Zhijiang Baipu Gorge Scenic Area is located in Dipoxi Village, Sandaokeng Town. It has been praised by American General Claire Lee Chennault as the most beautiful gorge in the world. The scenic area is approximately 50 kilometers from downtown Huaihua and 15 kilometers from the county seat. In February 2016, it was designated as a key construction project in the county’s 13th Five-Year Plan. This scenic area is composed of nine peaks, ten ravines, and hundreds of waterfalls, boasting a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery, making it an ideal destination for leisure, summer retreat, adventure and camping. In June 2016, the scenic area was voted as the Top Summer Resort in Huaihua by netizens.
Covering nearly 10 square kilometers, the scenic area is divided into several sub-areas including Anti-Japanese War Ravine, Beauty Ravine, Cliff of the End of the World, Victory Ravine, Wealth Ravine, Longevity Ravine, and Victory Mountain. It integrates waterfalls, pools, cliffs, streams, and peaks, while being characterized by beauty, tranquility, uniqueness and elegance. The area is named Baipu Gorge due to the presence of over a hundred waterfalls and the historical significance of more than a hundred American and Chinese Flying Tigers stationed here during the WWII, with “Bai” symbolizing a hundred warriors in the Chinese language. The terrain is majestic, with towering mountains creating a unique microclimate in the gorge. As you enter the gorge, you’ll find clusters of waterfalls, towering ancient trees, and sprawling vines, all teeming with natural beauty. Within the gorge, there are seven crystal-clear streams, surrounded by mountains and water, with waterfalls cascading over rocks and pools reflecting the mountains. The scenic area is dotted with 102 waterfalls, more than 200 pools, over 90 cliffs, and over 200 scenic spots. Additionally, it serves as a natural botanical science popularization base, home to rare species such as Taxus chinensis, southern yew, golden phoebe, ginkgo, and water cypress. It also boasts a variety of unique flowers and plants, including rhododendrons, camellias, tung oil flowers, and cherry blossoms, as well as a diverse range of beloved birds like magpies, song thrushes, starlings, golden pheasants, skylarks, parrots, and orioles.
Notably, fortunate visitors might spot a golden eagle with a wingspan of over 2 meters, soaring or circling high above the cliffs of the scenic area. Adding to the allure, the region is rich in wild delicacies and fruits, including the famous Sargentgloryvine Stem.
(Translated by Yang Hong)