plum plums, bracken, wulangtou, wild mushrooms, pine nuts, and wild strawberries.

　　    In January 1227, despite his old age and frail health, Genghis Khan left sufficient troops to continue the siege of Xingqing Prefecture (present-day Yinchuan), the capital of the Western Xia, while personally leading the eastern army across the Yellow River to attack the southern Song border town of Longxi (present-day Linxia, Gansu). During one of the battles against the Western Xia, he was wounded by an arrow. Due to the need for medical treatment and rest, he set up camp here to recover and escape the summer heat. Historical records state that on July 12 (lunar calendar, intercalary fifth month), the 66-year-old conqueror passed away in Qingshui within the Liupan Mountain region. It was here that his grand ambition to conquer the Western Xia finally came to an end. To this day, relics such as stone slabs, pillars, and millstones used by the Mongol army remain preserved at the site.