Mount Sanguan

　　Mount Sanguan is located at the border between Xintong and Yuntan towns in Gaozhou City, with an elevation of 1,252 meters. The mountain features dense forests, endless green grasslands, numerous streams, and piles of uniquely shaped rocks, forming natural landscapes such as the Ping River, Sanguan Lake, the Baishuijiao Waterfall, the Longwanwo Waterfall, and large pastures. As the source of the Shalang River in Dianbai and the Yunlu River in Gaozhou, the mountain has abundant springs and streams that form rivers. On the mountainside of Mount Sanguan’s eastern section, there is a river called “Ping River,” which flows year-round with crystal-clear water where fish, shrimp, and pebbles are clearly visible, and the water tastes sweet and cool. Since it remains unpolluted, villagers downhill as well as schools and government offices in the town all tap directly into pipes to drink from it. Along the Ping River, there are rocks of all shapes formed through centuries of water erosion—some large, some small—now smoothed of sharp edges and rounded over time. There are large flat rocks where more than 20 people can lie down, coffin-like rocks jutting out from cliffs, uniquely porous stones, clean pebbles, and rocks resembling various shapes. Hikers often marvel at the clarity of the water and the magical appearance of the rocks along the Ping River when they reach the mid-mountain area. They wash their faces, soak their feet, even take a bath, refill their water bottles, then continue on to hike the three peaks: First Official Peak, Second Official Peak, and Third Official Peak. The water under the Longwanwo Waterfall is both powerful and swift, thrilling yet not overly dangerous, with a long stretch of river that makes it a candidate for future rafting development.

　　Naturally formed by high mountain streams, the waterfalls of Mount Sanguan are known for being large, high, and steep. The water of the Ping River cascades down at about a 70-degree angle at Baishuijiao, forming two waterfall clusters each over 100 meters long—majestic and spectacular. These white waterfalls can be clearly seen from as far as ten li away in Yuntan Market, hence the name Baishuijiao (White Water Corner). Approaching Baishuijiao, amidst the thunderous roar of water crashing against rocks and the mist of fine spray, visitors feel a cool, silky sensation while also marveling at nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship. The area around Baishuijiao consists mostly of rocky terrain and forests, offering many potential sites for development. In the middle reaches of the Ping River lies a reservoir with a water surface area of several thousand mu, with the deepest point reaching 25 meters. At nearly 800 meters above sea level, such a vast expanse of water is truly rare, and the reservoir blends harmoniously with the surrounding forests, grasslands, and rocks—an exceptional sight. In the distance, one can see Maoming’s second-largest reservoir, Luokeng Reservoir in Dianbai. When visiting Mount Sanguan, you can gaze at the azure waters of Luokeng Reservoir in the distance while also overlooking villages, rivers, and fields across Gaozhou and Dianbai—offering a sweeping panoramic view that elevates the spirit. Each ascent to a higher peak reveals new landscapes.

　　Mount Sanguan is also a natural pasture. During the farming off-season, local farmers drive their cattle up the mountain and leave them untended until planting season returns. Hikers often spot herds of water buffalo grazing or lying lazily on the grasslands, presenting a rarely seen sight in everyday life. The mountain boasts many distinctive plants and animals, including vast, untouched fields of wild red banana trees and the rare shorea plant, which hold potential as tourist highlights. The area is also home to wild boars and other wildlife. Downhill, there are locally famous specialties such as Yuntan’s Paopiwang bananas, bamboo shoots, Xintong’s fragrant sweet potatoes, tea, Tieya duck, Liutong sweet potatoes, and renmianzi fruit—all worth packaging and selling. The three peaks of Mount Sanguan are named First Official, Second Official, and Third Official, each varying in ruggedness or majesty. On some smaller hills of the mountain grow smooth, tender grasses—sliding down from the summits is both thrilling and fun, making it worthy of being called the most primitive form of grass sliding. The climate on Mount Sanguan is pleasant, once described as “no need for blankets in winter, no need for fans in summer.” The mountain is often shrouded in thick fog, sometimes giving a dreamlike illusion of drifting clouds, while at other times revealing blue skies and verdant peaks.