Celestial Shrouded Peaks: Discovering the Ancient Taoist Trails of Zheyang Mountain

The Hidden Emerald of the Gansu Highlands

Located in the transitional zone between the Loess Plateau and the Longnan Mountains within Zhang County, Zheyang Mountain is often celebrated as the "Jiuzhaigou of the West". Spanning an area of 36 square kilometers, this natural sanctuary offers a dramatic vertical landscape with elevations ranging from 1,720 meters in the valleys to 2,340 meters at its peaks. It is a premier destination for those seeking the "Ganshu Mountain Aesthetics," where primitive forests, clear mountain springs, and sheer limestone cliffs converge into a painting of living nature.

A Taoist Sanctuary and the Legend of Zhang Sanfeng

Zheyang Mountain is deeply infused with the spiritual essence of Taoism. Local history and folklore identify the mountain as a significant site for the legendary Taoist master Zhang Sanfeng, who is said to have achieved spiritual enlightenment while wandering these shrouded valleys. The mountain is home to various ancient stone inscriptions and "divine caves" that served as meditation retreats for Taoist practitioners over centuries. These cultural relics, etched directly into the cliff faces, bridge the gap between the wild plateau environment and China’s profound philosophical heritage.

1.The Dual Splendor: East and West Valleys

The scenic area is primarily defined by two distinct branching canyons: the East Valley and the West Valley.

• 2.The East Valley: Known for its "narrow aesthetics," this valley features the iconic "Line of Sky" (Yi Xian Tian), where massive rock walls rise so steeply that only a sliver of light reaches the canyon floor. It is characterized by babbling brooks and red stone formations that glow under the high-altitude sun.
• 3.The West Valley: This region is a testament to primitive wilderness, defined by dense virgin spruce forests and complex geological formations. A highlight is the "Four Wells" (Si Kuai Di), a collection of rock formations resembling an ancient stone fortress carved by millennia of water and wind erosion.

A Crossroads of the Ancient Silk Road

Beyond its natural beauty, Zheyang Mountain was a vital node on the Longxi Route of the Ancient Silk Road. It served as a strategic passage connecting the Central Plains to the Western Regions, providing a fertile and water-rich resting point for traveling merchants. This intersection of nature, history, and spirituality makes Zheyang Mountain not just a tourist site, but a living museum of the Loess Plateau's cultural resilience and ecological diversity.