Natural Taiji Diagram Tourist Zone

The Natural Taiji Diagram Tourist Zone is a national 3A-level scenic area. It is located on the southern section of the Qi River in Shangyu Township, Qibin District, Hebi City. Here, the clear Qi River flows from east to west and forms a distinct reverse S-shaped curve. The green mountains on both banks naturally shape two vivid fish patterns representing Yin and Yang, creating a miraculous natural Taiji Diagram.

During the Shang Dynasty, King Wen of Zhou was imprisoned here by King Zhou of Yin. He observed celestial phenomena at night and studied this divine pattern by day. The king discovered the natural Eight Trigrams of Taiji, laying the foundation for the profound I Ching culture that has influenced the whole world.

From a distance, the gentle Qi River embraces the Yin fish and carries the Yang fish. The Taiji layout follows the pattern of Kan and Li, establishing the order of heaven and earth. This masterpiece formed entirely by nature embodies the harmony between man and nature and serves as an endless source of ancient wisdom. The entire scenic area is permeated with profound spiritual energy.

Within the zone stand the thousand-year-old Qingyan Temple and modern recreational facilities. Carved into the steep Qingyan Cliff west of the Taiji Diagram is the Thousand-Buddha Cave dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. The Southern Heavenly Gate and Northern Heavenly Gate, which are strategically impregnable, bring visitors breathtaking thrills and leave them marveling at the wonders of nature.

On top of the Qingyan Cliff, there are primitive line engravings as well as viewing platforms for overlooking the landscape. A 3,000-meter mountain-ringing footpath and a 1,500-meter viewing corridor make visitors linger and feast their eyes on the stunning views.

Also known as the White Robe Goddess Cave, it opens on the precipice of Qingyan Cliff and stretches more than one hundred meters deep. Its bottom connects with the Qi River. The winding cave is steep and rugged, filled with stalactites and fantastic rock formations everywhere.

The towering cliff rises abruptly like a masterpiece chiseled by supernatural power. It reaches high into the sky and plunges down to the Qi River below. Narrow goat trails twist along the rock face. The Southern Heavenly Gate and Northern Heavenly Gate stand roughly 500 meters apart. The site combines peril, wonder and unique natural scenery with great tourism development potential.

Nestled on the northern bank of the Qi River inside the scenic zone, Qingyan Temple is a courtyard complex facing south. Built between the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, it was a Buddhist retreat with a long history. The main hall enshrines Sakyamuni and the Eighteen Arhats, while the side hall houses Guan Gong, the God of Wealth. The temple gate is guarded by the two divine generals Heng and Ha. Tall cypress trees with luxuriant foliage grow inside and outside the courtyard. Surrounded by verdant rolling peaks, the ancient temple faces the winding clear Qi River, trapping visitors in a picturesque natural scroll.

This is the largest naturally formed Taiji Diagram in China. Shaped naturally by the river’s reverse S-curve, the water encircles the Yin fish and Yang fish. The Yin fish, formed by bare grey rocks, faces west with its tail sweeping toward the northeast. The Yang fish, covered by fertile farmland with lush crops, faces east with its tail curving toward the southwest. Backed by mountain ranges in the northwest and facing the open plains in the southeast, the terrain catches sunshine and blocks cold winds. It stays cool in summer and warm in winter with pleasant weather. It is rare to see such a landscape where rocky mountains hold a stretch of farmland and a river runs backward. A local ballad goes: "The river runs backward, the mountains stand broken; noblemen do not rest here, but gold bricks lie hidden."

In 2008, the Natural Taiji Diagram Tourist Zone was officially rated a national 3A-level scenic spot, an ideal destination for fitness, spiritual cultivation and leisure travel.

Covering more than 30 square meters, the platform stands across the river from the Taiji Diagram. It is the best viewpoint to appreciate the natural pattern and overlook the surrounding mountains and water. From here, visitors can enjoy a full panorama: the meandering gentle Qi River winding through layered green mountains, with drifting white clouds and flocks of birds in the distance. People can escape the hustle and bustle of the mortal world and immerse themselves in nature.

Carved into the sheer Qingyan Cliff inside the scenic area, the grotto rises to the sky and descends toward the Qi River with magnificent scenery. It houses more than one thousand stone Buddha statues of varied and lifelike postures. Cultural relic experts date the carvings to the late Northern Wei Dynasty. This is the only surviving Northern Wei painted relief stone cave in Henan Province, though many statues were damaged over centuries.

Grotto Buddhism emphasizes secluded practice, so monks chose remote mountain valleys to carve caves, mostly along the Yellow River basin in northern China. The grotto was listed in the first batch of Henan Provincial Key Cultural Relic Protection Units in December 1986. The Thousand-Buddha Cave adds profound historical depth to the whole scenic zone.