Table Mountain Rock Carvings

　　The Table Mountain Rock Carvings are situated east of Wuhai City, with the main peak reaching an altitude of 2,149.4 meters. The mountain range extends roughly from north to south, spanning about 75 kilometers. It borders the Ordos Plateau of Inner Mongolia to the east and lies approximately 2 kilometers west of the Yellow River that flows through the city. Table Mountain boasts majestic and towering peaks, presenting a grand and imposing landscape. It earned its name because its main peak has a relatively flat summit, resembling the shape of a table when viewed from afar.

　　On the cliffs and limestone boulders along the valleys of the Table Mountain range, numerous ancient rock carvings have been preserved, collectively known as the "Table Mountain Rock Carvings." These rock carvings cover a total area of over 16,000 square meters and were discovered in 1973 by local herders during grazing. The carvings predominantly depict sun deities and other human-faced figures, animal shapes, hunting scenes, and symbols. Each piece is an independent artwork, showcasing unique expressions, making them rare examples of unearthed rock art in China. Created during the Neolithic Age, each carving was engraved or ground into the stone, serving as historical and cultural remnants of China's northern nomadic peoples. Particularly noteworthy are the human-faced rock carvings, which represent some of the finest examples of such art in China and the world, reflecting the rich imagination and aspirations for life from humanity’s early days.

　　Rock carvings are often referred to as humanity’s earliest canvas. The area with the highest concentration of human-faced rock carvings in the world is the Table Mountain Rock Carvings in Wuhai City. The city is gradually stepping up efforts to protect this precious heritage. Several rock carving sites have been discovered here, including the Zhaoshao Gully Rock Carvings, Kucaigou Rock Carvings, Houmo’er Gully Rock Carvings, and Subai Gully Rock Carvings. In terms of content, these carvings mostly feature human faces, animals, and hunting scenes. Among them, the Zhaoshao Gully Rock Carvings, which have been turned into a museum for protection, also form a remarkable set of ritualistic rock carvings.

　　Apart from the Zhaoshao Gully Rock Carvings, the other rock carvings currently remain in their natural state, with no entrance fees, and are occasionally inspected and preserved by the cultural relics bureau. The various rock carving sites are not far from Wuhai City and can be reached by taxi, but the other carvings are not yet open to tourists and are difficult to find. Visitors are advised not to venture there without proper guidance.

　　Ticket for Zhaoshao Gully Rock Carvings: 15 RMB.

　　Transportation

　　Zhaoshao Gully Rock Carvings: Located on the southern slope of the western entrance of Zhaoshao Gully, 15 kilometers southeast of downtown Wuhai. There are special shuttle buses available from the city.

　　Kucaigou Rock Carvings: Located 10 kilometers northeast of the city center (near the simple road to the Wuhai coal mine), on the cliffs within Kucaigou, about 1 kilometer south of the Wuhai coal mine. The carvings are densely distributed on the southern white marble cliffs, with fewer on the northern side.

　　Mao’ergou Rock Carvings: Located on the cliffs at the mouth of Mao’ergou, 1 kilometer southeast of the Wulanbuhe Coal Mine, about 12 kilometers northeast of the city center. The carvings are mainly found on the southern cliffs and are carved into the rock.

　　Subaiyin Gully Rock Carvings: Located on the northern cliffs at the western entrance of Subaiyin Gully, 10 kilometers east of the city center and 5 kilometers southeast of the Wuhai coal mine. The gully runs from east to west and serves as a key passage to the Ordos Plateau. The carvings are carved into the cliffs about 15 meters above the gully floor, appearing light yellow and clearly visible from the bottom of the gully.

　　Subaiyinhou Gully Rock Carvings: Located on the northern cliffs at the western entrance of Subaiyinhou Gully, 6 kilometers east of the city center. Due to damage caused by quarrying, very few carvings remain.

　　Que’ergou Rock Carvings: Located on the sandstone cliffs and hills within Que’ergou, 2 kilometers southwest of the Gongwusu open-pit mine and 4 kilometers southeast of the Haibowan Power Plant, in the southern district of Wuhai City.