Tiaoshigou Scenic Area

Located to the west of Sanshan Scenic Area, Tiaoshigou is the most rewarding valley for sightseeing and recreation in western Liaoning. Tourists affectionately dub it the Grand Canyon of Western Liaoning. It boasts a dense concentration of natural and cultural attractions, integrating mountains, waters, springs, caves and ancient temples. Miaofeng Forest Park, situated at the heart of the valley, is a provincial geopark.

The valley presents distinct scenery across four seasons. In spring, azaleas carpet the hillsides, and countless apricot branches bloom with crimson blossoms. In summer, mist and clouds shroud the peaks, hiding the valley’s true beauty from sight. In autumn, maple leaves paint the mountains in rich fiery hues, with fresh and dried wild fruits dangling from every bough. In winter, heavy snow weighs down green pines, making the trees stand even straighter and sturdier. As visitors put it: the place features clear waters and green mountains, jagged exotic rocks, beautiful folk legends, and countless unsolved mysteries.

Upon entering the valley, the Seven-Star Peaks come into view first. This single mountain massif consists of seven summits that resemble various creatures and figures from different perspectives: a dragon, a tiger, a dolphin, a dinosaur, a frog, and an elderly man. Following the valley trail forward, Lion and Tiger Mountain strikes visitors with an imposing, awe-inspiring aura, while the Phoenix Facing the Sun formation offers a spectacular sight.

This zone is steeped in magical folklore. Formerly known as Miss Fish Pool, it is a deep water pond tucked in the remote reaches of Tiaoshigou. Legend holds that two fish fairies resided here. After thousands of years of spiritual cultivation, they transformed into human maidens one night, rode donkeys down to the village to watch shadow puppet shows, and were followed home by curious young villagers. As the crowd reached the poolside, a splash erupted on the water’s surface, and the maidens vanished without a trace. Their tale has been passed down through generations ever since.

Dan Yue, a renowned writer, collected local oral histories and composed the mythological novel Love Between Heaven and Earth, which narrates in detail how the two fish spirits dwelling in Miss Fish Palace received enlightenment from Guanyin Bodhisattva, cultivated virtue and kindness in this valley, and ultimately attained immortality in human form.

Several unsolved riddles linger here: the water in Miss Fish’s bathing tub and horse-drinking vat never dries up, even during prolonged droughts; the South Star and North Moon pattern etched on the sheer cliff face sometimes glows faintly after dark. These enigmas remain unique wonders of Tiaoshigou.

Past Miss Fish Palace, climb the hillside to the southwest, and a natural stone gate stands tall. Peering through the gate reveals layers upon layers of distant mountains and boundless sky. Fantastic peaks, strange rock formations and endless forest seas unfold, presenting a sweeping panorama of breathtaking beauty.

Further into the valley, vivid pictographic rocks line the path: Bow Prow Peak, Camel Peak, Tortoise and Hare Race, Panda Paradise, Golden Tortoise Basking in the Sun. Their lifelike shapes never fail to win visitors’ heartfelt praise.

Beyond Tiaoshi Mountain Villa, a stone forest unfolds to the northeast. Most people assume stone forests only exist in southern China, yet Tiaoshigou’s stone forest holds one-of-a-kind charm. From the front, the stone pillars look like men and women chatting intimately, whispering to one another. Viewed sideways, the formation resembles a blooming lotus flower, graceful and delicate in countless varied poses.

Passing the stone forest and heading east into the deep ravine, a faint stone cave can be spotted. This cave served as the guerrilla base for Suizhong County’s first county magistrate during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Since its development as a tourist site, it has become an outstanding patriotism education base. Groups of visitors come daily to receive revolutionary education, deeply moved by the scene and full of admiration for Magistrate Hua, who persisted in combat under such harsh conditions.

Continue along Tiaoshigou Valley, and you will pass Gazing Maiden Rock, the Ancient Military Horse Ranch, Three-Bucket Stele and Emperor Tang’s Well. Every scenic spot holds irresistible charm, and every touching folk legend makes visitors reluctant to leave.