Inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China
The gallery of mountains and waterways
Located in the east of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, named after the 380-meter high Golden Whip Rock, Golden Whip Stream meanders 15 Li. Flowing from Laomo Gully first to Confluence of Four Rivers then to Suoxi Stream, it finally joins Li river, one of the four rivers in Hunan Province. It flows between steep grotesque peaks and luxuriant trees. Here, the meandering streams, the crystal-clear waterfalls, exotic plants and rare animals co-exist and constitute the extraordinarily beautiful, tranquil and natural ecological environment. No wonder it is called "the most beautiful valley in the world" and "the most poetic stream". The major scenic spots include Rock of Welcoming Guests, Golden Whip Rock, Reunion Rock and the Purple Grass Pond.
Golden Whip Stream (Jinbian Stream) is famous for its pristine water, its verdant mountains, its steep cliffs and its serene valley. As a veritable “paradise” for plants, its pathways are adorned by an abundance of flowers, trees, and grasses. And it is also a kingdom of animals. Golden Whip Stream is named after Golden Whip Crag, its landmark spot, and runs from Laomo Bay to Shui Rao Si Men(water-surrounded gates).
【Golden Whip Crag】
Golden Whip Rock is a representative among the countless strange rocks in Zhangjiajie. It stands between mountains. The marvelous shape is looked like the military arm whip, thus its name.
【Fish Jumping Pool】
Fish Jumping Pool is a pool cause by the pulling stream. Stream flows from the higher place to the lower reach so that there is a pool made by the power of the water. During the spawning time, fish will swim to this pool and jump joyfully, thus its name.
【Wenxing Rock (Literature Star Rock)】
There is a rock called Wenxing Rock which means a star in the literature field. Because this rock is looked like the figure of Lu Xun, a great litterateur in Chinese history, so people title this rock into Wenxing Rock.
【Yingbin Crag (Welcoming Crag)】
This crag is looked like a person who is smiling to entertain visitors. And the cliffs between this crag just naturally shaped as a opening door. From this scene, visitors feel being entertained and waited by host.
【The Grave of Zhang Liang】
On the platform under Boliu Crag in the Golden Whip Stream is the Grave of Zhang Liang, who was the Marquis and the military counselor during the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C- 25 A.D.).The legend goes that he lived as a hermit in Wulingyuan Scenic Spot after he had helped Liubang be the first emperor in the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C- 25 A.D.) and he was buried here as well. Now the Grave of Zhang Liang becomes one of the most important culture relics in the Golden Whip Stream.
Golden Whip Stream is a very deep and quiet winding stream where can be seen many green hills and colorful flora and the song of birds can be heard. The 7 kilometer long stream is one of the most charming features of the scenery of Zhangjiajie. It has been called “The Most Beautiful Valley in the World.”
► 1. This area is cooler than the other part of Zhangjiajie because there are lots of trees to prevent heat from you. But it will make you feel cold sometimes, so it is better to take some long-sleeves shirts or coats.
► 2. If you plan to catch the most beautiful scene here, you can choose a fine day after the rain. The misty Zhangjiajie will lead you enter into a fairy land immediately.
