The mountain is also famous for oddly shaped pines. Affected by high altitude, strong sunlight, steep rocks and frequent fog, these pines grow into fantastic forms: some twist their roots through stone cracks, others look like Chinese calligraphy or natural paintings.

No mountain is enchanting without mist or flowing water. Shiren Mountain is blessed with countless brooks and waterfalls. After heavy rain, countless rivulets converge into the White Dragon Pool Waterfall, forming a huge silver torrent crashing down with thunderous momentum, sending up billows of spray.

At dawn, an orange-red sun breaks through boundless mist, gilding every mountain and river. At sunset, the western sky blazes with rosy clouds, draping the mountain range in rose-coloured glow.

The most exciting entertainment is the mountain’s 2,000-metre granite slide known as the No.1 Slide under Heaven. Winding through thick woods, it brings joy to visitors of all ages, washing away all hiking fatigue and reviving childhood delight.

The Shifeng Cableway runs 999 metres from Shirengou Valley to the south of Phoenix Terrace, with a vertical drop of 341 metres. Seventy yellow cable cars shuttle back and forth, carrying 320 passengers per hour in a peaceful moving scene amid green valleys.

You may also hike up General Valley from General Peak, pass Red Maple Valley to Silver Thread Waterfall, and take the 1,200-metre Red Maple Valley Cableway to the South Observation Deck or Duckbill Peak. Along the way you can admire red maple leaves and the Monkey Worshipping Guanyin rock formation. Crossing three cloud valleys, you finally reach Yuhuangding Peak with a panoramic mountain view.

"Waterfalls hang on steep cliffs, and clear springs flow over stones." The mountain springs are lively and varied. Hundreds of brooks form cascading waterfalls and secluded deep pools. White Dragon Pool Waterfall remains the most breathtaking attraction.

"Frost falls, bears climb trees; forests empty, deer come to drink from streams." Benefiting from unique geographical conditions, Shiren Mountain boasts extremely abundant wildlife. Preliminary surveys record over 4,000 plant species, including more than 1,211 seed plants and over forty nationally and provincially protected varieties. Large primeval forests and ancient azalea groves cover the area, with more than 150,000 ancient trees over a thousand years old. The mountain is home to more than 125 terrestrial vertebrate species as well as numerous aquatic creatures. Squirrels, birds, monkeys and golden pheasants can be seen everywhere, just like a natural wildlife park.

"Mist shifts with sunshine, scenery changes with four seasons." Frequent fog appears thanks to humid climate and complex terrain. Peaks fade in and out of thick mist, like boats floating on an ocean. Thin mist drifts like silk smoke, and vast sea of clouds rolls across the valleys. Under special weather conditions, Buddha’s light and rainbows emerge, creating a dreamlike fairyland.

After enjoying the natural scenery, you can soak in natural hot springs at the foot of the mountain. Five hot spring groups including Upper, Middle and Lower Tang line the Shahe River valley. The water temperature reaches over 60℃, containing more than twenty trace elements with remarkable medicinal value.

Other scenic spots include the primitive Hundred Waterfall Valley Folk Custom Valley, the thousand-year-old Manjushri Temple, the secluded Midong Villa, and Asia’s largest aviation exhibition centre.

Wang Anshi’s words still hold true for Shiren Mountain: the most extraordinary scenery always lies in remote precipitous terrain. Every one of its thirty-six scenic sites and seventy-two attractions is painted with natural beauty, accompanied by touching legends.

Endowed with peerless natural charm by Mother Nature, Shiren Mountain became a popular tourist resort after 1980. It was designated a National Key Scenic Area by the State Council in 2002, and approved as a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction by the National Tourism Administration in 2003.