Huoyan Mountain

　　   Huoyan Mountain is situated at the junction of Sanyi Township and Yuanli Town, with the Da’an River to the south. Due to its loose soil, prolonged exposure to wind and rain has gradually worn away the steep cliffs. When sunlight shines on the peaks, the view from afar resembles dazzling flames, creating a majestic spectacle.

　　   Huoyan Mountain is renowned for its barren yet striking landscape. The Masson pine forests found on the mountain are a rare and unique forest type in the country, designated as a nature reserve by the Council of Agriculture in 1986. Geologically, the Huoyan Mountain Nature Reserve consists of Pleistocene-era terrace deposits formed by intense tectonic activity. Its rock layers are primarily composed of thick gravel, interspersed with thin layers of sandstone, featuring weak cementation. Ongoing weathering and erosion have led to highly fragmented terrain, further carved by rainwater into extremely smooth surfaces. This has resulted in the formation of sharp peaks and valleys filled with soft pebbles. When viewed from the south looking north, the mountain’s grand and magnificent scenery becomes even more prominent. In some of the southern valleys, dry streambeds resemble rivers of pebbles. Valley mouths accumulate into “gravel alluvial fans,” forming an exceptionally unique landform. Especially under the glow of sunset, the whole mountain glows red, as if flames are dancing.