Marea Cliff Scenic Area

　　Yuanziping is the easternmost and highest-altitude area in Jiang County, serving as the only gateway to the east of the county. Here, the mountains are high and the forests dense, the air is fresh, and the climate is cool—especially during hot and dry weather, it stands out as distinctly different from the areas beyond the mountains.

　　Traveling eastward from Molizhen along the Dongqin Line, you begin entering the mountainous region starting at Fengjiawan. The smooth asphalt road winds along the edge of a lush, densely vegetated river valley where the mountains almost seem to close in. The entire route is an uphill climb, with the temperature gradually dropping the further you go, making you feel more and more relaxed. In the river valley, you can hear the gentle murmur of flowing water, and at times, the clear sound of splashing water. On the northern side of the Xiaobei River valley, someone has built a Mongolian-style establishment called "Jintang Mountain Villa," connected to the road by an iron cable suspension bridge. Standing on it swaying gently is great fun, and the sound of horsehead fiddles and Mongolian songs drifting from within is quite elegant. After a brief rest, continue forward; at Xiaobei Mountain, a stream splits off from the main road, where two streams converge. Further along, pass through Tan Yuanhe and Pijiawan, then climb a long slope to reach Shiyao and Qiaozishang at the highest point of the mountain road—Yuanziping Village.

　　The village is built against a high mountain slope, facing the sun, with the road running right through it. It’s said to be at an altitude of 1,500 meters, though I’m not sure how accurate that is. From here, looking in all directions—north, south, east, and west—you see nothing but undulating mountain peaks stretching endlessly. To the east of the village is the mountain pass on the road, leading out to the famously steep and long Wulipo section of the Dongqin Line. Standing at the ridge of the road and looking out, you see vehicles laboriously climbing uphill while descending ones move cautiously. The endless mountain road can carry your thoughts far away, and here you can feel the refreshing and pleasant joy that the mountain village environment brings to the heart.

　　With distant mountains, a gentle breeze, the rustling of pine trees, and the quiet sunlight, the sounds of a pastoral life—chicken crows, dog barks, and birdsongs—are occasionally interrupted by the roar of passing cars. A tall communications tower stands on a hill to the south of the village. By the roadside to the east of the village, there is a stone tablet inscribed with “China Water Resources.” Villagers say that it marks the spot where tap water is piped into every household. Every home has a satellite TV dish, showing that this place is neither forgotten nor remote. The people here experience both ancient traditions and modernity, enjoying modern civilization just like those outside the mountains.

　　Phone: 0359-6522767

　　Address: Jiang County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province