The Pilgrimage of Stone: Witnessing the "Thousand Turtles" Climbing the Sun at Laojun Mountain

A Geological Spectacle of the Cretaceous

1.Located within the Liming Scenic Area of the: Laojun Mountain National Park in Lijiang, Qiangui Mountain (Thousand Turtle Mountain) presents one of the most surreal Danxia landforms in China. The mountain is famous for its unique rock formations that resemble thousands of tortoises neatly arranged and crawling towards the east, as if on a pilgrimage to the rising sun. Covering a core viewing area of several square kilometers at an altitude between 2,500 and 3,000 meters, this site offers a visual feast of red sandstone sculpted by millions of years of nature's artistry. Unlike the sharp peaks of other Danxia landscapes, the rocks here have weathered into rounded, scale-like patterns known as "Tortoise Shell Texture," a geological rarity that gives the "turtles" their lifelike appearance,,.

The Legend of the Divine Turtle

Culturally, Qiangui Mountain is steeped in the mythology of the local Lisu, Naxi, and Pumi ethnic minorities. According to local legend, this land was once a vast sea where a divine turtle sacrificed itself to drive away evil spirits and protect the land. After its victory, the turtle transformed into the mountain to stand guard forever, and its countless offspring turned into the stones that now cover the slopes. This legend infuses the landscape with a sense of sanctity, transforming the geological wonder into a spiritual totem for the indigenous people. Visitors standing amidst these silent stone guardians can almost hear the echoes of the ancient Tea Horse Road that once wound through these rugged mountains,,.

A Journey Through Red Rocks and Azaleas

2.Exploring Qiangui: Mountain is a journey of contrasts. The trail leads visitors through the "core turtle array," where the illusion of the climbing turtles is most striking. Along the way, you will encounter other iconic rock formations such as the Sleeping Buddha Peak, a massive rock face resembling a serene Buddha, and the Lover's Pillar, a towering stone column symbolizing eternal love. In late spring and early summer (May to June), the red sandstone cliffs are set ablaze by the blooming of alpine azaleas (rhododendrons). The contrast between the fiery red rocks, the vibrant pink and white flowers, and the deep blue highland sky creates a landscape painting of breathtaking beauty,.

A Photographer's Dream

For photographers, Qiangui Mountain offers exceptional opportunities, particularly during sunrise and sunset. The "tortoise shell" textures on the rocks absorb and reflect the golden sunlight, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow that makes the stones appear to be alive. On clear days, the view extends to the distant, snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, providing a stunning backdrop to the red foreground. Whether it is the sea of clouds floating in the valleys below or the "golden turtles" glowing in the morning light, the visual impact of this area is profound and unforgettable,.