Nanmen Gorge

　　About ten kilometers north of Weiyuan Town in Huzhu County lies Nanmen Gorge, a popular tourist destination in the Tu ethnic area. The gorge stretches from south to north, winding and twisting, with overlapping ridges and peaks. Inside the gorge, the mountains are lush and the waters are clear, with dense forests and abundant flowers.

　　At the entrance of Nanmen Gorge, two mountains stand opposite each other. To the east is Heidong Mountain, which resembles a dark dragon snaking from east to west; to the west is Pingding Mountain, which looks like a crouching tiger, arching its back and pricking up its ears as it rises from the ground. A towering arched aqueduct, dozens of meters high, spans the two mountains like a rainbow, forming the grand gateway to Nanmen Gorge.

　　Passing through the aqueduct, you’ll see towering cliffs on the right, with precarious rocks seemingly ready to fall. At a height of a hundred feet, a round hole juts out from the cliff face, opening straight into the blue sky. Floating clouds drift past the opening, making the cliff seem to sway, which can be quite dizzying. This is the famous “Stone Heavenly Gate.”

　　.

　　Legend has it that long ago, a demon dragon haunted Nanmen Gorge, harming all living beings. The Jade Emperor sent Yang Jian (Erlang Shen)

　　down to earth to subdue it. After an intense battle, the demon dragon fled skyward from the eastern mountaintop. Erlang drew his bow and shot with all his might, his arrow piercing through the mountain peak and leaving a hole — today’s Stone Heavenly Gate. Looking westward from here, you can see a huge rock standing midway up the western mountainside — this is said to be Erlang’s horse-tying post.

　　Cross a small bridge, go around a big bend, and as the eastern and western ridges crisscross, you’ll see Yingge Mouth piercing the sky and blocking out the sun, as if you’ve reached the end of the road. But keep going, and after another twist in the path, you’ll find yourself in a completely different world. The mountains on both sides are fresh and vibrant, layer upon layer stretching upward until they almost touch the blue sky, locking the white clouds in place.

　　On the riverside cliff on the east bank, there are three massive rocks arranged in a triangular formation. This is the site where Erlang set up his cooking pot, known as “Dipot Rock.” Behind it, in the mountains, there is a stone trough called “Smoke Cave Trough.” Not far away, on a steep cliff, there is a small round hole. Legend says it’s where Erlang stored his armor and helmet after subduing the demon dragon — named “Erlang’s Armor.” These captivating myths embody people’s age-old hatred of evil and longing for justice and simplicity.

　　Looking north from here, you’ll see the dam of the Nanmen Gorge Reservoir. Climb to the top of the dam, and you’ll be greeted by a serene highland lake with vast blue waters, dotted with painted pleasure boats and the sounds of waterfowl. A gentle breeze ripples the lake surface, creating layers of undulating waves that are truly enchanting. Standing at the dam’s edge and looking around, the beautiful scenery of Nanmen Gorge unfolds before your eyes. To the southeast is Youfang Gully, with steep, densely forested slopes; to the north is Quezang Beach, broad and flat, with crisscrossing fields, emerald barley, and golden rapeseed. Quezang Temple and Qita Gorge are visible in the distance. To the west, you can faintly make out the outlines of Big and Small Zihua Gullies and Big and Small Tiger Gullies.

　　Nanmen Gorge is a place where the soul and nature easily come together. Come to Nanmen Gorge, to admire its shimmering waters and majestic mountains, to listen to the murmurs of springs and birdsongs... Open your heart to enjoy the tranquility and serenity of nature, take a deep breath of the fresh, pure air, and reflect on the glories and vanities of life — and you’re sure to glimpse some of life’s true meaning.